The first international trip is the one where everyone has butterflies in their stomach, full of expectations, they sleep but don’t sleep, and what almost kills is not knowing what’s coming, but always with a checklist full of learning, stories and moments far from the comfort zone.
It will definitely be one of the best experiences of your life, and if you are organized and planned, nothing will go wrong .
Here we have put together some tips and suggestions to make your first international trip unforgettable:
1. Itinerary for your first trip
I’m sure you already know what your destiny will be. No matter how doubtful we are, there is always that favorite destination for that super special moment of our first international trip.
If so, gradually create a table in Excel to organize yourself, with dates, information, places you have in mind to visit, the cool restaurant you saw on a blog, the jewelry store… in short, everything!
In another table, write down the prices of everything , especially flights, hotels, tours and transport, then you will have a basis for how much you will invest in this trip. At this point, put on some background music and play around, taking and placing items, to see where you can save or not, where you can take a day and maybe put it in another city, change flight dates and so on.
Remembering that only you can say how much you will spend on this trip, as the ideal is not to know about travel but about your tastes, programs and travel style, which is a question that only you who are going to travel can answer. Ask yourself what you prefer: a charming hotel or a resort?
I always prefer to organize the itinerary beforehand, or at least include the dates with cities and flights, to be able to organize myself better and, from there, start to see all the other important points.
If you don’t have any idea of destinations, research blogs, films, series, talk to people who have already travelled outside the country, and try to make the most of this knowledge to decide.
If it doesn’t work, leave this excel saved because you will use it and fill it with information, as you decide and discover new destinations and possibilities.
2. Documentation and vaccinations
Documentation is not our first item, but it is the most important item for your international trip! Depending on the situation, you may even have to return home because of this, so be careful here!
The official document for you to travel to any country is your passport, which can be requested through the Federal Police website.
If you already have one, pay attention to the expiration date, as many countries require that it be valid for at least six months beyond the date of return from your trip.
3. Air ticket
After the documents have already been submitted, it’s time to focus on the first concrete step for your first international trip to happen, which is purchasing the plane ticket!
Purchasing the plane ticket first gives you the chance to change dates – if there are promotions running, and even change some route or destination. Furthermore, air tickets are the most unstable service you will ever have to purchase, because fares are inconsistent and prices change all the time.
Tip: If you find a cheap fare on good flights, book your ticket soon! So you don’t run the risk of having to pay too much for flights.
It’s worth keeping an eye on several search engines, monitoring prices for a few weeks and when you find the fare you want, buy directly on the airlines’ websites.
Be sure of the place you want to visit, if you really want to go, regardless of the people, whether you will be alone or not, be sure, because after you buy the ticket, there will be costs to cancel or change.
Now that you’ve decided on your destination, it’s time to relax a little and start to get into the atmosphere of the place!
It’s worth watching films that were filmed in the city, watching series, reading books, guides, blogs, and of course, taking the opportunity to unlock the language of the destination, listening to music, with the help of apps and several other possibilities.
4. Hosting
The second most important point for your first international trip is accommodation. It should be chosen with great care, because it is the place where you will spend the most time while you are not touring the city, whether sleeping, resting or eating.
In addition to doing a lot of research, seeing recommendations from friends and taking notes from your Excel table, it’s worth checking review sites from guests who have already stayed at hotels.
The main points I like to analyze are: location, facilities and the vibe of the place, and benefits – such as wi-fi, breakfast and parking.
5. Coins and cards
To buy currency, at the beginning of planning for your first international trip, it is worth searching on comparator websites and keeping an eye on it for a few days in a row, checking whether the exchange rate goes up or down and buying little by little.
If you don’t have time for this, you can call the exchange offices directly and try to negotiate. Often, depending on the amount you want to purchase, they give good discounts.
When withdrawing money, think about your safety. Choose houses that are located inside shopping malls, in places with parking and that have some privacy for pick-up.
Don’t forget to be careful at your destination too, provide a money bag and keep it under your blouse at all times.
Unforeseen events happen to everyone, but be sure to take at least a small amount of cash to travel between the airport and your accommodation.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, which always has higher fees, as well as hotels and some banks. If you think it’s better, exchange the rest at exchange offices in the city center, as the rates are much better than at the airport.
Starting to organise yourself with money, see if your credit card is international, and if you can use it on your trip. If not, normally just call the card administrator and ask for it to be unblocked.
6. Travel insurance
Travel insurance is that important item, but if you mess up, it ends up being overlooked and you forget about it.
Depending on the destination, insurance will be mandatory, as in Europe with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, so it is worth researching and comparing on several insurance companies, or price comparison sites.
For any destination in the world, it’s always good to have insurance, even though it’s not mandatory, because anything can happen on your trip and the best thing is to be prepared, right?!
Have you ever thought about getting sick on the trip, or even if they ask for insurance at immigration, what then? Better to prevent it and not use it, than to be without it and need it.
You can even check with your credit card insurer to see if you are eligible for the insurance they offer to their customers.
Most people take out their insurance very close to the trip, a week or two in advance, meaning the day they embark on their first international trip is approaching! Get excited, because now it gets even better!
7. Luggage
Each airline has a rule, depending on the fare you purchase it may change, so confirm before your trip. Basically, you are allowed one carry-on bag and two checked bags.
In your hand luggage, take everything valuable, money, documents and electronics. I usually pack a simple change of clothes in case checked luggage is lost, because when that happens, it can take a few days to arrive at your hotel.
It’s worth making a small list so you don’t forget anything, with everything you need to take, such as your passport, visa, ID, airline ticket e-ticket, accommodation confirmation, travel insurance, money, cards, camera, notebook… and so on.
In your checked bag, put everything else, including clothes, shoes, accessories and toiletry bag. Remember to photograph the suitcase outside and inside, with the objects, because if it is lost, you will be able to prove which suitcase and your belongings belong to it.
8. At the airport
The day before the big day, check in online for your flight on the airline’s website, this way you can avoid queuing at the airport counters and can go straight to check in your luggage.
In your bag, carry some snacks so you don’t get tempted to buy everything you see at the airport while waiting for boarding to begin. Take the opportunity to take an empty water bottle with you and, after it passes through the X-ray, you can fill it at the airport’s drinking fountains.
As soon as boarding begins, have your e-ticket, passport and all your desire to discover and explore the unknown. Because that long-awaited moment has arrived and is about to bring you lots of learning, experiences and experiences.
Keep a pen in your bag to fill out the immigration form, handed in at the airport or during the flight, which must be handed in at the airport after you disembark.
9. Not destiny
Now it’s time to take advantage and use all the tips and information you left there in Excel. I’ll tell you one thing, take the opportunity to walk and explore the cities everywhere.
Let yourself go, walk to see places that no one has seen and detach yourself from the main tourist attractions. Discover something new to share with your friends!
GO! With an open mind, willing to know, learn, grow, experience and experience. Don’t let any obstacle hold you back.
I’m Djavan Dias, or DJ for short. I’ve swapped corporate life for endless adventures, sharing travel tips and insights on Premier Wanderlust. Dive into a world of smart travel and unforgettable experiences with me!
