PRO TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIME INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS:
Is this your first time travelling abroad? Taking the plunge on your very first international trip can be both exciting and intimidating. As you gear up to step out of your comfort zone and explore unknown territories far away from the warmth of your home, taste new cuisines and experience new cultures, a few silly mistakes can play a spoilsport in your first international trip. Don’t let them dampen your spirit, just pack your bags and keep in mind a few tips before starting out on your 1st international trip!
Scan your passport and other important documents:
You always hope that your trip to a foreign country goes absolutely hassle-free but sometimes things go unplanned. It is for times like these that you must be well prepared. If your passport gets lost or stolen while you are vacationing, you would want to be sure that you can still make it back to your country or at least be able to prove your citizenship. Hence, it is absolutely important to make a copy of your passport-both on paper for backup and an electronic copy on Google drive or cloud for extra backup. Be sure to mail a copy to a family member or friend you trust. That way even if things take a wrong turn, you would know how to find your way back.
Travelers insurance is a must:
You don’t realize the importance of travel insurance until accident comes knocking on your door. Accidents and mishaps can happen anywhere so invest in a travel plan that has you covered while you are travelling.
Carry local money:
Not every country supports cashless transactions on all levels, so make sure you convert cash into the local currency of the country you are travelling to. Even if you are carrying credit and debit cards, always keep a few stashes of money in hand. Most public transports and local markets prefer cash over a card. You wouldn’t want to miss a bus or buy a souvenir from a local market because of lack of cash.
Separate your cash:
The golden rule of keeping your cash safe is by the applying the divide and conquer strategy. Never ever keep all your credit cards and travel cash in one place. Keep some in your purse and some in a pouch in your luggage or another travel bag where you think it will be safe. Additionally, keep some of your credit cards in a separate section of your wallet and others in your luggage. That way even if you are subject to any travel catastrophe, you will have some cash to help you sail through.
Stay Healthy:
Check and ensure that you are carrying all prescription medicines with you at all times. Upon arrival, spot the nearest medical facility and pharmacy shop, and save the phone numbers immediately.
Store Embassy’s Contact Information:
Before you start your trip, it is best to save your embassy’s contact information as well as other relevant emergency numbers which you can contact in an emergency situation.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a fantastic first international trip! And, don’t forget what Michael Palin had said, “Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life”.
Happy Traveling!