Whether you’re traveling abroad for the first time or if you’ve traveled before but still make the same mistakes, here are some excellent tips to ensure your international trips are focused on having an amazing time, accumulating positive experiences, and becoming an expert in the rules:
1.- Check your passport:
Some countries require a tourist visa for entry. Be sure you have the necessary tourist visas on point in advance. Also, verify that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date to avoid any last-minute complications.
2.- Learn baggage rules:
Every airline has policies regarding baggage size, weight, and the number of pieces allowed. Exceeding these rules can result in excess baggage fees; in some cases, your extra baggage may not be permitted. A handy tip is to travel with a portable luggage scale -it’s my best friend -.
If your ticket doesn’t include free baggage, paying online ahead of time is cheaper than paying at the airport.
Check this lugagge scale on amazon.
3.- Check the weather at your destination:
Packing for a beach destination is different from packing for the mountains, but you should always bring light and warm clothing according to the weather forecast. Even in hot climates, bring a sweater as nights can get chilly. If you’re going somewhere cold, don’t forget your swimsuit—there are always indoor pools with hot water- don’t miss out!
A scarf is always the multitasker best friend.
4.- Pack smart and light:
It’s important not to overpack, so stick to basic items in neutral tones like white, black, or camel that are easy to mix and match. You can add a pop of color with scarves. Solid colors like red, blue, or green also work well. Unless you’re traveling to a jungle or desert, you can buy what you need at your destination. This minimizes overpacking and leaves room for souvenirs. Consider local shopping options for additional needs.
5.- Make a list of places to visit:
Creating a list of must-see tourist spots increases the chances of visiting them all and ensures you won’t miss out on those highly anticipated visits.
Plan ahead by listing the top attractions you wish to visit. This helps prioritize your itinerary and ensures you don’t miss out on key experiences.
6.- Always carry a Travel Insurance:
It’s important to always carry Travel Insurance because it covers all types of emergencies abroad. It’s a minimal investment that can save you a lot of money like if you need to see a doctor or visit an emergency room. Emergency surgery in the United States can cost as much as a house. Don’t go bankrupt, carry health insurance. Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings.
7.- Dress appropriately for the Airport or Terminal:
Present yourself well when passing through immigration checkpoints, as some countries have specific dress codes for travelers. This can impact your entry experience.
Some countries have deported tourists for not appearing “well-presented.” Avoid giving a bad impression; immigration officers may suspect you’re not a genuine tourist or that you can’t afford your stay. Before departing, groom yourself, apply makeup, and smile.
This yoga pants are comfy and chic.
8.- Check Hotel Benefits Before Booking:
Always check that your hotel offers the following benefits: proximity to tourist sites, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast to save costs during your stay. Some hotels, like those in Disney or Cusco, offer free transportation to tourist attractions or the airport. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, mention it at the hotel—you might receive champagne, chocolates, or a room upgrade.
9.-Activate International use on your credit and debit cards:
You can activate international use on your bank’s website so you can use your cards abroad and withdraw money from ATMs. Failure to do this could result in your cards being blocked, leaving you unable to withdraw money. Extra tip: Always carry cash and exchange some of your currency at the airport and another portion at local exchange houses in your destination.
10.- Purchase a Voltage Adapter:
Research and pack the appropriate adapter for your electronic devices to ensure they can be used in different plug types abroad. Luckily some hotels provide a USB port in case you didn’t bring your international adapter, but you might pack it instead, it doesn’t bulk up your luggage.
11.-Learn a few words in the destination’s Language
Learning how to greet, say goodbye, thank you, and please in the local language will be appreciated by the locals and can lead to better treatment and possibly making new friends. In case of emergencies, have language translation apps on your phone.
12.- Buy a SIM phone card or chip from the destination:
Buying a prepaid SIM card from your destination is cheaper than using roaming services or other international SIM cards purchased in your home country. Local SIM cards allow you to make calls and have basic internet, which can be a lifesaver. Put your phone on airplane mode to avoid being charged for cell phone roaming, and use WhatsApp to call your family. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at hotels, malls, restaurants, and cafes.
13.- Write your medication with your destination language:
Bring all the medication you need, and if those aren’t over-the-counter, bring a prescription. If you’re going to a country where they don’t speak your language, find out the generic name in the destination’s language so you can buy more at a local pharmacy.
14.- Research about the country’s Religious practices or cultural rules:
In New York during summer, wearing shorts is fun, but in St. Peter’s Basilica or the United Arab Emirates, it could lead to anything from a verbal warning to jail time. Always carry long pants, sweaters, or scarves to cover up in countries with these restrictions.
15.- Use Google Maps or similar apps:
Google Maps is excellent for navigating in a foreign country; its voice guidance works in cars, buses, or walking, all in your language. If you’re concerned about not finding free Wi-Fi on the street, search for directions beforehand at your hotel or airport, take a screenshot, and use it once you’re out. If you don’t have the app, ask the locals for directions.
16.- Protect your physical safety:
Your loved ones are waiting for you at home, so don’t risk your life. Avoid going out late at night in deserted or non-touristy areas, don’t get drunk alone, don’t get into arguments with locals, and don’t engage in extreme sports if you’re not an expert.
17.-Visit Your Country’s Consulate in your destination:
If you encounter problems during your trip or if you have any questions while you are abroad, visit your country’s consulate. They can assist you with legal issues, such as preparing powers of attorney for your family, emergencies, reporting crimes, document authentication, etc., all in your language.
18.- Eat at non-touristy restaurants:
Go a few blocks away from the main tourist spots and eat at places frequented by locals. These restaurants offer better prices and more authentic local flavors. I made the mistake of dining on Las Ramblas in Barcelona, and the spanish food there lacked flavor. They often cater to tourists with mass-produced food of lesser quality, reheated several times, and it’s usually expensive.
19.- Use the Bus or Metro:
If you want to save money, use public transportation, it’s efficient and affordable, but when it’s late at night or in unsafe areas it’s best to call a trustworthy taxi, uber or similar.
20.- Learn where to Tip:
In the United States, tipping is customary, but in China or Japan, it’s considered insulting. In Europe or Latin America, it’s optional but appreciated. know before you go.
21.- Use a bag or purse with a zipper:
In some countries, pickpockets are common, and they’re so skilled that you won’t even notice you’ve been robbed. My trick is to carry a backpack with a special clip that secures it. If I carry a purse, it must have a zipper. Those wide-open purses are an invitation for theft. You don’t want to be left without money outside your country.
If you carry a small bag, make sure it’s crossbody like this example; sometimes thieves on bicycles snatch purses. In your hotel or hostel, there are always lockers. Bring your padlock and store your belongings there.
22.- Buy souvenirs and take lots of pictures:
Traveling is a wonderful experience. If you want to extend the experience once you’re home, buy souvenirs and take as many photos as possible. I still sigh when I see those Dutch wooden shoes (clogs) in my bedroom. Remember, not everything can be taken as a souvenir, you can’t bring marijuana from Amsterdam or coca leaves from Cusco to your home country.
23.- Arrive early for Tours or Shows:
In your country, being fashionably late might be acceptable, but that doesn’t apply in other countries. If you’re late for a tour or show, you might not be allowed entry or might be seated far from the stage for the next showing. In the worst case, you could miss the tour or show without a refund. Arrive early!
24.- Shop smart:
If there are places where you can shop at good prices (like outlets in Miami or Panama), choose an airline that allows you to bring more than one suitcase for free so If you buy a lot, you wouldn’t have to worry about exceeding baggage policies. At outlets, bring your passport for additional discounts, and bring a wheeled suitcase if you plan on shopping heavily—this way, the weight and bulk won’t bother you. Make a list of items not available in your country and shop away!
25.- Try local food:
Forget the typical burger or pizza chain from your home country. Try the local cuisine of the place you’re visiting. There’s no better pasta than in Italy, no better huevos rancheros than in Mexico, no better waffles than in Belgium, and no better “bife de chorizo” than in Buenos Aires.
Extra tip: Some places have drinkable tap water, like the United States or Europe. Bring an empty bottle and fill it up before you leave your hotel to save money on water.
26.- Know when you can splurge:
Learn when to save and when to spend your money. You can save on show tickets or breakfast at your hotel, but you can treat yourself to a nice dinner at a lovely restaurant or visit important museums, buy high-quality souvenirs, etcetera. Use the money you saved for great experiences.
Extra tip: Carry additional emergency cash.
27.- Stay an extra day:
Sometimes flights are overbooked, and they offer a free hotel stay in exchange for taking a flight the next day. If you have flexibility, take advantage of this opportunity. Sometimes changing dates means staying at a better hotel and extra money. Other times unexpected situations with a happy ending occur. In my case my flight was delayed, I missed my connecting flight, and had to spend a night in a different destination but they gave me a free hotel stay that was beautiful, and they gave me a very good buffet breakfast. On my return the airline compensated me with $400 US dollars.
Extra tip: Write the address of your Hotel in the language of your Destination: If you are going to take a taxi, you can show the driver the hotel card given in the lobby or the address noted in that language, and it will be faster for your driver to reach your destination.
28.- Pack your Toiletries:
Take your miniature grooming products in your day bag. For your daily Tours get tissues, mini perfume, sunscreen, hand cream, hand sanitizer, painkillers, etc. These small bottles are so useful.
Check this cute toiletry bag.
29.- Relax and take a breath:
It’s not a matter of rushing from one tourist spot to another for the photo and that’s it. Enjoy your experience, stare at that dream monument, slowly enjoy that glass of wine, sit in that park and admire your surroundings, jot down in your diary, talk to those friendly locals. Savor your experience!.
I hope you liked my tips and I hope to hear from you. You can scroll down this page and you will see a comment form and reply to this article. You can also share it on social media! I cannot wait to read your comments!
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