Are you getting ready to take a trip overseas but feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Preparing for an international trip can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be crazy. In this blog post, we will outline some tips and tricks for making the process a little bit easier. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to having an amazing trip!
1. Start planning well in advance
My guess is, if you’re reading this blog, you’re already a planner, so this isn’t going to come as a shock to you. But the earlier you start planning, the more time you’ll have to make arrangements and get everything organized. Make a list of what you need to do and when you need to do it, and then work your way through the list.
Packing? That can wait till the week-of. Buying a dress for the night you’re going to see Les Miserables in London? You may need to tackle that now. And Passports? Give yourself a 13-week window from the point of shipping to get those sorted out.
2. Research your destination
My daughter and I have taken to reading a fiction novel about our destination, so when we get there, we’re engrossed in the story. It makes the destination come alive for us.
We also love looking up YouTube videos about the places we’re visiting, so we can see what they look like and get a feel for the culture. If you’re going to be doing any hiking or other activities, research those as well so you know what to expect.
And always check the reviews! TripAdvisor is a great resource to find excellent little known locations, hotels, and restaurants. You can find small treasures like this review on Melaleuca Café in Florence.
3. Get your paperwork in order
This includes your passport, of course, but also any visas or other documentation you may need. If you’re unsure about what you need, the best place to start is with your travel agent or the website for your country’s embassy in the country you’ll be visiting.
And don’t forget to make copies! Keep one copy at home and carry another with you in case you lose your passport while you’re away.
4. Pack appropriately for your destination
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do their research and end up packing completely wrong for their trip. If you’re going to a tropical country, leave the jeans at home. If you’re going to Europe in the middle of winter, pack some warm clothes. And if you’re unsure, err on the side of too much rather than too little.
6. Plan out your finances
This is an important one, especially if you’re traveling to a country with a different currency. You don’t want to get there and find out that you can’t afford to do anything.
Do your research ahead of time and figure out how much things are going to cost. That way, you can budget accordingly and make sure you have enough money to do everything you want to do.
7. Relax and enjoy yourself
Once you’ve followed all of these tips, the only thing left to do is sit back and relax. You’ve done all the hard work, now it’s time to enjoy your trip!
And there you have it! It really is simple. The plane ride is longer, you need more identification, and you probably bring more luggage, but traveling overseas is not too different from any other vacation.
Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be well on your way to having a stress-free trip overseas. So what are you waiting for? Start planning today! Bon voyage!