20 Tips to Follow Before You Travel To An International Tourist Destination

Do you plan to travel abroad to explore a new culture? Perhaps a faraway land is calling your name after a long pause? Visiting international tourist places sounds exciting, but it also needs some work. There is a long list of things to take care of, such as applying for or renewing your passport, researching the location, packing for the trip, etc. 

Feeling overwhelmed? Well, you need not worry. Because we have curated a list of 20 handy tips that will help you plan an international trip successfully. Let’s get started!

20 Tips to Follow Before Your International Trip

1. Get a passport (first-time travellers)

The first document you need to travel internationally is a passport. If you don’t have one yet, head to the Passport Seva Online Portal to start the process. 

Once you get your passport, make multiple copies and carry it with you on your travels. These will come in handy in case you lose the original.

2. Check your passport’s expiry date 

International travellers must have a valid passport at least six months from their travel dates. If your passport expires earlier, it’s time to renew it. 

3. Apply for VISA if required

Nowadays, some countries don’t require a VISA. Confirm if the country you will be travelling to needs a VISA. Tourist VISA applications can take a long time, so it is wise to keep yours ready before setting off for your trip. 

4. Carry a printout of your ticket

Who carries a hard copy of tickets when you can simply download it on your phone? Sounds old-fashioned, right? 

Well, you can never really trust electronic devices. Your phone could malfunction during boarding or security check, preventing you from showing your e-ticket and causing delays. So, to avoid such a horrific situation, carry at least two printouts of your ticket. 

5. Consult your doctor for the requirement of special vaccinations 

Even though you’re fully vaccinated, there may still be certain vaccinations that are only given to the residents of the destination you’re travelling to. 

Also, before you talk to your doctor, check the list of vaccinations that international travellers should get. Always be well informed at your end as well. Keeping your health at its peak while you travel is of utmost importance. 

6. Research tourist attractions 

We all get carried away with aesthetic vlogs and shots of all the best tourist places in the world. Tempted by these locations, you may have already shortlisted your travel destination. Nevertheless, doing your due diligence is a must. 

Jot down the dos and don’ts that every traveller must follow while visiting the international tourist place. If possible, try to communicate with someone who has previously visited the country for more insight. 

7. Book your hotels months before your travel date

Booking accommodations several months before the travel date might seem unnecessary. But pro travellers will tell you it’s the smartest move to make! 

Planning your accommodation well in time can give you access to hotels or homestays at great deals. Read customer reviews and cross-check the price across different hotel booking apps to get your money’s worth. 

8. Keep your money game strong

Carry a considerable amount of converted money with you in separate compartments. Be well-versed with the conversion rate. Also, see if your bank has a branch in the city you’re travelling to, so you can visit it in case of any financial troubles. 

9. Don’t keep all your money in a single bag

No matter how responsible you are with your money, you never know who will snatch your wallet or when. And you definitely don’t want to be cashless and lose all your cards. 

Instead, keep your money in separate bags in equal amounts. This way, in the worst scenario, you’ve still got some cash on you.

10. Get a credit card that works internationally 

Get a credit card that doesn’t require currency conversion charges. These fees will burn a hole in your pocket. Contact your bank to learn more about credit card offers for international travellers. 

11. Book tickets for shows before arrival

Shows and popular tourist attractions in international destinations are sold out several months in advance. So, be sure to book tickets for these before your journey so you can check them off your bucket list. 

Also, check for local events around the time of your arrival. Local events give a lot of insight into the culture and traditions of a place, and they’re a must-try if you are keen on an authentic and immersive travel experience

12. Take back up for your electronics

It is wise to take a backup battery charger with you. This will come in handy if you don’t find a place to use adaptors to recharge your devices. 

13. Travel light as much as possible

The excitement of being able to travel and explore a foreign place is out of this world, which means many of us go crazy with our outfits. Living in a social media-powered world, everyone is obsessed with showing off their OOTD as they visit the tourist spots. 

But in reality, carrying too many outfits will only cause you trouble. Overweight luggage will cost you more at the airport. But, more importantly, lugging around a heavy suitcase can dampen your travel experience. So, practice minimalism instead. Thank us later!

14. Get comfortable footwear

Walking or running around a romantic international destination in heels or impractical shoes is unrealistic. Take two pairs of comfortable shoes that are fashionable too to satisfy your inner travel vlogger soul. 

15. Skip taking any valuable items (as much as possible)

Travelling with big-ticket items is risky as you can easily lose or misplace them. Make a list of all items you think are most important for you and pack accordingly. 

16. Don’t forget the essentials

You aren’t truly ready for your international trip unless you’ve packed certain travel essentials to smoothen your experience. Be sure to carry items such as a neck pillow, flu and stomach infection medicine, earplugs, a first aid kit, water bottle, napkins, face masks, sanitisers, and pepper sprays. 

17. Browse through the official websites

Scroll and read through the official government websites of your tourist destination to stay well informed about the dos and don’ts you need to follow. This is an intelligent way to ensure you don’t fall into legal trouble and get stranded in an unknown place.

18. Download backup social media apps

We all use WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook to stay connected with friends and family. But some countries, such as China and the UAE, may have banned these apps. So, it’s always recommended to download similar social media apps for these regions and request your loved ones to download them as well. 

19. Go through COVID-19 restrictions

COVID-19 is still very much around you, and staying alert is wise, especially while taking a trip to international tourist places. Get familiar with the rules regarding COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine, if any. 

20. Keep a translation app ready to use

Don’t let a language barrier cause you trouble on your international trip. Thanks to translation apps, you can now learn and understand any local language without any hassle. Just speak or type into the app, and it’ll take care of the rest. 

The Bottom Line

These are the 20 tips that you need to keep in mind before taking off for an international trip. Travelling to the best tourist spots in the world looks fun and simple in movies. But, in reality, one has to prepare and research thoroughly. 

If you want to have a memorable and successful trip, plan smart, make a checklist, and stick to it. Happy travelling!

FAQs

What should I bring for international travel?

Here are the essential items that you should bring for international travel: 
– Toiletry kit 
– Medicines
– Sanitisers and face masks
– Headphones 
– Wet wipes
– Extra set of clothes
– Your favourite munchies
– Original and copies of your travel documents

How do you travel internationally for the first time?

1. Read popular travel blogs for an idea of how to choose your choice of destination. 
2. If you want to travel solo, check if the location is safe and friendly for single travellers. 
3. Consider taking travel insurance if you can for a hassle-free experience.

Do I need a COVID test to fly internationally?

Yes. You must have a COVID negative certificate to fly internationally. Some countries even mandate a booster shot, so it’s best to read the travel destination’s COVID-19 rules to abide by them all.

What is the luggage size limit for international flights?

The luggage size for international flights varies from airline to airline. However, the most preferred size is 62 inches. For better clarity, visit the airline website.

How much luggage can I take on international travel?

The maximum luggage weight you can take on international travel is 50 pounds or 22.68 kg.

international travel | Travel Tips