It can be daunting to embark on your first international or domestic trip. From transportation to accommodations, to health and security, there is a lot to consider. Remember to check international travel restrictions as well.
Researching ahead of time, and knowing some travel tricks and tips can make you feel confident and prepared as you embark on your trip. You’ll find some of our top travel tips for new travelers below.
Ten Travel Tips for Beginners
Travel tips for newbies:
- Make sure you plan every aspect of your first evening, even if it’s a spontaneous adventure. We’re sure of this. You will be tired from the travel day and it is good to know the area before you venture out.
- You should also make copies of your passport, driver’s licence, vaccination certificate (if applicable), and any other important documents. Scanning them into the cloud will make it accessible from anywhere.
- Purchase all of your essentials at home.
- Notify your financial institution and credit card companies that you are traveling. Doing so will prevent your bank from cancelling your card after an unexpected purchase is made far away. Ask about fees and charges incurred overseas when traveling.
- If you need international service, call your phone provider to add it to your plan. You might also consider buying a SIM card from the country that you are visiting.
- You want to work while you’re away? Add an international data plan along with your regular service to get a travel WiFi hotspot.
- Take a travel diary. Record the places you go to so you can keep the memories.
- Choose clothes that are versatile. Darker colours can be worn day or night. Keep a spare set of clothes and any other essentials in your carry-on bag, just in case your luggage gets lost or stolen. More packing tips can be found here.
- Bring along a phrasebook even if you speak the language of the country that you are visiting. This is also helpful if the translation app you use is not accessible. Check out these travel tips if you don’t speak the language.
- Smiling! You are very excited to go on your first trip!
Short Travel Tips
These quick travel tips are perfect for anyone who is going on a short trip for the weekend or for a single night:
- Make a list before you go of the things you’d like to do. This will save you time once you arrive.
- Don’t pack too much. Try to pack clothes that are versatile and your most spacious shoes. You can also save space by using travel-size products.
- Driving by car? Bring along some games that everyone can enjoy to make the trip as fun as the destination.
- Select your accommodation wisely. Why not spend a little more on a hotel or inn that you will love?
- If you don’t have to travel far, take the scenic route.
Domestic Travel Safety Tips
Don’t forget to check out our tips on domestic travel safety for your short trip:
- Avoid carrying or wearing any valuables you don’t need. This could make you an easy target for pickpockets. Place your bag or backpack on your lap instead of at your side when you sit down.
- Make sure to research your accommodation and make sure it’s in a safe area of the city. You can read reviews on other travelers’ websites, such as TripAdvisor.com, or ask the concierge at your hotel for advice.
- Keep yourself safe by sharing your itinerary with someone at home, especially if traveling alone. Consider scheduling daily check-ins, and sharing your location via your smartphone with trusted family or friends.
- If applicable, follow all COVID restrictions at your destination.
- Do not travel if you feel unwell or if COVID has recently been diagnosed.
Travel Tips for International Travel
Planning your first trip abroad? It’s normal to be a little anxious, along with all the excitement. You can prepare yourself for your first long-haul trip with these international travel tips:
- Arrive 3 hours before your flight for international flights. It may seem excessive, but the 3 hour check-in time is necessary because of immigration checks and increased security when traveling internationally. International flights are usually on larger planes which have more passengers and longer lines.
- You can download movies or shows before you travel. Wi-Fi is available on many international flights, but the cost can be high. We recommend that you download any books, shows or movies to your tablet or smartphone before the flight.
- Bring a portable charger. You may not be able to find a plug in an airport that is crowded, and certain planes do not have a charging port.
- Plan your route to your accommodation once you arrive. Don’t try to figure out transportation on your very first night abroad.
- Don’t overload. Select a suitcase you can easily move around, such as a backpack or rolling suitcase. It can be annoying to drag a bunch duffel bags, especially if you are experiencing jet lag.
- Register at the U.S. Embassy closest to your destination with the program . You can use this resource to receive alerts or to allow the embassy to reach you in an emergency.
- Travel insurance is a must. If your trip is disrupted or canceled, consider trip cancellation insurance. If you don’t require trip cancellation insurance but want to cover unexpected travel and medical expenses, consider travel health insurance.
- Get moving and get some exercise as soon as you arrive. Learn to minimize and prevent jet lag.
- Check the requirements and restrictions for your destination up until the date of departure. These requirements and restrictions are known to change.
Safe Travel Tips COVID-19
Follow these COVID-19 travel safety tips to reduce your risk of contracting COVID and spreading it.
- Staying up-to-date on the latest travel restrictions and entry requirements is one of the most valuable international travel tips. Utilize this These can be subject to frequent change.
- Don’t forget about the local and county levels when looking up travel restrictions. Many jurisdictions have their own restrictions and requirements. See COVID restrictions for each state here.
- Do not skip the necessary precautions when traveling abroad or at home. It is important to get vaccinations and boosters before traveling, maintain a 6 foot (or 2 meter) distance between yourself and others, avoid contact with sick people, quarantine if you have been exposed to COVID-19, or feel ill, and wear a mask when in public places.
Travel Tips for Packing
The decision of what to bring is one of the most stressful aspects of traveling. You will be surprised to see how effective simple travel hacks and travel tips can be!
- It is important to have versatile clothes. Separates in neutral colors are an easy way to update your wardrobe while also reducing packing.
- Roll up your clothes in order to maximize the space you have in your suitcase.
- You’ll need to know the current weather conditions in your destination. Is it rainy season in your destination? Does the area have a reputation for windy weather conditions? You will need to bring a lot of sunscreen, bug repellant, a sunhat and loose clothing. You can better prepare yourself if you are more informed about your destination.
- Layer your clothes and wear comfortable shoes to explore. Use your largest shoes when you travel, and don’t forget to pack the insides of all packed shoes.
- If you are packing items other than clothing, like toiletries, jewelry or medications, it is best to use a separate travel bag. You can also pack these items in smaller packing boxes to save space.
- Avoid over-packing your luggage. You may be charged a fee for exceeding the weight limit set by an airline. Plus, it will be difficult to carry around.
- Consider buying toiletries on your trip rather than packing them.
- Remember to adhere to the 3-2-1 rule when packing liquids, aerosols and gels into your carry-on baggage. You can pack up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml), or smaller, in a quart-sized clear resealable plastic bag. Per passenger, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag, and a personal item. Per passenger, one carry-on bag and one personal item (i.e. purse, backpack, etc.) is allowed.
- Consider shipping bulky items like sporting equipment or instruments in advance so that you won’t need to worry about transporting them.
Student Travel Tips
Are you getting ready to go abroad for your semester? Are you planning to spend your gap-year backpacking? Budget-friendly travel tips are always useful, no matter where you go or what type of trip you take!
Take some time to look into summer or semester programs abroad if you are wondering how to travel while a student. Here are the 15 best study abroad programs.
Are you interested in finding out how to travel free of charge as a student. The 9 countries listed below allow Americans to study overseas for free, or at a fraction the cost of most other study abroad programs. Consider joining a course or summer program that offers scholarships and grants.
You can save money by getting a paid internship abroad or a paid summer job on campus. Start a travel blog for students to earn some extra money.
When you are traveling as a college student, hostels can be a great place to stay. Some hostels offer help with cooking, cleaning, or maintenance during your stay. You might be surprised by the number of resources available for student travellers.
Unique Travel Tips To Help You Better Prepare
You’re almost ready to leave on your trip. Review these travel tips before you leave. It’s important to remember that it is the travel tips you choose that will help you enjoy a rewarding and immersive experience.
Travel Tips to Make Your Trip Unique
- Listen to podcasts relevant to your trip before you depart.
- You can find great information in tour guidebooks, but why not read some historical fiction? Or biographies about key people from the country you are about to visit.
- Join a group on social media that focuses on the country you are visiting. You can get a first-hand look at what it is like to live or visit the area.
- Plan a few walking tours. You can learn a lot about your destination by walking around the town or city.
- Consider taking a culturally immersive class, such as a cooking course. Take the time to learn more about a culture.
It’s time to start getting excited about your first trip! You don’t need to worry about packing everything you will need. Once you reach your destination, you can pick up any items you forgot. It’s now time to prepare for your adventure!