A first trip abroad is usually filled with a flurry of emotions. There are so many nerve-racking thoughts rushing through your mind at any given point that it’s hard to say tell whether you are happy or terrified about the journey to come.
Especially because there are so many things to plan and execute in time before you get on that plane and see yourself leaving your home country through the tiny peepholes called windows in flights. We know that feeling and have been in those shoes quite a few times so we thought it was time we put together some of our tried and true international travel tips.
In this article, we are exploring some of the things we would have loved to know to go into our first international travel, that we hope will make things simpler for you as you embark on the adventurous journey of your life.
International Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Know
There are many nuances to traveling, whether it is by flight to a foreign country or taking a drive to a nearby town and these nuances help you become a more equipped traveler. Be it keeping yourself and your belongings safe or taking the best international travel insurance plans to ensure you have a protective backing for your journey, these simple aspects of traveling will keep you on top of most things.
Your Documents, Your Identity
Your documentation is very important. This might be one of the most important international travel tips. While this stands true even within the country, it’s doubly important for those of you traveling outside the country.
Your passport is your only source of valid identification and for any identity disputes, it will be the go-to document for authorities in the foreign country. This is mainly because other national identity cards like driving license or national ID are not recognized by the foreign country and not admissible as proof of identity.
Apart from your passport, make sure to keep your airline ticket or boarding pass handy with you. You may need it to gain access to various aspects of the airport or airline. Lounges will only provide passengers with valid boarding passes to enter and enjoy the amenities.
Make sure you keep a scanned copy or photo of your passport and visas in case of emergencies. And if you are traveling to a country like Saudi Arabia that is new to travel tourism, make sure you know the laws.
Get to the Airport on Time
Reaching the airport with sufficient time to spare is paramount to making your first journey abroad smooth and successful. There are various reasons for this. Primarily, you may not be familiar with international flight protocols and also boarding gates may be a considerable walk from the airport terminal for which a lack of time can make the experience a hurried and discomforting one.
Furthermore, when you pass through immigration, which is a mandate for any international travel, you might be scrutinized a little. Don’t be alarmed, this happens to anyone traveling for the first time because you basically have a virgin passport and authorities tend to ask more questions to first time travelers. And know if your airport notoriously bad for long lines and extended TSA check times.
Talking to the Immigration Officer
Immigration officers can be intimidating and I can vouch for this because even though I have traveled to countless countries, every time I walk up to the immigration desk at an airport, I can feel a shiver run up my spine and my legs getting weaker the longer I stand there. But over the years, I have learned some important things that will make your first time a pleasant one.