What Are The Steps To Arrange A Foreign Trip From India?

Travelling is an impatient but effective teacher. It can make you more conscious of your privilege. Moreover, it can help develop your personality and make you more worldly and resourceful.

Life, they say, is a bittersweet journey, a journey that must be lived and experienced to the fullest! Travelling can provide that holistic experience to explore the vast world out there and the inner recesses of the heart and mind that often lay unexplored! The opportunity to visit the best tourist places in the world is perfect for finding your true identity. While many want to see the world’s most visited tourist spots, others seek underrated gems they can find and cherish. Some people’s excitement mirrors that of Joey’s on his trip to London, while others are calmer, like Chandler. Many, like Simran, find their Raj on an obscure train in Europe. However, several others like Rani from Queen are on a journey of growth and self-discovery.

Going on an international trip without pre-planning is a rookie mistake. The long lines at customs and immigration and the struggle of navigating a new country can take away from the joy of travelling and leave you disappointed. Organising a perfect and hassle-free trip is no cakewalk. But fret not, for Cleartrip is here with a step-by-step guide to planning an international trip. Read carefully, for you might find some bonus secrets too!

1. A Planned Timeline, The Power of Time

Some things need to be done at least six months before the trip, and then some things can be done a little later. The first step you must take is to ensure your passport has not expired. If it is, however, begin the process for renewal. Additionally, start your research on the tourist destinations you want to visit. Also, determine your budget! You should have your hotels, flights, and visas sorted at least two to three months before departure.

Begin packing a month in advance and let it be guided by the itinerary you plan. Apart from the essentials, include all your documents (originals and duplicates). As you lay down to sleep a fortnight before your trip, you should have double-checked all the documents and exchanged cash to obtain the foreign currency.

Inform your loved ones two days before you bid adieu (pssst…don’t forget medication). So what do you do on the night before your departure? You breathe in, relax and prepare yourself for the adventure that will come your way!

2. Research Now, Reward Yourself Later!

The first step to planning an international trip is to decide on the tourist destinations that thrill you. Take that Instagram influencer’s advice and manifest your trip. Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Do you want to recreate the epic trip to Spain from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara with your favourite pals, or are you, like Claire from Outlander, looking to get lost in the Scottish highlands? Are the pristine beaches of the Maldives calling out to you, or does your heart strum at the thought of visiting Turkish tourist places?

Remember, no epiphany will come to you about the best tourist spot. Instead, you have to do extensive research to determine what you want. Your research should cover various facets of the country; ask yourself these questions – does it offer a visa on arrival to Indians? When is the best time to visit? What popular tourist attractions does it offer?

A deeper survey of the destination must always substantiate this primary research. Is the country politically stable? Is it safe for tourists? (Especially if travelling solo is your cup of tea!) Can it cater to your dietary requirements? Have any recent incidents of crime been reported? As you are buried deep in stacks of papers and engulfed by computer tabs, finding the perfect travel destination may appear futile. But believe us, you got this!

3. Not Cats. Not Dogs. This Travel App Will Be Your Best Friend!

Finding the cheapest flights, the best hotels, and the most convenient transport for your trip can be an arduous task if undertaken alone. That is why we at Cleartrip are here to help! Cleartrip is an online aggregator platform that allows you to compare the prices of bookings and find the most economical options. This will enable you to optimise your resources while expanding your travel itinerary.

4. Take Care Of The Technicalities

An international trip to the best tourist sites can be exciting; however, you must not forget to deal with the technical aspects of travelling.

5. Your Documents Will Be There For You!

Make a folder that holds all your necessary documents. Awaken the Monica in you and organise away! Your travel paraphernalia must consist of your passport, visa, flight tickets, confirmations of hotel accommodations, travel maps, and any medical prescriptions. Keep duplicate digital and print copies of all these documents with yourself. Additionally, make sure to check that your government documents have not expired.

6. A Friend In Need Is A Friend INDeed

Registering yourself with flights and hotels is not enough. It is always a good idea to keep the Indian embassy informed of your whereabouts. They will also be able to contact you in case of an emergency.

7. It’s All About The Money! Money! Money!

Deciding on a budget is the key if you do not want to run out of funds in the middle of a market in Bangkok. Determine how much you want to save and how much you want to spend. Strike a balance between your itinerary and your budget. Also, remember to exchange Indian rupees for the country’s currency. Use cash over credit cards for they help you avoid bank fees. Do not approach unauthorised dealers to exchange your currency. You might have to suffer through an exhausting call, but inform your bank and personal financer of your travel plans to avoid dealing with blocked cards.

8. Fill Your Suitcases With Memories, Not Materials!

You cannot drag heavy suitcases across New York City’s busy pavements or haul them over Java’s hiking trails. Packing light is vital. A more compact travel bag to accompany you on your trip to a tourist spot does not weigh you down and allows you to occupy less space. This, however, does not translate to compromising on the essentials. In case you forget, here is a comprehensive list-

  • Chargers of electronic devices
  • Power banks
  • USB cables
  • Headphones or earphones
  • Binoculars
  • Medicines (if any)
  • Sunscreen
  • Glasses or sunglasses
  • First-aid kit
  • Neck pillow
  • Sleep mask
  • Insect repellent
  • Pepper spray
  • Fanny packs

9. Hola! Salut! Ciao!

Once you decide on a travel destination, research the country’s culture you are visiting. Learn about the food they eat, the customs they follow, and the language they speak. Learning at least the basics of the country’s language will allow you to interact with the locals, explore the tourist destinations, and get in touch with the authorities in case of emergencies. Believe us, struggling to find the right words while looking for a bathroom in Mexico is a situation no tourist wants to be in!

Remember, mistakes are human, and following all this advice to the T is an impossible endeavour. Focus instead on completing small tasks over time. The last moments will not overwhelm you as a result, and you will head to the airport happy, hopeful, and excited to visit the tourist destination! Lastly, do not forget to prioritise having a good time and making the most of your trip!

FAQs

I am on a budget, but I want to go to an international tourist spot. What should I do?

Pushpa, we hate tears! We know that a tight budget can deter you from travelling, but we are here to your rescue! Use Cleartrip to find the cheapest flight tickets and hotel accommodations and make your travelling dreams come true!

How Do I Find The Cheapest Deals?

International flight and hotel fees can scare off potential travellers. That is why you must check out Cleartrip’s website today! We are an online aggregate that helps you compare prices on one platform and pick those deals that best suit your needs.

My Budget Won’t Let Me Venture Into Costlier Countries? Where Can I Go That’s Cheaper?

It has become common knowledge now that Southeast Asia is the cheapest part of the world to travel from India. Make your way to Laos, Vietnam, or Thailand for your next international trip!

How Do I Start Travelling?

An international tourist destination can seem intimidating to a first-time traveller. That’s why we have already compiled this detailed guide for your use!

Which Are The Best Cities To Visit As An Amateur International Traveller?

According to common consensus, some of the best cities to visit are Barcelona, London, Paris, Dublin, and Sydney.

travel | travel hacks | Travel Tips