International Travel Tips for First-time Travellers

Travelling is always an exciting thing, no matter the destination. You get to see new sights, meet new people, discover food and much more! 

If you are planning an international trip, whether you are an experienced or first-time traveller, you need to consider more than just excitement. From gaining passports to applying for visas and getting international travel insurance, there are various preparations involved that a first-time traveller must know before his/her first international trip. 

So, are you a first-time traveller and planning an international trip from India for the first time? 

Well, this article is for you! Explore 10 important tips for first-time international travellers that will help you get some basic understanding for your first overseas journey.

10 Essential Tips for First-time International Travellers

Here are some simple tips that will help you make your planning better, ease your stress and ensure smooth travelling. 

1.Prepare Your Documents (Including Visas and Passports)

Preparing your documents well in advance is one of the most important things to do if you want to travel abroad. You should ensure these certain documents are handy. 

● Passport

Many countries may not allow you to enter if you have a passport with less than 6 months validity, and your visa request may be denied if you don’t have enough pages in your passport for visa stamps.

It is crucial to get a valid passport before booking your flight. If you don’t apply in advance, then the process of applying and getting the passport will unnecessarily delay your trip. 

Once you get your passport, it is advised to make copies of it. Also, keep the digital copy saved on your Google Docs that is accessible from anywhere. Most importantly, never give your passport to any unknown person.

● Visa 

Now, you need to check the visa requirements for your destination country. Some are visa-free countries for Indians, while some offer a visa on arrival. However, visa rules vary from country to country, so make sure that you completely research the entry requirements in a country. 

Arriving for your flight without the required visa may lead to you being denied, particularly if you cannot apply for a visa on arrival.

2. Research Your Destination

Another important thing you need to consider before your international trip is - do a thorough research on your destination for a better experience. It may seem more fun to travel spontaneously, but it is much more practical if you can expect some of the nuances of your destination country by learning international travel tips for the first time.

3. Get Travel Insurance

It is a common fear for first-time travellers ‘what if they fall ill or get hurt abroad’. Though getting medical treatment in a foreign country can be expensive, it is essential to cover your medical costs with overseas travel insurance. Your travel insurance can protect you against medical costs, emergency medical transportation expenditures, financial losses, emergency transportation, lost baggage and cancelled or delayed flights.

4. Look for Accommodation Options

After booking your flight, now it’s time to get a place to stay. Look for accommodation options that are located in or near the city centre so you can easily access your places of interest.

While hotels are considered a good option, hostels, guesthouses and Airbnb can work to be more affordable and immersive, allowing you to meet other travellers. If you choose a hostel to stay, then boutique hostels are often furnished with better facilities than budget hotels.

For a stress-free stay, you should book your accommodation in advance in your destination city. Also, in some countries, you are required to share a complete itinerary before getting your visa issued. So, before applying, check for such requirements.

5. Advance Booking

It is essential to book your international trip well in advance, at least a month before time (if possible, prefer 60 days), to get the best ticket prices. When you are sure of your itinerary, start searching for flights. Ideally, the best time to book your journey is when you are committed to travel and have enough money. 

Well, you can make the last-minute decision about where to stay! But it may be stressful if there is a scarcity of accommodation or prices are high. As a result, you will not only end up paying more but also be unable to find a place to stay. By booking everything in advance, you will be stress-free of travel planning and ensure everything is arranged before your departure date.

6. Initiate International Transactions on Your Card

Another crucial thing to keep in mind before travelling is to inform your bank about your future international transactions. Additionally, activate the international transactions tab on your credit card. Some countries are most reliant on cash, so make sure you have enough cash also. 

7. Consider Connectivity

Not having active connectivity on your phone can be scary in a new place. Though you get free Wi-Fi at most airports, the real struggle starts when you come out of the airport. 

Hence, keeping connectivity in mind, you should consider certain factors, such as international roaming or local sim, accessibility of public Wi-Fi in your destination country and if VPN connectivity is required to access some apps or social media in that specific country.

8. Pack Appropriately

Packing appropriately is the most important thing to consider in order to make your trip convenient. Packing too much, too little or travelling with an unorganised suitcase can impact your experience, negatively. So, it is advised to travel light, use packing cubes and make your packing organised so that you find your things easily in case of an emergency.

9. Organise all Travel-related Documents

After having your passport and visa handy, it’s time to collect and organise all travel-related documents, which include:

●Passport

●Visa

●Flight Tickets

●Travel Insurance

●Travel Maps

●Hotel Confirmation Receipts

●All Tax Payment Receipts

●International Driving License

●Medical Prescriptions (if any)

10. Learn Basic Local Language 

Learning basic phrases in the local language of the destination country is always a good idea. It will help you connect with the local people. A few basic local words and phrases that you can learn include hello, can I please order, sorry, thank you and goodbye.

List of Visa-free Countries for Indians in 2024 

Here is a list of some visa free countries for Indians in 2024 where you can travel without getting a visa.

Conclusion

With an understanding of all the things to do, you can enhance your first international trip. Remember to plan your journey effortlessly, collect all your important documents, book everything in advance, get travel insurance online or offline and pack appropriately. Also, do not forget to check visa-free countries for Indians before getting your visa issued.

So, prepare for your first overseas trip with these international travel tips and have a fantastic experience!