Planning for Seamless Overseas Adventures: Top Tips for International Travel This Year
Planning for an international getaway is an exciting opportunity that opens doors to engaging with new cultures, discovering breathtaking landscapes and scenery, and making incredible, lifelong memories.
However, amidst the excitement of the pre-trip planning process, it's essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience by being prepared for several aspects that can have a positive (or negative!) experience on your vacation. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor abroad, these tips for planning your next overseas trip will help you navigate your way through foreign countries with ease!
Top Tips for Your Upcoming International Vacation
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible: Advanced planning and preparation is key to a successful international trip. Research your destination thoroughly, including visa and passport requirements, local customs, and even typical weather conditions well in advance. Sometimes a destination is typically sunny during the time you plan to visit, but could have a freak pattern of rainy weather while you’re there. Create a rough itinerary, but allow room for spontaneity. Unexpected opportunities often arise while traveling, so be open to new experiences and changes in plans. Don’t schedule your time so tightly that there’s no room for
Pack Wisely (and lightly!): Packing light is a golden rule of travel. It’s what I swear by, and save myself lots of headaches of worry about lost luggage, delays in retrieving my bags, or the heftiness of carrying them across cobbled streets with jet lag. When I pack, I choose versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different occasions and climates and layered as needed. Don't forget essentials like a universal adapter, portable charger, and a basic first-aid kit. Remember to leave space for souvenirs you may pick up along the way. Capsule wardrobes are very popular to bring, as are garments that can be easily washed and dried in sinks and bathrooms if need be.
Stay Connected: In today's digital age, staying connected while abroad is easier than ever. Gone are the days of buying SIM cards or calling cards and using phone booths to call home. Consider activating an international roaming plan with your mobile carrier, which is easy and inexpensive to do. Alternatively, you can download offline maps and translation apps before you leave to navigate unfamiliar territories without relying on a data connection. Apps like CityMapper and WhatsApp are popular options for staying connected while abroad.
Prioritize Safety: Safety should always be a top priority when traveling internationally. Research any potential health risks or safety concerns in your destination and take necessary precautions.
Embrace the Local Culture: One of the most rewarding aspects of international travel is immersing yourself in the local culture. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, respect customs and traditions, and be open to trying new foods and activities. Engaging with locals can lead to meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of your destination. Carve out time to sit in parks and people-watch, enjoy a meal at a leisurely cafe, visit a local bookstore, or sit in a church and soak in the history.
Budget Realistically: Establish a realistic budget for your trip and stick to it as much as possible. Remember that against most European currencies, the US dollar is weaker, so things will cost a little (or a lot) more. In other parts of the world like Canada, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Latin America, and Australia, the US dollar is stronger, so you will get more for your money. Research the cost of living in your destination and plan accordingly. If cost-savings is important, look for ways to save money, such as opting for public transportation over taxis and walking when possible and stopping in a local grocery store to buy food vs. eating out.
Protect Your Health: Traveling to a new environment exposes you to different germs and bacteria. Prioritize your health by staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and practicing good hygiene. I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation if needed. Bring your medication and don’t drink the tap water in third-world countries.
Be Mindful of Customs Regulations: Familiarize yourself with customs regulations to avoid any issues at border control. Research prohibited items and restrictions on currency import/export to ensure a smooth entry and exit from your destination. This can be found at the US Travel website with the Department of State.
Keep Copies of Important Documents: Make photocopies or digital scans of important documents such as your passport, visas, and travel insurance. Store these copies separately from the originals and leave a set with a trusted friend or family member back home.
Stay Open-Minded and Enjoy the Journey: Finally, remember that travel is a journey of discovery, adventure, wonder, and personal growth. Embrace the unexpected, step out of your comfort zone, and savor every moment of your international adventure. Keep an open mind, and you'll return home with a wealth of experiences and stories to cherish for a lifetime. My travel motto is “Stay flexible and have a high sense of adventure!”
Bon Voyage!
