When any of my family, friends or followers travel out of the country for the first time, they all ask me the same thing, “Do you have any tips?” Because the question is so general and could be referring to so many things, I’m always stumped. I have to ask them follow-up questions such as, “What are you most nervous about?” or “What are you looking forward to the most?” to help me construct an answer to their initial question. But, I can’t help but feel like they walk away only slightly more prepared than they were when they first asked. So, to help myself become a better “travel expert” I’ve constructed a list of general tips for first-time international travelers to help them feel more prepared before they leave, and to help me answer the inevitable question when it comes.
Make a plan
This decision sounds simple enough, but not having a plan could cause you to waste a lot of time, and even money, during your trip. Coming up with a general idea of where you’ll stay, where you’ll eat and what you’ll do while you are away is the best way to ensure you’ll have a great trip.
Be flexible; be spontaneous
Although a plan is very helpful, you must know when to deviate from it. Never be afraid to try a restaurant that wasn’t on your radar or to take a day trip to a little town that you’ve never heard of. The locals in the area know much more about the city than any travel magazine. Don’t be afraid to ask them for suggestions, and, furthermore, don’t be afraid to act on them.
Separate your sources of money
This decision allows you to avoid a major tragedy if you happen to leave a bag on a train, or if someone goes through your luggage and steals money. Hide various amounts of cash and your cards in a variety of places so that if tragedy does strike, you have backups. The catch with this tip is you’ll have to remember everywhere you’ve hidden your money!
Make sure you have the outlet converters, if needed
Most countries use different plugs than we do here in the U.S. Make a point to research that before you leave and to gather all necessary parts. Most hotels don’t offer plug converters, and nothing would be worse than not being able to charge your personal electronics.
Learn common phrases of the local language
Don’t get me wrong, I’m always very impressed by the amount of English the world seems to understand. Very rarely do I come across someone who knows absolutely none. But with that said, locals appreciate your effort…even if it isn’t perfect. Learning phrases such as “thank you,” “how much” and “please” go a long way.
Pack a jacket
It doesn’t matter if you’re touring Spain in the middle of the summer, at some point the temperature is bound to drop (rather outside, or inside a building) and nothing is worse than not being prepared. Besides, who wants to spend their souvenir money on a lousy jacket they’ll never wear again?
Pack a first-aid kit
Small emergencies happen. You might get a headache, a stomachache or find yourself bleeding from a small wound. In many countries you’ll need a prescription for things such as ibuprofen and other drugs that we typically get over the counter. Avoid added pressure by simply keeping those things in your luggage so you can access them when needed.
Make photocopies of important documents
This action is important in case there is a national emergency and you need to exit the country immediately. Not having your passport can affect you getting out of danger. Also, having these copies ensures that you’ll be able to return home if you lose your passport in general.
Pack important things in your carry-on
Always pack as though your checked bag isn’t going to make it. Keep important documents, medicines and electronics in your carry-on. It’s also a good idea to pack a toothbrush, clean underwear and maybe even an outfit or two—just in case.
Inquire about the price before you take public transportation
Avoid surprises and overspending by asking about cost before taking transportation to your destination. You might think a cab ride 3 miles up the road will be inexpensive, until the driver pulls over and charges you $50. Not paying for transportation is illegal, and you will be in a foreign country, so jail is probably not where you’ll want to end up. Avoid the debacle completely by asking up front.
Grab a business card from your hotel
Chances are you’ll forget the address of your hotel. And even if you don’t the person taking you might not understand you or might not be familiar with the area. Grabbing a business card from your hotel’s front desk will ensure that you can provide them with all the information they’ll need (in their language).
Beware of free public Wi-Fi
I’ve heard too many times of people having had their bank accounts wiped clean because a hacker was able to enter thanks to the Wi-Fi they accessed. Often times free Wi-Fi is simply a trap put out by hackers to gain important information. Stick to secured connections that require a password, either in restaurants or your hotel.
Alert your banks and credit cards of your travel plans
Nothing is worse than not having access to your money while abroad. Avoid that by simply calling your bank and credit card issuers to let them know you’ll be away and international charges won’t be fraudulent. The good thing about this act is you can literally do it while you sit at the airport waiting for your plan to board.
Take a photo of everything
This tip might sound silly, but trust me. You can never have too many pictures from a trip. In fact, I always feel that I don’t have enough. I take a picture of everything, including signs, so I can remember the name of some place I went to that I really liked and would want to share. Besides, when you return, everyone will want to see your pictures.
Let someone at home know your travel plans
In case of an emergency, it’s always good for someone to know where you are. Sure, they don’t need every single detail of your itinerary, but sharing the city you’ll be in, the dates you’ll be gone and hotels you’re planning to stay in would be very helpful if someone needs to find you.
Megan Pinckney (@shadesofpinck) is a retired beauty queen turned lifestyle blogger who loves exploring the world and writing about it.