8 Tips For First Time International Travelers
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So, you’re getting ready to head out on your first big international trip? How fun! If you are feeling anything like I did on my first big trip, I can imagine you are feeling a huge mix of excitement, wonder, nerves and are making list after list of what is left to pack and what is left to do before you leave… okay, maybe the list making is just me. Anyways, I decided I’d share a few tips I have for international travel to make your life a little easier and to put your mind at ease a little bit!
Have a photo copy of your passport and ID.
I scan my passport and drivers license then email it to myself so that I always have access to it, I print a copy and leave it with my parents, and I tend to bring a printed copy with me as well just to be safe. Why? In the case that your passport gets lost or stolen it's much easier to get a new one when you have a copy of the old one. And hey you never know when you will be on a work trip and lock yourself out of your hotel room with nothing but your phone and need an ID to get a new room key, helps to have it in your email. I may know from experience.
Do not keep all of your cash and cards in one place.
I usually bring my primary debit card as well as a back up credit card and a little stash of U.S. cash in case of emergencies. I keep the extra U.S. cash, some local currency and the back up credit card stashed in my suitcase and keep my primary card and some local currency on me. If I have a carry on bag and a suitcase I sometimes will even keep the card in one bag and cash in another. Seems extreme but in the case that you are pick pocketed or your luggage is lost or stolen you still have a means to get by. Knock on wood, I have never had a problem, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! Oh and speaking of debit cards…
Check in with your bank before traveling!
Make sure to notify your bank where you are traveling to and for how long. The last thing you want is to have your card frozen. While you are at it, make sure to check if your bank charges you for international transactions and ATM fees. Luckily, my bank doesn’t charge international fees, but if yours does you may want to get some currency before leaving or take out a large sum at an ATM once you arrive so you don’t have to as frequently.
Packing cubes are a game changer!
Personally, I love the Eagle Creek compression cubes! They help keep your luggage super organized and help you to really maximize space, I can fit something like 9 shirts into my larger sized one! If you are backpacking (and if your still looking for a pack, I love my Osprey Farpoint 40) packing cubes are a nonnegotiable, but whether I’m packing in my backpack or my giant suitcase, I’m always using my packing cubes!
Don't over plan.
Have your list of things you want to see and do, but make sure to leave some wiggle room in your itinerary, that way you can stop for lunch at the cool cafe you found. Or in the case that jet lag is really kicking your butt you can let yourself take the morning slow. Giving yourself a little wiggle room makes it so that you can say "yes" to the fun, on a whim opportunities that may arise.
Learn a few phrases in the primary language spoken where you are going.
Learning a few phrases like how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you seems like such a little thing, but it’s an easy way to show respect. It shows the locals that you care about them, the place they call home, and their way of living.
Buy a local SIM card
If you are traveling for an extended period of time and want to have data on your phone, I recommend buying a SIM card in the country you are traveling! While your home cell phone carrier may offer international data plans, they are usually crazy priced! Save yourself a chunk of change and pick up a local SIM card with a few GB of data. Make sure to check if your phone is unlocked though, if it’s locked you will not be able to switch out the SIM cards!
Pack a deck of cards
It sounds silly, but trust me this little item comes in quite handy. I always have a deck stashed in my bag when I travel. It's a great way to kill time on long lay overs, pass some time on a rainy day and it's a great way to make friends! A few games of cards over drinks is a great way to make friends in a hostel or within a volunteer group!