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Taking your first trip overseas can be both frightening and exciting. Getting to experience a completely new and foreign country is always exciting, but it can also be confusing. Here are some simple steps to help make your trip as smooth as possible.

 

Obtain Your Passport

One of the most important steps first-time international travelers should take is to get a passport well before their trip. This will allow them to avoid getting stressed out. Another important step that you should take is to have your passport number ready when you book a flight. Some international airlines require you to enter this information when booking a ticket.

 

Make two digital copies of your identification page, one for your relatives to keep safe and one for your wallet. You should also take a photo of your passport and visa stamp and keep a high-quality copy in your Google Docs.

 

Although many countries require foreigners to have their passports on them at all times, this isn’t the best idea as there are numerous types of muggers and pickpockets worldwide. A paper copy of your passport can help keep you and your belongings safe. When interacting with foreign law enforcers, it’s usually a good idea to show them your passport and visa on your mobile device.

 

Choose Your Destination

You’ve wanted to visit the Pyramids of Egypt or the elephants in Thailand for a long time. Now that you have a passport, it’s easier than ever to decide which destination to go to when traveling internationally. But, if you’re overwhelmed by the amazing places you can see, choosing which one to visit might be hard. If you’re planning on traveling somewhere completely different from the U.S., consider visiting places such as Thailand or Costa Rica. 

 

Find Out if You Need a Visa

Before you leave for your trip, make sure that you’ll have a visa on hand to ensure that you’ll be able to travel there. A visa is a document that allows people to travel to a certain country for a certain amount of time.

 

Most European countries, including the U.K., Asia, and Latin America, allow U.S. passport holders to travel without a visa.

 

Figure Out How To Access Your Money

In the past, you had to carry cash and travelers’ checks when traveling overseas. With the rise of the internet, it’s easier than ever to manage your money while traveling.

 

Before you start planning your trip, you must set up a travel alert with your bank so that it can notify you whenever and wherever you’re going. You can also ask your bank about their international fees and if they have a network of partners to help you save on “foreign transaction” fees. If you’re worried about getting hit with expensive ATM fees, you can avoid this by opening a free checking account at either Charles Schwab or Ally.

 

One of the most important steps you should take is to ensure that you have a credit or debit card. This will allow you to keep track of all of your transactions and ensure that you have a secure and convenient way to access your money.

 

Find the Best Deals for Your Hotel and Transport

Although most international trips require you to fly, you may want to consider other means of transportation to get around your destination.

 

One of the most eco-friendly and cost-efficient ways to get around a country is by taking a bus ride. In some regions, ride-sharing services such as BlaBlaCar are also commonly used.

 

Before you book your accommodation, make sure that you have a good understanding of your options. While staying at a hotel is always a good option, it’s important to consider other options such as guesthouses, hostels, and Airbnb. These accommodations allow you to connect with residents and provide better facilities than a budget hotel.

 

Reserve in Advance

Although it’s important to start planning your trip well in advance, it’s also possible that you may have a hard time deciding due to the Covid situation. According to a survey, people who book close to their departure date can secure last-minute bargains as airlines struggle to find planes.

 

If you’re planning on traveling for the first time, you might be able to get a flight discount if you’re under 26 years old. To secure a youth discount, search online for flight search engines such as StudentUniverse. Booking your trip when you have the money will allow you to secure exit flights for each country.

 

I’ve been traveling for a long time, and I always book accommodations in advance. I find it unsettling to show up at a place I didn’t know where I was sleeping, but some people find it exciting. In most customs forms, you must provide a list of your intended lodging. Having a business card with you will allow you to keep track of your activities and ensure you can make it back to your hotel.

 

As you get closer to your departure date, you might feel nervous. It’s your first time stepping outside of your comfort zone, and it’s a bit frightening at first, but it will eventually get easier as you experience the world. The stress of planning your trip outweighs the excitement of traveling and meeting new people.

 

Even seasoned travelers can experience some bumps along the way on the road when traveling. Just remember that every new destination has its own unique challenges. Take the time to learn as much as possible about the country you’re visiting.