Traveling is a dream in itself. But requires a process to go through in order to achieve it. Traveling abroad can make people feel overwhelmed from food to accommodations alongside destination shocks like differing charging ports. That is why, Vacation Mode, a local travel website asked experienced travelers abroad for tips they could give to first-time travelers and there is more to it than one can know. Below are the tips for traveling abroad that one should know:
10 Booking Ahead Of Time
Planning ahead of time, especially for first-time traveling abroad is most advisable according to experienced travelers. Given the different environments, booking from transportation and accommodation to the activities to do and places to visit might be less of a hassle once done as early as possible. Planning ahead of time provides more time to relax than worry about where to go next. Moreover, booking flights and accommodations ahead of time costs cheaper and choices are unlimited for the best experience.
9 Learn About The Country Destinations Culture
Cultures vary from one country to another, so it is important to research and ask as different behaviors are acceptable, unacceptable and better avoided while in different countries. One will leave a good impression on locals as they feel like you care enough to understand them alongside making the process of asking for help and making friends easier.
8 Prepare Copies Of Important Documents
Passports, tickets, and medical records are important but as well as copies of them. This is because there could be unfortunate events such as losing them or being robbed can ruin your trip and personal security. Hence, bringing copies could save travelers from being stuck in a country as they are not able to fly back home.
7 Get Your Phone Unlocked
Phone services are some of the top concerns of any traveler. Experienced travelers advised first-time travelers to get phones unlocked to access any form of sim card networks wherever and whenever. Unlocked phones can be used anywhere around the world, unlike locked ones where they are only designed for specific sim cards. Having one’s own phone services during a trip is important to navigate and communicate with others in case of an emergency.
6 Pack Clothes According To The Weather
Packing is a tedious business, especially for those who have their entire outfit planned. However, as any planning requires, travelers should continue the weather and pack accordingly. . If the country is in the tropics, it is better to pack light and breathable clothes. Aside from that, unpleasant weather could happen anytime, hence, it is important to come prepared like packing a raincoat, jacket, multi-purpose shoes, hats and sunscreen.
5 Pack Anti-Pickpocketer Essentials
Pickpocketing can be an issue, especially when visiting crowded places. According to GRRRL Traveler, anti-pickpocketing essentials are backpacks, clothes with hidden pockets, money belts, wrist wallets, and more. They also noted tips such as disguising valuables or creatively hiding cash to avoid catching the attention of thieves. Also, keeping separate cash and card could save a first-time traveler if the instance ever happens.
4 Pack Portable Battery And Right Plug
Traveling abroad would mean not being able to have access to electric sockets all the time which could leave batteries running low. Hence, packing a portable battery can prevent a dying phone while one is on the go. According to Two Birds Breaking Free, battery milliamps hours that range from 5000 to 22000 mAh is the best power bank for traveling. Moreover, electric sockets could differ from country to country, hence, packing the right kind of plug or buying a universal one would be wise to help keep the technologies on the go.
3 Bring Twice The Cash Needed
Before heading to the flights, it is important to head to the nearest currency exchange window to get cash. With proper research, travelers may find many countries that accept cards for payment but bringing cash can still be useful for local shops that do not allow electronic payments. Experienced travelers also advise to bring double the money needed in case of emergencies during travel.
2 Travel Like A Local
There is nothing like experiencing a country like a typical local. Eating in local pubs instead of fancy restaurants and commuting through trains and buses rather than taxis or private bookings are the best way to immerse in one’s destination. There are more benefits if travelers consider how locals typically get around the destination country. The number one benefit is any traveler could save money alongside problem solving as they are being frugal to optimize their money-experience ratio.
1 Always Be Courteous!
As strangers to the country of destination, the locals serve as the guides for navigation, so being able to say thank you in the native language is seen as a nice gesture. Learning to say a few phrases ranging from ‘hello’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ are simple acts of courtesy for the help they provide.