Whether you are going on a vacation or having a business tour, planning an international travel can be both exciting and daunting. There are challenges along every step of the process, from processing your travel document, packing your luggage or knowing what to pack, arriving at your destination, and navigating your way.
For a first-time traveler, these challenges become even more unexpected but with the right tips, you can make the process less stressful, more enjoyable, and fulfilling.
In my experience, common challenges encountered when planning a first-time international trip include knowing and preparing the required documents for your flight and spending within your budget. A lot of unforeseen expenses are encountered when planning an international trip, which is why you need to know more about these challenges and prepare for them adequately.
Other challenges include packing your luggage with all essential requirements, language and communication barriers, losing your luggage and its contents including travel documents, or forgetting important stuff back in your country of origin.
Due to these, I have consulted top travel experts for insights on international travel hacks to minimize travel-related stress and have a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
Basic Requirements for Your International Trip
International travel requires you to have some materials and documents. To make your preparation easier, we will see some important travel requirements you need to have as an international traveler, whether it’s your first time or not.
- A valid passport: A passport with at least 6 months of validity from your return date is essential for most international travel.
- Visa: Many countries require a visa for entry. Research the specific visa requirements for your destination, and apply in advance to avoid delays.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is important for covering unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Some countries require proof of insurance for entry.
- Vaccinations and Health Certificates: Certain destinations require proof of vaccinations, such as yellow fever or COVID-19.
- Travel Itinerary and Accommodation: Some destinations require you to present proof of accommodation and travel plans. Travel itineraries and hotel bookings are important arrangements to make for your international trip.
- Proof of Funds: Some destinations require travelers to show proof of financial capability, such as bank statements, to ensure they can support themselves during their stay.
Essential Guide for First-time Travelers
As a first-time traveler, getting the required documents and reducing your expenses can be very challenging. You also need to prepare for any eventuality and adaptation in your destination country.
This section will show you some essential guides in planning your trip from processing your travel documents to returning.
1. Start planning early
Starting early is very important in planning an international trip to prevent last-minute issues and save costs. Start planning as early as 6-12 months before your stipulated travel date/period. Begin by researching and choosing your destination, consider the weather during your travel period, research travel restrictions, and visa requirements for your chosen destination, and how much you should budget for your travel.
I consulted Dr. Osaretin Daniel Okpiavbe, a travel expert and CEO of Retin City Travel and Tours, who advised international travelers to ensure their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their travel dates. He also emphasized having your travel purpose at the back of your mind– a visit, tour, business trip, mini-vacation, conference, etc.
If your destination country requires a visa, start as early as 3-6 months to avoid delays as some visas can take weeks to months to process.
Within 4-6 months before your travel date, you need to begin researching your accommodation and vaccination requirements. Book your flight early during this period as flight ticket prices are typically lower when booked several months in advance. Secure your stay early, especially in popular tourist destinations where hotels or rentals can fill up quickly.
In the last 1-3 months before your travel, finalize your itinerary, travel, and medical insurance, to protect you against medical emergencies, unforeseen travel cancellations, or lost luggage. Also, plan your activities and transportation options. Dr. Osaretin advised arranging internal transportation connecting your destination airport to your accommodation to avoid unnecessary stress.
2. Choosing your destination
For this post, I consulted Engr. Gideon, CEO of Jexi Logistics and Travels, on some guides for first-time international travelers. He shared several important tips, which also aligned with some of the tips Dr. Osaretin mentioned earlier. Factoring in your travel purpose is one common ground between these two experts.
Jexi Logistics and Travels added that certain locations may be preferred for certain purposes. For example, Maldives, Seychelles, or Zanzibar are more preferred spots for couples’ trips than solo travels for non-romantic purposes. For wildlife tourism, Kenya, and Rwanda are important locations to consider.
Choosing your destination is one of the first things you need to do in the process of processing your travel documents. You should have considered where and what you are traveling for even before you start processing your visa application if required.
3. Prepare financially
You need to have enough money to take care of yourself and your activities at your travel destination. Many destinations would require a bank statement as proof of funds so that you can take care of your financial needs when you get there.
Different countries have different ways of assessing your financial adequacy before and during a trip. Jenn, of the Travel Mug Podcast, shared that the Schengen Border Code states that, “Means of substance shall be assessed in accordance with the duration and the purpose of the stay and by reference to average prices in the member states concerned for board lodging in budget accommodations Multiplied by the number of days stayed”. So they can ask you for an amount of money per day that you’re supposed to be there.
After consulting with Dr. Osaretin regarding financial planning for an international trip, he shared that it is often a wise choice to prepare at least $100 per day for the number of days you intend to stay, emphasizing that the USD remains a universal tender that can easily be converted to any local currency in most countries of the world. If you are planning for more activities, you might need to plan for more funds per day.
Carrying a credit/debit card can also make it easier for you. Carrying a lot of cash is not safe as it can get lost in transit. Also, some countries have policies that allow only a certain amount of cash in and out of the country. Having a debit or credit card with you will guarantee the safety of your money, as well as allow you to spend on what you need even in countries that restrict cash flow.
4. Plan for medical emergencies
Though not always encountered, having a medical emergency during an international trip can drain you financially if not adequately planned for. This is why most visa processing requires you to purchase health insurance to cover you throughout your stay at your destination country.
As stated earlier, start processing your visa application as early as 6-12 months from your travel date. At the last steps of your visa application, you will be required to purchase medical insurance before your visa is approved.
You also need to research if your travel destination requires any medical or vaccination certificates. Yellow Fever vaccination card (the Yellow Card) and COVID-19 card might be requested during your visa application. Ensure you get these done or set aside money for them, to avoid undue delays and unnecessary stress when you least expected it.
5. Packing your baggage
During the consultation with Engr. Gideon of Jexi Logistics and Travels made some helpful contributions concerning flight baggage. Most airlines do not allow certain items, flammables, and perishable goods. He emphasized the need to check the airline baggage rules to see what to pack and what not to
Most airline has a travel bag allowance, that is, the maximum number and weight of baggage per person. According to Engr. Gideon, most airlines allow two baggage each at most 23kg, and one hand baggage of 7-10kg. You also need to check the kind of materials the airline prohibits in luggage in deciding what and how to pack your baggage.
Depending on your travel purpose and how long you are planning to stay, you might need to include certain items that you might need during your stay at your travel destination. For example, including a pair of flip-flops can make you feel more comfortable when you go to the beach or a nearby supermarket at night. Also, keep in mind the local weather and cultural norms.
6. Prepare for the flight
As a first-time traveler, traveling internationally via flight might not be an experience you are familiar with. You need to familiarize yourself with some challenges and solutions you may encounter during the flight.
Long flights can be very boring, especially if you are traveling alone and don’t know anyone else to make friends with on the plane. Also, some people experience jet lag which makes them feel sleepy, tired, or disoriented during the flight, as well as motion sickness.
Preparing for a flight involves getting a book, and downloading an interesting movie to keep you engaged, or getting Etymotic earplugs to prevent motion sickness. Some airlines also offer personal screens with movies, TV shows, and games but bringing your own entertainment is a good backup, just in case. Getting hydrated also helps reduce jetlag.
7. Catch your flight early
Going to the airport earlier than the flight time can help you feel more relaxed and familiarize yourself with the procedures. Arriving early will afford you enough time to ask questions from airport staff, making sure you understand procedures like customs forms, baggage handling, and currency exchange–all without the pressure of a ticking clock.
When you are relaxed, the chances of misplacing your baggage or other items are also reduced. These can improve your overall flight experience from start to finish.
Many international flights have layovers that can last several hours. These airlines can allow you to relax in an airport lounge or explore the airport during your layover.
Hidden Travel Hacks for International Travelers
In addition to the above guide for first-time international travelers, here are some more hidden travel hacks to improve your flight experience and satisfaction. These travel hacks will help give you more control over your expenses, luggage, navigation, communication, and comfort during your travel.
1. Use incognito mode for booking flights
When searching for flights online, websites track your visits and may increase prices based on your perceived demand. To avoid this, always use incognito or private browsing mode when checking prices. This way, you will see the lowest possible rates without any sneaky price hikes.
Check flight prices on different days of the week and try to book midweek. Midweek fares are often lower compared to weekends. Also, as previously noted, remember that flight fees are lower the earlier you pay for them.
2. Roll your clothes efficiently
To maximize your baggage space, roll your clothes instead of folding them. This will enable you to pack more essentials without overstuffing your luggage. In addition, rolling your clothes can reduce wrinkles on them.
Pack a few Ziploc bags for dirty clothes and wet items to keep your luggage organized and clean throughout the trip.
3. Carry a portable charger and power bank
There is nothing worse than having a dying phone when you need it the most, especially in a foreign country. Always pack a portable charger and a power bank to ensure your device stays powered for a long time even after arriving at your destination country.
Possibly, invest in a high-capacity portable power supply that can charge multiple devices at once. This can help you charge your devices before you get to your accommodation.
4. Download Google Maps before you go
Having Google Maps installed on your mobile device will save you a lot of stress when traveling internationally. Navigating to your destination can be difficult; this is even worse when there is a language barrier in your new location.
Sometimes Wi-Fi isn’t always available when you are traveling, especially in remote areas. Downloading Google Maps that works offline can be a lifesaver in such areas with poor signal. As a pro tip, mark your hotel and key attractions on the map before going offline to avoid getting lost when an internet connection is no longer available.
Use of eSIM like Airalo and aloSIM which work in multiple countries are useful alternatives for internet connectivity when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
5. Use a neck wallet or money belt
Pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded tourist spots, so it is best to keep your valuables in a secure place. A neck wallet or money belt can be discreetly worn under your clothes, keeping your passport, cash, and credit cards safe from potential thieves.
As an extra tip, keep a small amount of cash and a less valuable wallet in your pocket for daily purchases while you keep away more valuable amounts and documents in your main stash.
6. Photograph and scan your luggage and important documents
Having an e-copy of important documents like your passport, can save you time when you are at checkpoints where they are required. Also, in case of a loss or theft, having a digital copy can make the replacement process easier.
Before heading to the airport, take photos of your luggage. This can help you identify it more quickly when it gets lost in transit. As an extra tip, store these important photos in a secure cloud-based service like Google Docs, Google Cloud, or iCloud, from where you can easily retrieve them in case your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged.
7. Pre-book popular attractions
If you are traveling for tourism, pre-book popular attractions instead of arriving to waste time standing in long lines. Many destinations offer skip-the-line passes or special timed entries when pre-booked earlier, allowing you to bypass crowds and make the most of your day.
If you are looking for a unique and peaceful experience, consider renting a pontoon boat if you are visiting a destination near lakes or rivers. Pontoons are spacious and stable, making them perfect for relaxing with friends and family. Many pontoon rental services also offer added services like grills, sound systems, etc.
7. Bring a reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated throughout your trip is important to keeping you healthy and less stressed. Many airports, cities, and tourist attractions now have water refill stations, allowing you to save money and reduce plastic waste. Opt for a collapsible water bottle that can easily fit your bag when not in use, saving space while also being eco-friendly.
8. Store fluid items in contact lens cases
This is a trick that can help you avoid carrying full-sized toiletries, creams, lotions, shampoo, or makeup when traveling for a short trip. Store adequate amounts of fluid toiletries in contact lens cases or other small but compact containers.
Most airlines don’t allow travelers to carry shampoo, lotions, and creams. A contact lens case is a lightweight, space-saving solution that helps you keep your luggage within airline liquid regulations. You simply have to label each case with its content to avoid confusion during your trip.
9. Download translation apps
Translation apps can make it easier for you to communicate with locals in cases where you do not properly understand the local language in your destination country. With these apps, you can translate text, or voice communications to English or any language you understand.
Examples of great translation apps you can install when traveling internationally include Google Translate, iTranslate, Microsoft Translate, and Papago. Google Translate is versatile for offline and online translation. However, Papago is an excellent choice when traveling to East Asian countries.
Final words
International trips can be both enjoyable and stressful, especially when you are spending a very short time at your destination country. The tips provided here will help you reduce the stress and make the entire process more memorable.
I wish you the best in your traveling arrangements. And if you still have more questions regarding your international trip, drop them in the comments section below. Our experts consulted in this article are more than willing to reply to your queries and ensure you have the best flight experience ever.
