Traveling abroad for the first time can be very exciting, but it can also be challenging. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and have new experiences, but it’s important to give yourself enough time to prepare. After your first time, you will get used to the feeling of exploring a new country. The following simple tips will help you prepare for your first trip.
1. Get your Passport and Visa Ready
You can’t afford to wait until the last minute to get your passport. You need to have a valid passport to travel abroad. It is issued by the government for international travel and certifies your identity and nationality. The process of applying for a passport can take some time, and you need to do it well in advance.
When booking international flights and hotels, you will usually need your passport number. Once you receive your passport, you should scan the ID page and give a copy to a trusted friend and keep another copy in your wallet.
Depending on your destination and the time you spend in a country, you may also need a visa. This document is issued by the country you travel to and gives you permission to do so. PCR tests are also necessary when traveling to certain countries. Sollis, Virtue Healthcare, and Concierge Internal Medicine Los Angeles offers on-demand house calls and in-home Covid-19 nasal PCR swabs and rapid antigen tests.
2. Research Safety Tips
You need to be aware of what threats to safety you could face in a different country so you can attempt to avoid them. It will help you to research how tourists are commonly targeted. When you are in an unfamiliar place, and you can’t speak the language, unscrupulous people can take advantage of you more easily.
You need to always keep your bag and wallet secure when walking around to thwart pickpockets in busy cities. Plan to keep any expensive jewelry in a safe, and be cautious when wearing it. You should not flaunt expensive items when walking around the streets. To avoid scams, try to book your tour guides ahead of time. Share your itinerary with a reliable friend or family member, so they know where you are meant to be.
3. Try to Avoid Overpacking and Prioritize Useful Technology
A common mistake when going abroad for the first time is to overpack. Make sure you check out the weather conditions of the country at the time when you will be there. Try to pack interchangeable items so you can wear them in different ways. Lightweight clothing, scarves and sarongs that are easy to wash and dry can help you to mix and match and save valuable packing space.
You will need some space for technology, medicine and other essentials. A portable battery can really help when you’re abroad. Check with your phone company about using data abroad and how much it will cost. Avoid the hassles of trying to find a power adapter by bringing one with you.
4. Prepare to Deal with Jet Lag
Jet lag happens if you travel across time zones and your circadian rhythms are out of sync. Symptoms of jet lag include insomnia, lack of appetite, mood swings and headaches. There are ways to lessen jet lag, such as eating meals and sleeping in sync with normal hours of your destination a few days before your trip. On the plane, make sure you stay hydrated, as this helps you to deal with jet lag symptoms.
Exposing yourself to sunshine when you arrive at your destination can also help to regulate your internal clock. Consider taking melatonin at night if your body doesn’t feel ready for sleep. To avoid unwanted symptoms, don’t take more than 5mg at a time. Plan to have a day or so to recover for each time zone you cross.
5. Get Travel Insurance
When traveling abroad, you could become ill, and it is important to know how you will cover any medical expenses. Healthcare providers may require you to pay upfront. If you take out travel insurance, you have emergency medical benefits to cover expenses, and this may even include an ambulance.
If you need to return home, it will cover this cost. It can also cover lost baggage and delayed or canceled flights. If you run into any long delays, travel insurance can reimburse you for any additional accommodation you may require. It is usually pretty reasonable to cover a wide range of travel issues, especially when you consider what you would pay without it.
