Today, modern travelers have many resources that they can utilize to make smart choices when planning a trip and during the actual tour. In fact, 90% of travelers use apps to make their lives easier during their travels, according to the Business Insider. However, technology alone isn’t enough to guarantee you a fulfilling and memorable holiday experience.
If you want to travel overseas and get the best out of your trip, you need to have some tips and hacks up your sleeve. With the right approach, you’ll get to explore awesome places, save significant money, live like a local, and, most importantly, get to experience what attracted you to that destination. Below are the best international travel tips & tricks.
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1. Get Your Passport Well in Advance
If you are a first-time international traveler, you need to get a passport as early as possible, according to TravelWanker.World. Even before you begin booking a flight or any other service, you should already have a passport at hand. If you have one, flip through it to ensure it is valid, its expiry date is over six months away, and all the details are right.
After you acquire the little book, create paper and digital copies. You can leave one at the hotel and carry a few copies with you. Apart from enabling you to fly globally, passports allow you to have smoother travel experience. Some hotels and flights require your passport number, and the authorities of the country you are visiting will need to see your passport whenever you encounter them.
Source: promook
2. Book Everything in Advance
Although some last-minute flight offers may be cheap, they are not always the best option. For the best results, you should book your flight around three months out. Booking early can help you get amazing rates, fly around practical connection times, and even land an ideal seating spot.
When it comes to accommodation, it’s not a good idea to show up in a new country, after a long journey, without an idea of where you are going to sleep. Starting the booking process early will give you ample time to compare different deals, and find a place that fits your budget and needs. You should also consider buying tickets early for the places you want to visit during your stay there.
3. Read Up About the Country You’re Visiting
Before you start making bookings, do some thorough research on the country you want to tour. Having some knowledge about the destination you want to travel to will help you understand the local culture, know what to expect, clear any misconceptions you have, discover the best attraction sites, and learn about upcoming events. Fortunately, you don’t have to carry a bulky guide book with you.
You can browse the internet and educate yourself, use an app, or strip a few pages from your guide book. Proper research and checking travel alerts can also help you to avoid places that are currently experiencing natural disasters, political turmoil, high crime levels, and other risks. You can also learn some phrases of the language in advance, figure out the phone plan you are going to use in that country, and look up the monetary conversion before you travel.
Source: Incenters Media
4. Pack Like a Pro
Regardless of the length of your visit, you’ll need to pack a bag and pack it right. A well-packed bag can help you get past screening lines at the airport quickly, and allow you to retrieve any item you need with ease. Aim to pack light but consider the destination’s weather and the period of your stay. Place each item strategically to avoid having to unpack and repack every time you need something.
If you have to squeeze things into your bag, then you need to find a bigger bag or unload some items. Your bag should have some free space that can fit souvenirs or other items that you buy overseas. Also, get familiar with your airport’s baggage rules and the airline’s luggage weight limits.
5. Carry a Few Debit and Credit Cards
Today, you don’t need to travel with huge loads of cash. Technology enables us to access and manage money with ease from anywhere around the globe. Before traveling, confirm whether your credit card will work in the country you are touring. Talk with your bank to give them a heads up of your tour, and inquire whether their card will work in the specific place you are visiting.
Also, ask about the bank’s international fees to gauge whether it is worth using their card. It’s wise to pack a few cards in case you misplace the main one. You should also carry some hard cash with you in case of emergencies, the card gets frozen, or the ATMs become scarce. Don’t forget to place the money and backup cards in different places.
Source: Dreamstime
6. Socialize with the Locals
To feel the pulse of a new place, interact with the locals. Leave your comfort zone and stroll the streets, a local park, or a market. Here, you’ll get to understand how the locals live, work, and socialize. For a closer look, hire a local guide to show you around the city and help you discover the hidden gems of the local culture, history, and region. When moving around the city, make sure you socialize with the locals.
Although you may not share the same language, you can utilize the few words you’ve learned, and use hand signs and gestures. Another beautiful way to connect with the locals is by eating street food. The vendors and other customers can help you gather essential insights about the country. Preferably, go for foods that you’ve never tasted before. Furthermore, why fly across the world to have the same meals you take at home? Throughout your stay, ensure that you are respectful of the local customs.
7. Don’t Skip the Touristy Stuff
Even if you are not a fan of crowded places, it’s worth visiting the major attraction centers. Why go to Egypt and skip visiting the pyramids, or go to Paris and ignore the Eiffel Tower? Most popular sites have a lot to offer, and there will likely be other attractions around the place. To avoid crowds and lines, visit the sites during the weekday or early morning hours.
Source: Stars Insider
Closing Thoughts
Visiting an overseas country can be invigorating and eye-opening. If you are planning a trip, you need to prepare yourself adequately. With the right tricks and tips, you are guaranteed a safe, budget-friendly, and successful adventure full of amazing experiences.
