It is quite common to make a few mistakes while traveling abroad. But there are times when these mistakes can ruin your entire trip and will be a total waste of your money and time. Here are a few important international travel tips that will help you to avoid such mistakes.
Top 11 International Travel Tips
1. Add several countries to your Itinerary- It is one of the significant international travel tips one must keep in mind. When you start to plan an international trip, it is better to stick to one or a maximum of two countries at a time. Although you might be excited to add new places and click Instagram-worthy pictures- mainly after staying at home for so long- you will be able to unwind without thinking anything about extra transits, testing requirements, and special guidelines which keep on changing now and then. Here is your opportunity to take your time to understand a place and enjoy the art of slow travel.
2. Selecting your destination too fast- Another important one in the list of international travel tips is to select a place without hurrying and after doing thorough research. Now after you have reduced your trip to one or two places, have you done proper research?
Before you decide to go on an international trip, it is significant to check with your government and state department site for the latest updates on safety and security, travel bans, and entry requirements to specific countries.
We, as travelers have been granted enough time to think about making sensible decisions that create a positive impact. For example, you can consider traveling to countries that were severely affected by the current situation, mainly where travel and tourism make more than 10% of their GDP, like Croatia, Fiji, and Spain.
3. Packing extra things- Always carry those things that you need. Yes, it is one of those international travel tips that most of us ignore. You can always buy the rest of the things at your destination. Once you are done with packing, review everything that you have packed and try to reduce things, if possible.
4. Trusting the directions, you receive from the locals- Cast a wide net of directions. While asking for directions, do not rely on just one person. Ask multiple people the direction to the same location. If the person seems confused or starts searching for an answer, just accept their assistance kindly and look for extra help at the next street.
5. Relying on Guidebooks- Guidebooks are meant to inform you about travel, not to explain them. A list of international travel tips is incomplete without mentioning about guidebooks. Keep a safe distance from the guidebook and try to communicate with other people and travelers at the destination. Explore and take initiative. There are many things that you can explore yourself which are not mentioned in a guidebook.
6. Forgetting about the budget and running out of cash- You must consider your budget to experience the place more artistically and authentically, rather than a restriction. Build a sensible budget that you can follow and have some breathing space for unexpected expenditures. If you are traveling for many days, then it is better to plan weekly transfers from your savings to the cheque, so that you know how much you can spend.
7. Waiting to fill the Paperwork yourself- Nobody likes paperwork, and you will have to do a lot of paperwork while going on an international trip. Sometimes, you might have to fill several forms to get an entry into one country. One of the smartest ways to handle this is always to take a printout and fill them in advance.
A good rule of thumb is to make 3 copies and fill all the sets. This may sound like over the counter, but there were a few situations in which you might have to show your original documents. So, make sure you carry them along with you. Protocols for countries and airports may vary, so you should be always prepared for everything and anything, including prospective visits to the immigration office for asking more questions.
One of the most important international trips is to always carry a pen with you. Even if you have filled the forms in advance, it is better to carry a pen. Some entry restrictions are undergoing so many changes that a country can change its travel forms in a moment. You might be ready with the filled forms, but what if at the airport you are asked to fill one more form? If you do not carry a pen with you, then first, you must look for a pen and then start filling the form. Thus, resulting in time wastage.
On the contrary, you might come across an agent who does not have enough time to even look at your papers. Every point will be unique and nerve-racking till you are safe in the free zone and moved to claim your luggage.
8. Carrying important valuables- If you are carrying any expensive thing like jewelry, a camera, or any other expensive items, then be careful. These things may attract pickpockets. Even if theft is not an issue where you are heading, it is quite common to lose things while traveling, so it is better to leave irreplaceable items, if any, at your home.
If you carry valuables, pack them mindfully. Carry a jacket that comes with zip pockets or carry a bum bag in which you can keep your credit cards and money. Remove all the items from your purse or wallet ahead of traveling, like work passes or loyalty cards. Extra cards will make your wallet appear thicker, which could grab the attention of thieves. Never leave any of your items unattended or else you might not be covered under Travel Care Policy if your items get stolen.
9. Eating close to popular tourist attractions- Commonly, the restaurants and cafes that are near to popular tourist places are going to be costlier than somewhere far. You are probably to find a better selection of cheap and better-quality food joints if you go to places where the locals visit to eat.
Do a bit of pre-research about your destination before you start traveling. If you book your accommodation through travel sites, then you will find that the website generally includes a list of “best things to do” “popular places to eat”, “major attractions” etc. This local update is invaluable, offering you an improved taste for the culture and more enhancing experiences, rather than following the similar ragged route of other travelers.
10. Not carrying your visa- This is one of the major international travel tips that everyone must remember at any cost. A small mistake in your visa, and your well-planned holiday could be ruined before it even started! If you are planning to go to a destination that needs a visa for entry, double-check every single piece of information mentioned on the visa, including the name of your spelling, the entry date, and your address.
11. Forgetting to inform the bank about your trip- Most of the banks these days have an automated fraud-protection system. Just imagine, you swipe your card in Bangkok, but the bank expects you to be in New Zealand. In such a case, your card could be flagged and put under hold. Luckily, it is quite simple to avoid this annoying situation. Just call your bank and your credit card organization before you start traveling and inform them when you will start the trip.
Next time when you plan a trip to any foreign country, make sure you follow these international travel tips. Do share your experience with us in the comment section.