In case you're still unsure, a good recommendation for first-time travelers is to visit Western Europe or the United Kingdom. Once you've thought about these questions, hopefully, you can narrow down your choices to one or two countries, depending on how much time you’ve allocated for your first international trip. What is your comfort level for traveling to countries that have a culture and lifestyle that differs greatly from yours? Will you feel uncomfortable around poverty, pollution, and crazy traffic? There’s no shame in first visiting countries where you feel safe.What are you looking forward to the most? Are you drawn towards beautiful buildings and architecture, eating delicious or unusual foods, relaxing on a beach, climbing a mountain, or do you just want to party? It might help to jot down a quick list in order to figure out 1-2 things that are the most appealing aspect of your first-time overseas.Are you eager to make new friends and connecting with locals? If so, you may want to consider booking a guided tour - that's a great way to connect with fellow travelers and many tours allow you opportunities to meet local guides too.Do you speak a foreign language? Or, are you comfortable traveling to a place where you don't speak the language? France was the first country I visited that wasn’t an English or Spanish speaking country and I was completely overwhelmed by not being able to communicate.Do you want to stay close to your home country or go far away? On your first trip, it's okay to start somewhere close and head further afield as you get more comfortable being an international globetrotting traveler.Decide Where to Go on Your First International Trip The absolute best place for your passport to be is in a safe at a hotel or in your locker at a hostel.Ģ. Never keep your passport in an easy-to-access pocket on your bag. Should you have any encounters with foreign law enforcement it’s pretty standard to show them the picture of your passport and visa on your phone and then explain that the physical copy is back at your hotel - just offer to go retrieve it if they need to see it. This is where that paper copy you made comes in handy. While most countries technically do require that foreigners have their passport on them at all times this isn’t the most advisable thing to do as there are pickpockets and bag snatchers all over the globe. (This isn't as common as it used to be before the days of online booking, but don't be surprised if it happens in some far-flung countries.) Some may even hold your passport during your stay as collateral to ensure you pay for your accommodation but also to keep it safe from theft. Don’t be alarmed by this, it’s totally normal. You’ll need your passport more often than you might think - not just during flights! Many hotels are required to take a scan of your passport identification page. Once you get your visa stamp, take a picture of that as well. Take a photo on your phone and keep a quality digital copy on your Google Docs. Give one to your parents to keep safe and keep another in your wallet. Once your passport arrives, make paper and digital copies of the identification page. Usually, you can receive an expedited passport within 2 weeks of your application. If you’ve already gone ahead and started booking and paying for your trip you can pay an extra fee for your passport if you need it in a jiffy (the official term is "expedited"). passports is $145 for adults and $115 if you’re under 16. Some international flights require that you enter your passport number when booking or during online check-in, so it's best to just have it first before you start booking anything.Īs of 2019, the application fee for U.S.
Don’t book a flight or make any arrangements that can’t be changed until you have that little book that opens doors around the globe in your hand.
The most important of all tips for first-time international travelers? Avoid unnecessary stress by applying for a passport well before your expected departure.
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