Checklist for First-Time International Travellers: What to Do Before You Go Overseas
No matter how much you’ve travelled in your home country, taking your first trip overseas can be daunting.
It’s easy to forget seemingly small details in the planning and packing process that can have not-so-small consequences when it comes to actually jetting off.
Not to worry, by following this simple checklist, you can ensure that your first international journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Prepare your travel documents
Before you book any flights, make sure that your passport is up to date. It’s even recommended that your passport has at least six months left before its expiry. Some countries do not allow entry to travellers with less than six months’ validity left on their passport from the day they leave their destination to return home. If your passport is anywhere near this six month mark, then don’t delay — allow yourself plenty of time to renew your passport, as this can sometimes be a lengthy process.
Next, check if your destination has any visa requirements. If you have an Australian passport then you’re in luck, as you can travel to 189 locations without a prior visa. This means that these destinations either don’t require a visa or that you can obtain one upon arrival. However, don’t let this news let you get complacent — failing to get a required visa can result in your destination denying you entry. Research this thoroughly before your departure.
Research your destination/s
Once you’ve decided where you want to go, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to get there, and get around. Many cities offer convenient ways to get around through public transport. As you prepare for your holiday, familiarise yourself with the popular modes of transport at your location of choice. What is the closest stop or station to your accommodation? Will you need to buy a transport card? How often do buses and trains run? While Japan has an efficient network of trains, places like Scotland might require you to look into car rental companies in Edinburgh or its other cities. Renting a car to access remote locations such as the beautiful, sprawling Scottish Highlands can save you many scheduling headaches while also allowing you to explore the country at your own pace.
To make the most out of your first overseas experience, consider also conducting in-depth research into your destination. For example, what is the currency in use at your destination? You might want to also research the availability of ATMs and card payments, as some countries primarily deal in cash. Use this research period to also look into the unmissable attractions at your destination and create an itinerary of the places that most interest you.
Book everything in advance
While some travellers revel in the freedom of being able to change their itinerary at a moment’s notice, first-time international travellers will benefit from making as many bookings in advance as possible. The last thing you want on a trip you’ve been waiting years for is to get there and find you can’t do everything on your list. Booking refundable accommodation is also an effective strategy when you’re not sure where your journey will take you. If you have any last-minute changes to your itinerary, you can simply alter your reservation to suit your needs.
Travelling in peak periods is all the more reason to make sure that you’ve secured your accommodation and even some attractions to avoid disappointment. Rather than wait hours in line to purchase a ticket to popular attractions like the Vatican Museums or the London Eye, purchase your ticket ahead of time so that your energy can be saved for exploring instead of standing in seemingly never-ending queues.
Pack appropriately
We all know someone who has been charged an extra fee by an airline for having luggage over the allocated weight limit —don’t let this be you! Be ruthless with yourself about the things you will actually use on your travels. If you’re headed to Mykonos in the summer, then you probably don’t need that heavy jacket taking up precious space in your suitcase. Likewise, be savvy and take only the amounts of toiletries you will actually use by putting your shampoo and conditioner into reusable travel containers. After all, the last thing you want is to not have enough space for souvenirs from your first trip overseas.
Planning your first international journey might initially seem overwhelming, however by preparing your documents, adequately researching your destination, making bookings in advance, and packing appropriately, you can set yourself up for a stress-free holiday. All that’s left is for you to enjoy your trip. Safe travels!
