10 Essential Tips for International Travel Every Traveler Should Know

1. Research and Plan Ahead

When traveling to another country for the first time, one of the most important tips for traveling abroad is to take adequate time to research and plan. There are countless destinations you can discover, but not every region will pique your interest. Some travelers may prefer city tours that make stops at world-famous museums and attractions; others may prefer outdoor adventures with exciting activities like hiking or whitewater rafting.

As you consider where you want to explore, take time to think about what matters most to you. Do you prefer a warm or cold climate? Are you looking to immerse yourself in a country’s culture? Are you a history enthusiast or an outdoor explorer? Asking yourself these questions can help you narrow down your search.

With a few destinations in mind, continue your research by looking into local customs, laws and cultural norms. Doing so can help ensure you remain respectful to those who live there while also ensuring your safety.

After you’ve landed on your destination, whether Southeast Asia and Africa or a country in Europe, investigate your itinerary. At Road Scholar, our trips consist of educational itineraries led by local experts. All trips have different themes and activity levels to meet the interests of a wide range of travelers. Find an adventure today to see where in the world you might end up next.

2. Prepare Your Documents

One of the best tips for international travel is ensuring your travel documents are up to date. Make sure your passport is current and doesn’t expire during your trip or within six months of your return date. Additionally, make sure you understand visa requirements by using the U.S. Department of State’s visa lookup tool. With this tool, you can learn about entry requirements, restrictions, required vaccinations and other helpful information to ensure you can legally travel the country.

3. Make Health and Safety Preparations

For a smooth travel experience, one of the top tips for international travel is to consider your health and safety. Prior to travel, schedule a health checkup with your primary care doctor, especially for trips that may require more intense activity levels, such as hiking and biking. Additionally, research your destination’s vaccine requirements. For example, those exploring the Serengeti in Kenya will be required to receive a yellow fever vaccine. Also, make sure to pack a basic first aid kit with items like bandaids, ibuprofen, sunscreen, tweezers and any prescribed medications. Purchasing travel insurance can protect some of the costs of your trip should a health emergency arise.

4. Pack Smart

Reviewing international packing tips will provide peace of mind knowing you have all the essentials for an uninterrupted adventure. To start, make sure to pack light to avoid lugging heavy suitcases down the cobblestone streets of Paris, for example. Additionally, pack versatile clothing that can be mixed, matched and layered to curate multiple outfits without taking up precious cargo space in your suitcase.

One of the best packing tips for international travel is to ensure you pack an outlet adapter. Many international travelers, especially first-time travelers, fail to realize different regions of the world have different power outlets. Forgetting an adapter means you might not be able to charge your essential electronics, such as your phone and laptop, without needing to run to the store to purchase one.

5. Keep Your Money Safe

Before traveling, check the current exchange rate to understand how much your money is worth in the local currency to better plan your budgeting. Also, make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to ensure they don’t block transactions they may otherwise deem suspicious. To stay safe when traveling, purchase a money belt to store your cash and cards and prevent pickpocketing.

6. Stay Connected

To stay connected to your friends and family when traveling abroad, visit your cellphone provider and inquire about international plans and SIM cards that will allow you to use data overseas. When relaxing in your hotel or a public space, search for Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges that can result in a high phone bill at the end of the month. Staying connected to your loved ones will allow you to share your adventures and keep them informed of any changes or emergencies.

7. Know How to Navigate

A crucial tip for flying internationally is to book your flights well in advance to avoid surging prices and find a flight that takes the most direct path to your destination. When it comes to airport tips for international travel, make sure to arrive at least three to four hours early to complete check-in, security screening and customs.

It’s also important to research your transportation options upon arrival, such as local buses, trains and ridesharing services. When traveling on public transportation, keep your safety in mind by staying vigilant and avoiding unlicensed taxis.

8. Research Safe Accommodations

For a comfortable stay, researching and booking your accommodations in advance is a must. Read through reviews to understand the safety in the surrounding area. While you’re out exploring, keep your valuables stored in your hotel safe and keep your suitcases locked.

9. Practice Food Safety

In some countries, tap water isn’t safe to drink, so make sure to stick to bottled water and check the seal to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. Additionally, be careful with street food and do your best to eat at reputable establishments where food safety best practices are followed. This way, you can safely enjoy local cuisine while avoiding foodborne illnesses.

10. Embrace Local Culture

To complete our list of the best tips for international travel, make it a point to embrace local culture for a truly immersive experience. Always be respectful and mindful of local customs and traditions. Take time leading up to your trip to learn basic phrases in the local language. As you wander the streets, eat at local restaurants, shop from local vendors and engage with locals for a more enriching travel experience and a better understanding of their way of life.

Conclusion

With our list of the top tips for international travel, you can rest assured knowing your adventures abroad will go off without a hitch. Review our practical information for more general travel tips and packing advice, and explore our collection of unique educational travel excursions to find a program that suits you.