You’re officially back on your feet after your minimally invasive bunion surgery! Now it’s time to plan that overseas trip you’ve always dreamt of. You’ve never even been on an airplane, so you’re completely lost when it comes to planning a trip to a new country. That’s why we’re here to help! Here are 5 tips if you’re traveling to a new country for the first time.
Let’s get into it!
Get Your Documents in Order Early
First things first, get your passport and get it early. You might be surprised with how long this process takes – sometimes up to 6 months or so. As soon as you know you’ll be traveling out of the country, you want to get started on the process of getting your passport. You’ll also want to see if you need a Visa to enter the country you plan on visiting. Do as much research on what documents are needed to enter your destination well before it’s time to travel.
Let Your Bank Know
You don’t want to get to your dream destination only to have your card declined. A common mistake that first-time travelers make is to not let their bank know in advance that they’ll be out of the country. As a security measure, banks will often flag and deactivate your credit card if they suspect a security issue. This is why you want to call them ahead of time to let them know where you’ll be going and to keep your card active.
Consider How You’ll Pay
Speaking of money, you’ll want to see what currency is used where you’re traveling to. Chances are, they won’t accept the currency that your country has in place. Even if you plan on using a credit card for the majority of your spending, it’s a good idea to have some of the country’s currency on hand. You never know if your card won’t work or if a business won’t accept it.
Practice Safety
Traveling to a new country is incredibly exciting, but it’s also important to be cautious and aware. You’re entering a new territory, and you want to be as safe as possible. Do some searching online about the safety in the area you’re going to. You can check crime rates or even better – reach out to someone who has been to this country before for advice. A professional travel agent is also helpful in providing safety tips!
Pack Efficiently
The last thing you want to do is carry around a bunch of unnecessary luggage when you’re traveling overseas for the first time. It’s important that you pack early, and you pack efficiently. If you’re not sure what clothes to bring, take a look at the weather forecast to where you’re traveling and see what it’s like around the time of year you’re going.
Packing Essentials:
- Only clothes you need that are weather-appropriate
- Limit your amount of shoes
- Toiletries
- Electrical outlet converter
- Travel documents
Bon voyage!