Your first trip abroad is always an exciting event, but the importance of it can also make for a lot of nerves. Luckily, there are some great ways of organizing before your trip so you can have the most enjoyment without any worries. Follow these top tips to have the best trip possible and to keep things in order.
Saving Money before You Depart
Gather any coupons or deals before you depart to help save time and money on your big trip. With a little searching, you can find great deals for sites like Travelocity and discountrue, or you could skip lines and get big discounts on famous attractions. By finding these savings now, you will have more to spend upon arrival!
Securing Documents
You may need specific visas or other documents depending on your destination and will require a valid passport in nearly every destination abroad. Many countries even require you to have your passport with you at all times. To ensure you never lose an important document, take the time to copy and scan your necessary documents before you depart. Keep photocopies in your luggage and wallet, and send yourself an email with the scanned and uploaded documents. While the photocopies will likely suffice while walking around, you must be careful not to lose your original passport since it will be necessary to board flights and cross borders.
Bring More of What You Need
While hotels and hostels will have washing machines available, your time should be spent enjoying the new country! To make your life easier, bring more clean necessities so you can always have something fresh on hand. This means limiting your pants, shorts, and shirts in favor of more socks and underwear. Both socks and underwear can get sweaty quickly, and your travels will be easier when you can simply slip into a new pair each night!
Finding Your Essentials
Unless you’re staying deep in a forest or in a developing country, you will likely have quick access to toothpaste, soap, and other essentials. However, you have probably become accustomed to certain brands, and it can sometimes be comforting to have your regular toothpaste available when you need it. Bring a fresh toothbrush, deodorant, shaving cream, and other items so you don’t have to risk trying an inferior product abroad. Of course, there may be local products that are entirely worthwhile and recommended, but it may take a few tries to find something you love.
Last but not least, contact your banks before you leave so all of your debit and credit cards work abroad. By following these tips, your vacation will go smoothly wherever you go. Prepare now, relax, and have the time of your life abroad!
