Beginners Guide to International Travel

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Welcome to your beginner's guide to international travel!

Going on your first international adventure is an exhilarating yet somewhat nerve-wracking experience. Trust me, even as a frequent traveler, I still get those butterflies each time I enter an airport. The anticipation of TSA lines and airport queues can be daunting, but once you board that plane and arrive at your destination, it's like a new chapter unfolding before your eyes!

In this beginner's guide to international travel, I'm here to share some simple tips and tricks I've picked up along the way. My goal is to help make your first or first few international journeys a BREEZE.

Let’s get started!

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planning your trip

➜ Choose your dream destination

First things first, choose your dream destination!
Follow your heart and explore a place that truly speaks to your interests and preferences.

Here are some of my favorite resources to help you choose your destination:

PINTEREST
Pinterest is my go-to platform for building travel boards and trip planning. There are tons of unique and beautiful photos that will inspire you to go on your next adventure!

INSTAGRAM
Instagram is an amazing tool for discovering destinations through short, inspiring snippets. With countless globetrotters sharing their journeys, you can save posts to a dedicated folder and curate a list of destinations.

Check out my Must-Visit Global Destinations to grab inspiration!

➜ Check for travel advisories

Checking travel advisories is a must-do before you start booking your flight and packing your bags. Confirm if your dream destination has any travel warnings or alerts by visiting your government's website.

For United States travelers, check the Travel Advisories website — it can keep you informed and your plans on track.

➜ Prep your passport

Remember to check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining and enough empty pages for stamps.

If you need to renew your passport or get a new one, it's crucial to start the process early as the time and cost of obtaining a new passport can vary.

For United States citizens, visit Travel.State.Gov to renew, apply for a new passport, or report a lost or stolen passport.

➜ Visa & documentation — don't miss this step!

Now that you've picked your dream destination, it's important to check if you need any visa requirements and documentation.

• WHY IT MATTERS
  Understanding visa requirements is super important because it ensures you won't face any unexpected hurdles when entering your chosen country. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and discover that you lack the necessary visas.

• WHERE TO GET THE DETAILS
  To get the most up-to-date and accurate information, make sure to conduct thorough research on the visa requirements for your destination.

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research + prepare

When it comes to international travel, knowledge is your best ally, and the internet is your greatest tool. Before you go on your adventure, do a little research. Here's what you should focus on:

☁️ WEATHER
Find out what the weather will be like during your visit. This will help you pack appropriately and be prepared for any climate surprises!

🛌 ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORTATION
Research where you'll be staying and how you'll be getting around. Knowing your options in advance can save you time and stress.

🥟 CUISINE
Explore the local food scenes and make a list of dishes you can't wait to try. Food is an important part of travel, so don't miss out on the local flavors!

TRAVEL SMARTER, EAT SAFER
Food safety is an often overlooked, but also an important aspect when you’re traveling internationally. KeepFoodSafe.org offers essential guidance to help you make the best choices when trying out unfamiliar food options.
Read more on their Food Safety for Travelers Guide: here

🪷 LOCAL CUSTOMS & CULTURE
It's super important to understand the culture of your destination. Research the customs and traditions of your destination to ensure you respect local norms. For instance, when I traveled to Dubai, I made sure to research their dress code and cultural etiquette. This not only avoids any unintentional disrespect but also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture fully.

📜 CREATE YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST
To stay organized, create a list of places you want to explore, dine, and stay. Include names, addresses, opening hours, and estimated prices. This handy list will make planning your itinerary a breeze.

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budget + finance

Now that you've gathered information from your research, it's time to turn your dream into a financial plan. Budgeting for your international trip is not just important; it's crucial for a stress-free adventure.

➜ Why budgeting matters

Budgeting ensures you have a clear understanding of your expenses and financial goals. It helps answer essential questions:

• How much do you currently have saved?

• How much do you need for your trip?

• How long will it take to reach your savings goal?

➜ Plan for the unexpected

In addition to meeting your budgeting goal, consider setting aside some extra funds. This cushion gives you a peace of mind for unexpected expenses or emergencies that may happen during your trip.

With a well-planned budget in place, you'll have the financial confidence to fully enjoy your international adventure.

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book everything!

Congratulations! You just finished your homework ( or research hehe 🤓), and now it's time to make your international travel plans come true!

➜ Book your flight

To make sure you get the best deal, make sure to book your plane ticket to your dream destination well in advance. I suggest booking at least 3 to 6 months ahead, particularly during peak tourism seasons like winter and summer breaks.

Here are my top 3 favorite booking sites:

GOOGLE FLIGHTS
I love to use Google Flights to compare flight options and find the best deals.

WAYAWAY
WayAway searches the internet to find the best plane ticket options for you. Not only does WayAway have a super cute website design, but you can also earn cashback from booking flights!

KIWI.COM
I also like to book with Kiwi when I don’t find any good deals. Kiwi has offered me some of the cheapest flights between destinations.

➜ Book your accommodations

The first day you arrive at your destination is super important. Securing your accommodation before you fly allows you to enjoy a hassle-free start to your journey. There's no better feeling than going from the airport straight to your place of stay, especially when you can drop off all your luggage, and go leisurely explore afterward!

Here are some of my favorite booking websites for accommodations:

AGODA
I’ve compared other booking websites and noticed that Agoda literally gets me the best prices for stays out of all the booking places other than Booking.com. Not only that, their website is simple and easy to use.

BOOKING.COM
A super trusted platform that's been used and loved by all. Booking.com has a huge selection of places to stay such as hotels, hostels, and more.

➜ Book your transportation

After conducting your pre-trip research, you probably have an idea of how you'll be getting around at your destination.

If you decide to rent a car, here’s one of my favorite sites for car rentals:

DISCOVER CARS
I recommend this car rental provider because they compare their prices with other companies so you’ll know that you’re getting a good deal for your journey.

💡 TIP
If you decide to rent a car internationally, make sure to research if you need an international driver’s license before you book your car!

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packing + essentials

When it comes to packing for an international trip, less is often more.

Here's my golden rule: keep it minimal.

➜ Efficient
outfit planning

To save space and make the most of your wardrobe, create outfits that you can mix and match. Versatile clothing means fewer items to pack and less weight to carry around when you’re going from one destination to another.

Don’t be like me and make the mistake of packing the heaviest dress that took up half of my luggage space! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Remember, the lighter your luggage, the smoother your journey.

➜ The carry-on advantage

When you travel, consider using just a carry-on suitcase and a personal item, as most airlines allow this. By avoiding checking in your luggage, you not only save time but also keep your belongings within reach and worry-free about potential loss.

Here are some of my packing guides:

CARRY-ON PACKING ESSENTIAL
Here are the essential items you should have in your carry-on bag for a comfortable and stress-free flight

MINIMAL PACKING CHECKLIST
And for a minimalist approach to packing, you can download the Minimal Packing Checklist, which will guide you to ensure you have everything you need without overpacking.

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learn + explore

➜ Create your itinerary

An itinerary is like having a guideline for your adventures. It doesn't mean sticking rigidly to a schedule — instead, it's a tool to keep you on track and ensure you don't miss out on the must-see spots you've researched.

I used to be a "go with the flow" traveler, relying on local advice and spontaneity for adventures. While that can be fun, it often left me feeling scattered and missing out on hidden gems. That's where an itinerary comes in handy.

Think of it as your guide, not a strict schedule. It's there to help you navigate through the fantastic places you've discovered during your pre-trip research. But remember, travel is about flexibility too. If you decide to deviate from your itinerary and follow your instincts, go ahead! It's all part of the adventure.

Explore, learn, and make the most of your international journey.

➜ Embrace the culture

Embrace cultural immersion and the joy of discovery, whether you're traveling alone, with friends, family, or a partner. Exploring different cultures not only broadens your horizons but also helps you understand yourself better.

My first solo trip to France was both daunting and exhilarating. While I initially felt uncertain wandering through unfamiliar streets, visiting museums, and chapels, and dining at local restaurants on my own taught me so much. Solo travel made me more independent and allowed me to truly embrace another culture. It was an eye-opening experience that I recommend everyone try at least once in their lifetime.

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travel responsibly

It’s our responsibility to travel responsibly. By adopting eco-friendly practices and making conscious choices, we can have a positive impact on the destinations we visit.

Here are some simple steps to travel responsibly:

LEAVE NO TRACE
Always clean up after yourself and do not litter. Leave places you’ve explored the way you found them, preserving their beauty for future travelers. My tip is to bring a small bag so if you do not see a trash can nearby, you can throw your trash in the bag and dispose of it later.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. Refill it whenever possible, and you will not only save money but also help protect the environment.

ECO-FRIENDLY TOTE BAG
Pack a reusable tote bag in your luggage. It comes in handy for shopping at local markets or stores, reducing the need for plastic bags.

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check out my Culebra travel vlog!

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Last Updated: 07.30.2024