There are people who desire to travel the world but never make any plans on where and how to begin. As this pandemic has shown us, there is never a ‘right time’. The onset of the outbreak has made more of us realise that actually time is short so it would do you good to place a higher value on your time and make your plans your reality. Therefore, many people are looking into planning a trip for when it is okay to cross borders again. If you’re one of those people, then this is your ultimate guide for preparing for your first-ever international trip.
1. Find a destination
So you may have a couple of places in the mind, and that’s okay. But you will need a starting point so that you can proceed from there. So select one place you would like to visit so that you can plan around that location, especially when it comes to what to pack. Once you’ve chosen your location, conduct some thorough research into the place, paying attention to things like the weather, currency, language, culture, and security. Since it will be your first time, you may be scared to go too far from home, and that’s okay. You can pick a country that is not too far away for your first trip, and when you get the hang of it, grab your sunnies, and explore the world.
2. Start saving for it
During your research, don’t forget to consider how much it will cost to go on the trip. This will depend on factors such as how long you’re going to be staying there and your budget. Consider hotel, flight, travel insurance, and cost of living in that country in general. Also, consider your style of traveling, which will help you determine your daily expenses so that you can create a budget for it. If you realize you might need more than you already have, then start putting in some work to get you to your target. You can gain extra money by taking on additional jobs or selling off things you don’t need.
3. Get or renew your passport
Without a passport, it is near impossible to get overseas and so now is the best time to get one if you don’t have one already. Contact the right authorities and enquire about the application process and get started right away. It will bring you one step closer to your dream destination. And if you already have a passport, check the expiry date to make sure it is valid for travel. If it is getting close to expiry, then you should also contact the right authorities for renewal.
4. Secure a visa
After you have gotten your passport ready, the next thing to look into is getting a visa. It is also impossible to get into another country without a visa, and so you should not forget. When you’re conducting your research on your desired location, look into visa requirements as well, and contact the right authorities for one. In some cases, you would have to book your flight and accommodation before you would be given a visa. So make sure to get the necessary information on what you would need to be approved for a visa.
5. Let your bank know you’re traveling
With how protective banks are of their clients’ funds, letting them know you’ll be away for some time lets them know you’re still in charge of your account when you’re not around. That is because they are not likely to approve any transaction if it is coming from another country. So, to prevent getting declined while making a transaction overseas, remember to notify your bank and credit card company of when you’ll travel. While you’re notifying people, don’t forget your embassy and family members, who will be there in case of emergencies.
6. Plan your activities
You might waste time and money if you wait to get to your destination before figuring out what to do. With a lot of information online (including this blog) about literally anywhere in the world, it will be a good idea to extend your research to cover things to do where you’re planning to go. Have a bucket list prepared for everything you would like to try, making sure to go through the reviews so that you get the best experience. You can also watch videos of other people doing what you might be interested in doing so that you have an idea of what the place looks like. Also, look into what tools and equipment you might need to complete these activities successfully. Find out whether you will need to bring them with you or purchase them on the spot.
