Vacations are always fun and exciting. You get to explore a different place and meet interesting strangers along the way. If your upcoming vacation is international you get to be exposed to a different way of living, hear different sounds, and meet people from different culture. A trip abroad is like breathing a different kind of air; a certain kind of rush only people who use their passports will understand.
Though it is easy to see international travelling as all fun and games, don’t be mistaken, as it poses greater risks than domestic trips. Not only are you in the middle of a mysterious country, but you are likely to be living amongst different individuals, with a hard to decipher language.
Apart from the possible language barrier, you can also meet issues with food, water, safety, and finance. In a sense, you have become a naïve stranger; perfect for the bad people to take advantage of. To keep your first trip abroad a wonderful and worthwhile experience here are some expert tips for you to take note of.
Practice Punctuality
Just like how we should respect other people’s time, and expect them to respect ours, punctuality is very important in travelling especially, if you will be using different modes of transportation. Allotting adequate time for your activity can save you money, and prevent you from going through stressful situations.
Practice putting leeway in all your activities to make sure you enjoy them to the fullest. I suggest you make it a habit to wake up early; morning commutes are usually less stressful and tourist attractions are less crowded, meaning you get to enjoy your time around these places.
In addition, being punctual will prevent you from missing a flight, which is both a hassle, and an extremely frustrating experience no one wants to endure. Trust me: I’ve been there. Expert travelers know that you should arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before your flight departure time. This time buffer will save you from burning precious time in sudden traffic jams, and in the long run, from finding your intended gate and terminal.
Organize Your Travel Funds
Travelling internationally means spending money, more than what you spend in your domestic escapades. There are many more associated fees than what you’re probably used to, and a different country means different currency; that requires you to make important decisions on whether to make monetary conversion at home, in the airport, or in your travel destination. Do your own research, and check where and when is the best time to exchange your money for the local currency.
Call your bank and inform them about your trip. Keeping your bank updated with your international travel will allow you to have a seamless banking experience using your debit and credit card. If you failed to inform your bank and used your card for transaction abroad, there is a tendency for it to be rejected, and your account to be put on lock down, if you have an unexpected, foreign transaction. For an uninformed bank, this kind of transaction is questionable, so make sure you let them know.
Plan Your Security
As I have said earlier, international travelling exposes you to greater risk of problematic situations. In case such things happen, you can mitigate this kind of situation when you are covered with travel insurance. Travel insurance can help you in any tense, difficult, and challenging circumstances, from flight delays, lost baggage, weather related disruptions, accidents and even health-related incidents.
For example, if you are delayed in America, the government cannot help you solve your problem, unlike their European counterparts that offer legal protection. There is no strong U.S. regulation that can help you demand compensation, or any other form of reimbursement, when your flight is delayed or cancelled, unless your trip is already insured.
Do A Lot Of Research
Failure to do necessary research before travelling abroad is like trying to cook a new dish without a recipe. Doing research not only sets your expectations; it also prepares you for any inconveniences you may experience. Additionally, it will allow you to make a well-defined itinerary, and personalize your activities. Doing research may also present you with surprising local events, festivals, fiestas and occasions.
But don’t dwell too much on the information available on the internet. Speak with natives of the country you’re planning to visit, or at least friends or family who’ve been before, and ask them for personal insights and interesting sights in the local area. They know the place, and will give you valuable recommendations.
