Travel Tips for First Time International Travelers

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Traveling overseas for the first time can be exciting.  In order to make sure it’s a trip of a lifetime, and not a nightmare, you’ll need to be equipped with a few basic travel tips before you depart.  If you’re anticipating a trip overseas, here are some basic travel tips. 
 

Dealing with Foreign Currency
 

One of the main concerns for people new to international travel is how to manage foreign currency. While some travelers convert their American dollars into foreign currency before leaving home, others wait until they arrive overseas. 
 

Getting your currency ahead of time may be more convenient, but you usually get a better deal by converting your money once you’ve arrived in your designated country. This is because the currency rates change daily, and you’ll want to make sure that you’ll get the most value for your dollars. 
 

In most cases, airports provide currency conversion or have ATM machines.  If they don’t, you can easily find ATM machines near hotels or where you plan to spend the night.  What’s more, most major stores accept credit cards. However, local street vendors typically ask for cash only.
 

Managing the Language Barrier 
 

Unless you’re going to countries in the United Kingdom or another English-speaking nation, you’ll need to be able to communicate, if only on a minor basis. Fortunately, many European countries begin teaching English to their students from the time they go to kindergarten. This is especially true in the Scandinavian countries.  While Scandinavians and several other nationalities understand and speak English remarkably well, others, such as the Spaniards, do not. 
 

Therefore, learn a few basic words and phrases before you go abroad. It also helps to carry a small phrase book so that you can ask for necessities. Most hotel personnel are fluent in English and are eager to help you. This is particularly helpful when you buy medication from a pharmacy and can’t read the instructions on how to take your medicine. 
 

Packing and Doing Laundry Overseas 
 

“What to pack” is a common question first-time globe trotters generally have. Your first concern regarding packing should be the weather and the time of year you plan to go on your trip. Of course, your suitcase will be lighter if you’re planning a summer vacation because your clothing will be lighter. 
 

The best policy is “less is best.”  If you over pack, there won’t be any room for souvenirs. Even worse, you may have to pay a penalty at the airport. Usually, international travelers dress in layers as the weather can be unexpected. Therefore, it’s also a good idea to have an emergency wrap, tied around your waist. Even on a hot summer day, many restaurants have their air conditioning too cold, so you won’t want to freeze. 
 

When packing your suitcase, roll each garment to save space. Be very careful not to over pack. If you’re worried about running out of clothes, consider laundering your dirty clothes in your hotel room. All you need is some powdered laundry detergent and a few places, such as towel bars and closet hangers, to hang your clothes out to dry. Wait until you have at least a 2-day overnight stay in one place, which gives you time for your laundry to dry.
 

Considerations and Warnings 
 

• Don’t leave home without securing travel insurance. 
• Before you leave home, notify your credit card company to expect charges from overseas.
• Instead of taking a raincoat, use a rain poncho –it takes up less space.
• If possible, leave a day before your tour begins. Doing so can give you more rest from sleep lost as a result of jet lag. Plus going the day before gives you a cushion factor for flight delays.
• Be alert for pickpockets as this is especially the case in large cities, such as Lisbon, Portugal. Instead of hanging your bag over one shoulder, strap it across your upper body, making it harder for pickpockets to rip it off. There are also bags, found online, that are theft proof.

Traveling overseas for the first-time traveler can be overwhelming. To get the most out of your trip, let Cruise Planners of Kansas City handle your travel arrangements. As an American Express Travel Representative, we’re known for providing quality service and offer exceptionally competitive pricing. 
 

We’ve been helping travelers for 20 years explore countries worldwide, managing everything from getting airline tickets to custom itinerary planning. Whether you’re planning a land tour or cruise, please contact us for all your travel needs.
 

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