When you have a love for travel, it can only be so long before you decide to take the leap of faith into international destinations. While your past travel experiences could likely help you abroad, there are a lot of additional obstacles to overcome to make your trip go from good to great.
In this article, we’ll provide tips for international travel to ensure your upcoming trip goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Planning Group Excursions, Events, and Plans
If you’re traveling in a group, figuring out what everyone wants to see and prioritizing differing opinions can be challenging.Especially if your group chooses to do some activities together and some separately. With everyone off doing their own thing throughout the day, getting everyone to sit down and discuss plans can be next to impossible.
Using a meeting scheduler like Calendar.com can help avoid this problem by sending out polls that allow everyone in your group to vote on the best day and time. Sending out a poll ahead of time can help coordinate everyone’s plans. When you arrive at your destination, you can hit up your hotel concierge for advice, or even book your group plans ahead of time with a travel agent.
By using a tool to match schedules ahead of time, you can also gain the added benefit of keeping your group informed of upcoming plans, like meeting up at a museum or even flights. Regular check-ins with your group keep everyone safe and in the loop about the fun activities and necessities when traveling abroad.
2. Learning The Language
Source: learnlanguagesfromhome.com
Perhaps one of the greatest ways to enhance your trip is learning to speak the local language — speaking with locals, asking for directions, or even just impressing the bartender. Language allows you to connect with the culture you’re experiencing at a deeper level.
While you likely don’t plan to become fluent before your next vacation, consider picking up some local phrases or simple remarks. Being able to ask for water, order your favorite drink, or ask where the restroom is can go a long way. Picking up a travel phrasebook is a great way to accomplish this with little to no preparation, and also avoids the misfortune of bad cell reception.
Aside from learning the language itself, take a look into local customs. This is especially important in areas with less tourism. For example, if you are traveling to India, you eat food with your hands but only with your right hand. Also, the food should touch your fingers, but not your palm. Little nuggets of knowledge like this can immerse you in the culture and help you make the most out of the experience.
3. International Insurance And Travel Documentation
If you find yourself traveling internationally frequently, consider picking up international insurance. Often overlooked, this type of insurance can be a lifesaver for those who invest in it in advance. Depending on the plan, medical expenses, and lost or damaged property could be covered while you’re abroad. This can truly make or break a trip when a crisis strikes.
Even if you’re going abroad briefly, it could be worth considering temporary coverage for your trip. If you opt not to, remember to bring all necessary documents for your trip — and photocopies as well. Your driver’s license, passport, and international insurance are all worthless if you lose the documentation, so take photos and stock extra copies in your suitcase and carry-on. Preparation is key when in another country.
4. Research Where You’re Going
Source: travelpulse.com
One of the best ways to make your trip count is to plan ahead by researching and deciding what sounds the most interesting. Unless you’re planning a month-long trip, chances are you won’t be able to do everything you’d like, so research beforehand to make the most out of the time you have.
For example, if you’re planning a trip to London and want to go to Stonehenge, it’s worth noting that it’s a four-hour drive there and back. That’s going to be a day trip and is a hefty chunk of time, so plan for it.
It’s already bad when you’re home, and while traveling the question of “what should we eat” only gets worse. You can rely on your concierge, or you can be proactive and plan ahead. Researching the best eats and treats in your area not only eliminates the hangry bickering of deciding where to eat, but it also ensures you have the energy for the rest of your day.
5. Keeping Valuables and Documents Secure
Keeping your valuables and documents secure is crucial when traveling internationally. Here are some tips to ensure their safety. Firstly, consider using a secure money belt or hidden pouch to carry your passport, cash, and important documents close to your body.
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics that may attract unwanted attention. Utilize hotel safes or lockers to store valuables when not in use. Make digital copies of important documents and store them securely in the cloud or email them to yourself.
Use a reliable combination lock or travel lock for your luggage. Finally, remain vigilant in crowded places and be cautious of pickpockets. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind knowing that your valuables and documents are well-protected.
Source: travelexperta.com
Make Sure To Have Fun
While there are a million ways to prepare and plan your trip, some things are bound to happen and are unavoidable. Maybe you’ll miss a train and get stranded for a few hours between your two destinations. Perhaps a thunderstorm rolls in and ruins your chance for a sunset pic. Maybe something else entirely occurs, but no matter what, it’s vital you keep your eyes on the prize: lasting memories.
Trips aren’t meant to be perfect, and the important thing is to come back with a memorable story to tell. Whether it’s a solo trip, a honeymoon, or a large family vacation, the memories you make along the way are far more valuable than anything else. So don’t stress if everything doesn’t go according to plan.
