Travel is the best experience you can treat yourself to. In the early days of youth, travel is perhaps done the best and in the easiest way. Of course, age is just a number but on a practical note, the sooner you make exploration plans the better because of the fewer frills attached with youth.
In case you have finally made your mind up to take that first international trip, you need a handy guide that helps you with valuable tips instead of simply offering hacks to save on accommodation such as Atlanta apartments or pack baggage right!
Finances And Spends
Get an overall estimate of how much you would like to spend on the trip. Segregate your expense headers under accommodations, travelling around, shopping, food and miscellaneous. Research online forums and groups to gain a fair idea of what the real picture on expenses is! Book everything in advance. You need not book three months ahead but do book slightly earlier! This saves you the hassle of extra expenses on last minute bookings while also helping you save those bucks as an early bird.
Do Not Underestimate Jet Lag
Most commonly, jet lag causes more issues than you realize. The thumb rule is that your body needs a week to adjust for every eight time zones it leaps over. You can frame an idea of how bad or good your jet lag is set to be going by this rule. The idea is to stay hydrated but relax well. Accept that jet lag is a reality but also avoid those initial naps your body might be crying for! Work in tune with caffeine. Make sure you walk around and explore locally in the first couple of days. Leave extensive plans or adventure tours for the latter half.
Documentation Details
Your passport is a must have. However, while as an international traveller you need to use your passport number even for hotel bookings and online check ins, you need to ensure that your original passport is kept secure. You need to keep ample paper copies handy as well as ensure digital copies too! Do ensure you have all the visa formalities done up. This applies especially when you have a visa on arrival policy applicable.
Banking Alerts
Talk to your bank about activating international transactions and swiping on your credit card. Your debit card night have an automated activation but clarifying this with your bank upfront is a better idea. Keep minimal loose cash on you and the right cards handy.
Travel Insurance
You do not want to land up in the hospital with a huge wad of bills to pay for, from your pocket when abroad. Check for the relevant travel insurance plan that covers everything from your baggage loss to medical expenditure that you might incur suddenly when on a trip.
Embassy Concerns
There are ways to be part of embassy programs that allow you to register your presence in a country abroad. This will help when there is a political or natural crisis at play. Your embassy will be able to track you quicker and you will be safe sooner than you know!
Summing Up
Keep an itinerary planned but stay flexible.Go on the trip and then decide how you want your schedule to pan out. Planning something sitting elsewhere and planning while being at the relevant destination are two vastly different things.
Plan your trip right, keeping the technicalities in mind! Keep an open mind. Do not forget to let your hair down and have fun exploring the local food, culture and lifestyle without any boundaries. Happy journey!
