Need tips on what to expect for first-time international travel? Here are the top things to keep in mind when traveling internationally for the first time.
This post will highlight what to bring and think about when you are planning to leave the country for the first time.
Let’s get together the documents you’ll need to travel, key items to bring that will make your trip easy peasy, and the right mindset to have when traveling, especially if you’re a solo traveler.
This post is about what to bring and expect for your first time internationally traveling
First Time International Travel
I really wanted to keep this post simple and not bombard you with information. Traveling internationally does not have to be overly complicated. Everyone will have their own take on what you’ll need, but for this post, I wanted to give you the bare essentials. I feel based on my travels to over 10 countries and 4 of them solo trips, there are certain things needed that will make your trip a bit easier.
As I write this, I am thinking from the perspective of a solo traveler. However, anything here can be applied even when traveling with family and friends! Let’s make international travel simple for your first time.
1. International Travel Documents Checklist
Passport
The first thing you’ll need for international travel is your passport. If you’re leaving US, in order to go abroad, you will need a valid passport. If you’re not sure how to apply for your passport, click here for all things US passports.
You’ll need this to check in, and board your flights as well as check in to your hotel.
Your passport is very important and you should handle it with care. It’s how you are able to get into countries and return back. I would suggest placing it in a passport holder so you know you have everything in one place.
I got my case from Marshalls a while back, but you can find them anywhere like Amazon, Target and other department stores.
TIP: Take a picture of your passport, so in case it get’s lost or stolen, you can identify yourself. Also, when you get to your destination, make sure to put your wallet in the safe and not carry it with you as you explore.
Double and triple check you have your passport with you before leaving! Put it in your bag the night before and re-check again. I’ve had the pain of missing a trip 2x because I didn’t have my passport and it really hurts! So keep that thang on you.
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Visa
Depending on the country you’re flying to, research if a Visa is necessary or if you’re passport will be enough. For countries like the UK, France, or the Netherlands, a US passport will suffice. However, in countries like Turkey, Vietnam, and Nigeria for example, you’ll have to get a Visa prior to travel.
When I went to Turkey, I was not aware of the visa requirement for a US passport but I was able to purchase it at the airport to officially enter.
Just do your research online or ask a friend who has been to where you’re heading!
License
I added this on the list just because it’s good to have. If you’re grabbing connecting flights before you leave or even just to get past security, having your license is just good practice to have. Also, it’s another way of identifying yourself in case anything happens to your passport.
Ticket
Of course, you need your ticket to travel! This may come in handy because some countries like the UK, will ask to see your ticket and show when you will be returning to your home country.
2. What Do You Need When You Travel Internationally?
Money
It’s obvious, but it has to be said. You need the shmoney when traveling. Money can be in the form of cash and or card. When it comes to cash, you can either go to your bank and bring money with you. Another way, (my preferred way) is to get cash when I get to my destination via ATM,
After I get my bags, this is the next step at the airport. I don’t go to the tellers because they increase the exchange rate cost. If you use the ATM, you will get the global bank rate so it’s cheaper to convert money.
From most US banks, you can use your cards internationally. Typically what I do is send an alert to my bank via app to let them know I will be abroad so they won’t put a freeze on my account.
Make sure when traveling internationally you budget more than you think you need! You never know what can happen! When I was returning back from France to the UK, I had issues with my luggage that caused me to miss my flight. I had to buy a whole new flight and hotel room! This issue was about a $500+ mistake.
Adapter
If you’re coming from the US to another country, your plug won’t work. You’ll need an adapter to power up your devices! This is the one I got from amazon a couple of years ago and it’s been great on all my trips!
Power bank
Speaking of never losing charge, you will need a power bank. Traveling with one will allow you to travel with ease when you’re exploring your new country. You won’t have to worry about your phone dying or finding a place to charge it. Having your phone charged is necessary! You need your phone to help you get around, make calls, hold your tickets, etc.
Bag to Hold Your Belongings
Having the right bag when traveling is essential to keeping everything you need safe and secure. Pickpocketing is very common in some countries. When I was in France, I witnessed someone walk behind a man and lightly open his backpack as he was walking to the metro.
I loudly yelled to get the man’s attention which caused the pickpocketer to storm off in anger,, and toward me. That France trip chile… a story for another day.
But I learned a valuable lesson, you can’t be loose out here with your things. People will try to steal it. You need to be aware of your surroundings (as you enjoy!) but keep your things close. I suggest having a crossbody bag that you can hold close to you or even a backpack where zippers are “invisible” I’ll share some below for you to see.
Not only do you want these things for safety reasons, but also to hold all the things that will enhance your trip! When I stayed in the UK for almost a month, one of my absolute joys was reading a good book as I took the metro throughout the city.
My bag was big enough to hold my valuables, power bank, and my book. The Next Right Thing is still one of my fave books to this day!
Medication
One thing I like to bring on every trip is Tylenol. I can sometimes get headaches and I don’t want to be bothered having to go to the pharmacy abroad and not sure what I’m taking.
So this is an absolute must for me. If you are on medication, have all the medications you typically take on a daily basis for the duration of your trip. If you don’t take medication, then at least bring Tylenol.
Right Frame of Mind
When traveling internationally for the first time, it’s important that you got your mind right. It’s easy to get so excited and swept up in the fun that you didn’t notice you left your bag on the train. Or to be in such a wave of anxiety that you hastily put money in your pocket and realize when it’s time to pay, it’s fallen out.
My biggest advice to you is to take your time.
To not rush and do things too quickly. I try to double and triple-check my surroundings when I travel, just to make sure I didn’t forget anything. It doesn’t always happen that I am calm cool and collected when traveling, however, I try not to rush. Take it easy and in manageable steps, so you can make clear decisions on what you’re next move will be.
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5. What Do I Need to Know Before Flying For the First Time
For your first time international travel flight, what you can look forward to is the airline actually feeds you food!
If you’re used to traveling within the US, you know the best these airlines will do is give you some cookies, trail mix, and a drink. Alcohol ain’t even free. But for international travel, you get a nice little meal to hold you down. You also get an appetizer and dessert. It varies amongst different airlines what you get, but, you get fed.
With that being said, I would encourage you to bring an extra meal with you. Sometimes, planes are delayed and you are hungry! When I was traveling to the UK once, my flight was delayed 3 hours… I was so hangry by the time we ate, I asked for 2 dinners instead of one. I learned from there, it’s better to bring food like a sandwich or something on international flights to hold you over.
Another thing to expect is the planes are much bigger! Instead of 2 rows, there will be 3 rows. Sometimes you’ll luck out and get a whole row to yourself. This has happened to me 2x when flying to Switzerland and recently Barcelona.
It’s a great way for you to stretch out and sleep. I feel this is more likely on a night flight.
Another thing to keep in mind on your first international travel trip is to dress comfortably. By comfortably I mean to dress in a way you can layer or delayer. You can’t control the temperature on an international flight. They give you a lil blanket but it wouldn’t be fun to be cold for 7 hours.
I got this green set from Target. I couldn’t find it but I left some other suggestions below. Bring a pair of socks and an outfit idea could be a matching set. Wear a shirt underneath and if you want to take your sweatshirt off you can, and vice versa.
Since your flight will be longer, you MUST get a neck pillow. This is non-negotiable. It will change our life. You will be able to sleep so much better and be a bit more comfortable (as best you can be). You want to try your best to be refreshed ish when you land.
The last thing to expect is more entertainment options! Flights are pretty good at having the latest movies available, so you can sit back and enjoy a good movie or show to let the time pass by. When I went to Nigeria, I watched the whole first season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and that kept me pretty busy.
6. Cellphone International Travel Tips
Travel Pass
Depending on your cell provider, you can let them know you are traveling and let them tell you the travel pass options they have available. It’s also possible when you land, a travel pass will kick in. With Verizon, when I enter a new country, I’m notified about the travel pass. It’s $10 a day and begins when I receive a call from the US or receive a text message.
This pass also gives a certain amount of data per day which you can use to go online if data is not available. On this plan, you can make calls like you were at home and it restarts in 24 hours.
You can use it sparingly by turning your data off and only using wifi, and when you’re ready to use data, turn it back on.
Wifi
Another option is to strictly use wifi. I have done this from time to time when I didn’t want to use my travel pass daily or I knew I could have access to wifi easily. This can work if you’re going somewhere where you have friends and family around and they may have wifi via their phones or you don’t really need your phone.
I would, however, not suggest this being the only way to use your phone. There are times when you will need your data to figure out where you’re going or you can’t get good wifi.
Sim Card
This can also be a great option if you’re traveling outside the US. You can buy a sim card in that country which will give you the ability to make calls and have limited data. As you need more, you can top up with the sim card provider.
I have personally used this option in the UK. This allowed me to make calls and have data no only there but in France and the Netherlands. I was able to make calls to family in the UK and have internet access when needed. This option has also worked well for me in Nigeria as well.
Sim cards are ideal if you’re going to be in a place for a longer period of time.
I would suggest you speak with a local or someone you know who has been to the country and can walk you through how it works (or youtube). My family helped me both times so it was easy. If you don’t know anyone, just speak with the person selling it. I’ve seen sim cards at corner stores and phone shops.
You could also get this sim before you leave the airport. You could visit an electronic store and get all the facts you need
7. Which Country is Best For First-Time Travelers
There are plenty of countries I’m sure would be good for first-time international travel, but I’ll just share some based on my own experience. If you’re looking to travel to a new country for the first time, especially as a solo traveler, consider these countries.
UK
This was the first country I went to as a solo international traveler and also one of the first international countries I visited. If you’re coming from the US, this is a more similar country compared to when you get into the EU. You won’t have any issues communicating if English is your first language and it’s a very easy city to navigate. I love London!
Netherlands (Amsterdam)
I just went here a couple of months ago and still loved it the first time. It is such a friendly and chill country. Dutch is the main language spoken, however, most people you meet do speak English. You won’t have a problem communicating with anyone and I find the people to be very kind.
You won’t have any problems navigating the city, most things have subtitles in English and someone will be willing to help you find your way. I had an amazing couple of days here and think you would like some ideas on how to make your trip the best yet!
Spain
Spain is also pretty solid. Some people speak English but not everyone. You can get around speaking basic Spanish and I’ve noticed people are willing to help! Their navigation is quite simple and the food is delicious! I wrote a blog about the top 10 things to do in Spain if you need some advice on how to have a good time.
I hope this post will help you on your first international trip and painted a simple picture of what you can expect!
Let’s travel around the world, together:)
