International travel is always exciting, but if you’re a travel newbie, it can be hard to know how to plan for an international trip. Don’t panic — we’ve got you covered!
It can be tough to look forward to the destination when there is so much planning that goes into getting there. If you miss a detail you risk landing during monsoon season with a lost passport, broke, hungry, and exhausted. (Not to catastrophize…)
But don’t feel overwhelmed yet! We’ve made all the rookie travel mistakes so you don’t have to. Here are a few helpful tips to get you started, so you know how to plan for an international trip like a pro.
Pick a destination
Let’s start at the very beginning. The first thing you need to consider is where you want to go, so you know how to plan for an international trip in the specific country or region you’re visiting.
Before you spin the globe and leave it to chance, think about your reasons for wanting to travel.
If you’re hoping for some sunny beach time, make sure you’re not travelling during a country’s rainy season, or when it tends to be colder in that region. Looking for culture? Pay attention to when the best festivals will be taking place so you can incorporate the celebrations into your itinerary with intention.
It is also wise to consider factors like safety and ease of transportation, especially for solo travel.
Check your passport
It’s easier than you think to forget your passport’s expiration date — especially if you have a 10 or 20 year passport in your drawer. The date for renewal might not be on your radar at all.
Considering the turnaround time for photos and processing a new passport application, it would be a shame to not have enough time to get your necessary identification before your international trip.
While you’re at it, take some time to research the visa requirements of your destination country. Short trips are less likely to require a visa, but if you have plans to spend an entire summer living abroad, you’ll need to know any restrictions you might have on the length of your stay.
Figure out flights and accommodations
Weigh your options based on your budget but also on what will help you make the most of your adventure. Take advantage of Google Flights or tools like Hopper to keep tabs on prices before you book. When it comes to lodging, think outside the box. Try hostels, academic campuses, or boutique hotels for something unique.
Stay flexible! Opt for cancellation policies that allow for refunds. You never know when plans might change.
Have a loose itinerary
The key is to plan enough to keep you from wandering too far from the types of experiences you were hoping for. Have a sense of where you might find food when needed and keep tabs of a general vicinity. You don’t want to miss out on that must-see vista because you were 30 blocks away hunting for coffee.
Take care not to be too militant though. The magic of international travel tends to happen during the unplanned moments.
Learn the basics
Be a gracious traveller and know the etiquette when it comes to behaviour, dress codes, and money. Having a sense of expectations will help you be respectful of local customs, but will also protect you against scams so that you’re not taken advantage of by a “helpful” local.
Call your bank before travelling
Before embarking on your trip, give your bank a heads up that you’ll be travelling so they know not to freeze your accounts. It’s also a good idea to carry money in the local currency for incidentals.
It is also wise to consider seemingly small expenses that can add up over the course of your trip. Look for smart ways to save money, such as eliminating roaming fees with by using an eSIM, or using city passes or travel cards to get around.
Pack appropriately
Packing light tends to allow for more flexibility, but be sure you bring what you need. Research the weather in the country or region you’ll be travelling to.
Keep smart with versatile clothes, comfortable shoes, chargers, plug adapters, and copies of any important documentation.
Just go!
You can plan and plan and plan, but at some point it’s time to take the leap. Planning for an international trip is far less daunting when you follow these simple tips.
Now lean into the chaos and have fun!
