International Travel Tips for Beginners

So, you've probably never traveled out of your country and are about to change that. No need to be all insecure and whatnot, lots of people haven't either and that's fine. In fact, depending on the country you're in, the percentage of persons who haven't traveled internationally is as high as 90%.

Taking a look at the totally random and unnecessary chart below (courtesy of the Nigeria Aviation Sector Summary Report: Q2,2015), you'll see that you're in good company.

But you, you're about to get on a plane and go far, far away for the first time - which is way cooler than fine.

The thought of travelling internationally can be pretty daunting for beginners as regards proper preparation for the endeavour. Well, that's what this post is about. Actually, it's not as tedious as it sounds. Okay, it probably is, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. Get a handle on the following tips I'm about to reel out and you'll be all set.

1. You Need a Passport

Well, obviously. But I put this here for those who have the extraordinary fate of having their first international trip coinciding as their first time flying as well. Passports are crucial to travel and you just have to get to the immigration office and get yours sorted out.

2. Check Visa Requirements For Destination Country

The thing with international trips is the rather inconsistent visa requirements all the various countries have across board. Like, there are countries you could literally just up and travel to without breaking a sweat. Then there are others that have stricter application processes that you have to painstakingly adhere to if they're going to let you come over. You have to find out what the visa requirements are for the country you intend to travel to and then apply with that in mind.

3. Get a Clean Bill of Health

Unless of course you're travelling for medical reasons. You have to find out what health requirements the destination country demands of its visitors before they are granted entry. Some require that visitors get specific vaccinations like Yellow Fever vaccination and you have to check with your doctor on how to get all of that sorted out. Also, if you have a prescription you're on, you have to ensure you get your doctor write you a prescription to enable you get enough pills that will last you the entirety of your trip.

4. Money

Before you get on the plane, you kind of need to know the exchange rate in the country you're visiting. That helps you know if you're going to have just enough money with you out there or not, plus it's always good to have local currency with you while you're there. It also helps to find out if your credit cards will work in the country you're visiting. Changing currencies at the airport may not be a great idea as the odds that you'll get ripped off are pretty high. Better to go to a bank or ATM in the country you're visiting.

5. Electronics

Two things are critical in this regard: sockets and voltage ratings. Some countries have sockets that aren't necessarily set up the way they are back in yours. You'll probably need to get yourself a multiple socket box or extension just in case. Also, you have to check the voltage ratings of your devices to see if they are in sync with the voltage ratings applicable in the destination country. It is advisable to get a travel adapter so that, in any case, you can charge your devices.

6. Food

Since you're going to be traveling to some new country for the first time, it would not be within the realm of unforgivable stretches to assume that it will very likely take you a while to adjust to the local diet there. If you don't have access to meals you're used to, it can be sickening to know you have to eat all this food you don't really know or like just so you can stay alive. You could spare yourself that ordeal by packing snacks and foods that will survive the trip and in turn help you survive out there. Till you adapt, that is.

7. Sync Your Sleep and Meal Times Before Your Trip

It usually helps to try to get your body used to the timezone of the destination country by adjusting your sleep and meal times to be in sync with the timezone you're travelling to. Those snacks you packed will come in handy for this during your flight - which could be quite long.