Top 15 Tips for those traveling to a new country

1. Passport and Visa Requirements

First things first, always check the validity of your passport prior to your travel. And in some cases, like mine, I live in the US on a work visa, so keep a tab of your visa expiration date prior to making any reservations. Depending on your nationality, check for visa requirements prior to your travel and give sufficient time to make the application for a visa and get stamped on your passport. I always check for visa requirements with the embassy as well as the airline’s company. Sometimes, airline companies may have extra requirements, especially when you have a connecting flight.

2. All about the Money 

Prior to your travel, check the currency conversation rate. Always notify your credit and debit card company prior to any abroad travel. Companies tend to suspect fraudulent activities and block cards in such situations. I tend to always carry some amount of USD (as I live in the US) in case of emergency to exchange at the Hotel or exchange shops.I usually withdraw money using my debit card from a local ATM to get the best conversion rate and pay minimal fees. I like to withdraw some local currency to shop from local vendors or pay for parking meters if I am renting a car.

3. Research the place

My heart hurts to see people go on holidays without doing any prior research. I don’t mean you plan every second of your trip, but at least make a rough itinerary of things to do. As per your liking, research and make a rough itinerary and make prior reservations/ buy entrance tickets to save time.

4. Tours and Local Attractions

Every place you go has something unique about it and will have some local and known attractions. Sometimes you can find unique tours and experiences either on Viator or Airbnb experiences which will enhance your experience to appreciate the place even more. For example, I visited Prague for Christmas break and it is one of the busiest seasons. I had booked a Beer spa with Bernard with a couples massage 2 months prior to my travel as it tends to sell out super fast.

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5. Photos and Videos

Of course, do capture photos and videos of the place you plan to visit. In the midst of this, don’t forget to enjoy the place though. I can’t stand when people are always on their camera or phones continuously taking photographs/ videos rather than enjoying and appreciating the spot or eat their food. I honestly don’t have photos of several places I have visited so far as I get intrigued with places very easily. So if you are like me, travel with those who like to snap photos/videos. Also, Airbnb usually have some photography sessions as an experience that you can buy as well as a souvenir. 

6. Travel Adaptors

Most countries have different power sockets and travel adaptors are must travel companion when traveling to a new destination, if needed. I have several different countries all in one adaptor. You can find several on amazon.

7. Food

Go Local! One of the best things about travel is you get to eat, buy and see things that you can’t find in your city. Get out of your normal comfort zone and try some local food in that specific country.  I am not a big foodie myself, but I love trying new cuisines, local desserts, and drinks. Do ask the locals for restaurants and market recommendations, google is not always the best option.

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8. Shopping

The only things that I shop, are either those brands which are cheaper to buy in that specific country or the products which are specific only to that region. I still can’t get over the olive oil from Greece, red chilly powder from Budapest, Ginja from Portugal and chocolates from Bruges. My mom always wanted a cuckoo clock and I literally went to Freiburg (original cuckoo clock makers) to buy it. What I am trying to say is that shop only those things which are special and unique to that country. I have seen some tourist places, selling ‘local’ products which were made in another country and surprisingly people still buy it.  

9. Download offline maps/ Get a local map

When you don’t have access to the internet on your phone or you are one of those travelers like me who like to collect maps of every place, collect free maps from the hotel or tourist information centers. Marking your point of interest and hotel is always a good idea. Most of the local maps have major tourist attractions and famous restaurants marked for your ease.

10. Accomodation

It depends on which country and location you are visiting. Look for deals prior to making reservations. Whether you are booking a hotel, airbnb , a hostel or a resort, you can find different rates of the same property. Every website has different rates and sometime you may find coupons I tend to always book at a location which is either accessible by local transport or to local attractions or book unique properties which make my vacations memorable. I am a member of Marriott and I tend to always find really good deals because of my Bonvoy credit card. Sticking to one chain of property always helps with points and future free travels.

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11. Time

Always spend enough days to enjoy the place and local attractions. Don’t plan too many activities in a day. Hold back yourself, relax and appreciate the beauty of the place. For example, I have been to London several times and I feel you always need some more time and whereas, one day in Dresden in Germany was more than enough. Again, research prior to your travel and plan the number of days ahead. 

12. Local Transport

Buy a local travel pass or invest in a good pair of walking shoes. If you plan to rent a car, find out driving license requirements prior to travel and a little bit of driving and parking rules. Sometimes, the tourism board subsidizes tourist travel passes and it is a great option to see the city and save your money.

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13. Language

Be respectful of the place you are visiting and not everyone speaks the common language. Download apps or learn phrases of the local language, you will be served better. I have lived in China for some time and I realized when I spoke some broken Mandarin words, the locals not only appreciated my efforts but I gave me special attention as I respected their culture. 

14. Cell Phone

I tend to carry my phone with international roaming, which is offered by my carrier (T mobile). You can purchase a local sim card at the airport or touristy spots in most of the countries. Do carry your passport to buy a local sim card. Another option is to activate your international roaming with your carrier. ( charges may apply)

15. Travel Insurance

A lot of people tend to ignore or forget to apply for travel insurance. Always check with your insurer if your current health insurance covers international travel and particularly in the country/countries you are visiting. 

Final Word

I still remember my first international travel and how excited I was to see a new country. I still remember the first time I bought a fridge magnet in Singapore and I still remember ordering something I couldn’t pronounce even to save my life in China. I still remember seeing crystal blue water for the first time in Malaysia and I still remember taking my very first cruise in the US. Traveling to a new country makes you realize that you know so little of another country. It is the best way to learn a new language, celebrate different cultures and grow as a person. Let me know if you have any other tips, I’d love to hear more.

Happy traveling my hungry travelers 🙂