As much as it may seem daunting, preparing for your first international travel experience doesn’t need to be stressful and enjoyable! Simply follow these simple travel tips for a smooth and worry-free adventure!
Do your research before visiting any destinations and check the Centers for Disease Control website to see if any precautions should be taken with food and water, and register your itinerary with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
1. Learn the Language
If your travels will not put you among native speakers, making an effort to learn some of their language before departing can help make you more at ease and help ensure a more rewarding trip. Knowing something of what’s being spoken around you will allow you to read signage, order food and understand conversations more easily as well as feel like part of a community.
How Can I Learn a Foreign Language? There are various approaches you can take when learning a new language, but try concentrating on vocabulary rather than grammar or spelling. Research phrases and words you might encounter while traveling such as greetings, polite phrases and basic numbers – use apps or websites that teach these terms, post flash cards featuring them or create a list so you can refer back whenever necessary.
Practice speaking the new language aloud before a mirror in order to become comfortable hearing yourself speak it, which can alleviate some of the awkwardness people often feel when trying out a foreign tongue.
2. Prepare for the Weather
Weather changes can add an exciting edge to travel abroad, yet can also pose potential threats. To make their experience safe and comfortable, travelers should plan ahead for what conditions may arise in their destination.
Knowing the average temperature, humidity and rainy season of your destination will enable you to pack appropriately for your journey. This information can help ensure you bring along necessary clothing and gear.
Travelers enjoy exploring various countries at different seasons for festivals, food, and events that occur locally – for instance while we experience winter here in America, Australia is enjoying their summer!
Be sure to pack an SPF 30 sunscreen. Variations in climate can cause sun damage, making it essential to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. Insect repellent may also come in handy as bugs may transmit diseases such as Zika, dengue fever, chikungunya or Lyme; and bring any prescription medicines you need as getting these abroad may be difficult or expensive. It is wise to ask your doctor to renew any necessary vaccinations prior to traveling; also copy your passport for easy boarding / landing!
3. Prepare for the Culture
While traveling overseas, it’s essential that you become acquainted with the culture you will encounter. You can do this by conducting online research or talking to former travelers who have visited that destination. Being aware of social norms, language/slang and food can make transition easier.
As part of your cultural awareness, be mindful of any holidays that might occur while you’re there; this demonstrates respect and sensitivity towards local populations. Furthermore, some cultural practices such as religious beliefs or dating and public displays of affection might seem foreign; it’s important to remember that differences should be welcomed rather than judged.
By traveling responsibly, we hope that our efforts can have a positive effect on the destinations that you visit and contribute to their sustainability as well as supporting local businesses that may help strengthen economies in local communities. All this will create meaningful experiences for everyone! This type of responsible travel is what we advocate.
4. Pack Comfortably
Many new travelers make the mistake of packing too much, leaving their suitcases overweight and wasting valuable space. To prevent this error from happening to you on your study abroad trip, aim to pack as light as possible while still packing everything that will be necessary for an excellent journey abroad experience.
Pack clothes that can serve multiple functions; for instance, a dress can serve both formal and casual events; lightweight layers are great for climate and activity sensitivity and save space in your bag.
Finally, it’s essential to bring along a reusable water bottle and portable filter, along with an emergency supply of bottled water just in case any areas don’t provide clean drinking water. Also make sure your passport has plenty of time until its expiration, along with any necessary visas or entry permits based on the destination country.
Other useful items for travelers include a small daypack for day trips and collapsible daypack for hiking, volunteering or exploring on foot. Also don’t forget earplugs in case noisy hostels or hotels make life too noisy!
5. Stay Safe
Traveling overseas for either business or pleasure requires you to be mindful of safety at all times, from exciting yet nerve-wracking work trips, to leisure vacations of a lifetime. By following some simple tips you can ensure a worry-free journey!
As soon as you decide upon your destination, be sure to conduct extensive research on it. This will allow you to find the ideal neighborhoods and modes of transport; additionally, this will enable you to understand its culture as well as any cultural sensitivities involved with your itinerary.
As part of your travel preparations, it is also a wise idea to inform friends and family of your travel plans, including contact information and itinerary details. That way if anything goes awry on your journey, someone will know where you are located and how they can reach out for assistance.
Before departing on your journey, visit your health care provider and arrange for vaccinations and medicines specific to your destination. In addition, bring an emergency kit containing prescription and nonprescription medication as needed throughout your trip duration; first aid kits; insect repellent and sun protection measures should all be packed separately in separate compartments in your luggage.