Traveling anywhere for the first time can be daunting but some things can be the same wherever you go, especially during the travel portion. Here are some of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up during all of the times I’ve travelled abroad:
- Make a copy of your passport and keep it at home or with someone who is not traveling with you
- Bring an empty water bottle to the airport – you’ll have to dump out any liquid before security but it’s always helpful to refill for when you’re sitting at the gate
- I personally can’t sleep for very long on airplanes so I always try to bring headphones (not Bluetooth) and/or a book or activity book to keep me busy
- Keep a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and deodorant in your personal bag – you’ll feel so much better freshening up after a long flight, even just during your layover
- Carry lotion and chapstick with you – airplanes can be extremely dry so do yourself a favor and keep these handy
- Pack light!!! – I am notoriously bad a packing light but it is a key to a better travel experience. Not only will it be easier to carry your luggage, but this forces you to plan ahead in your wardrobe, saving you time once you’re actually there
- Check in with your bank before you go abroad – most credit cards have foreign transaction fees and not all countries have ATMs that are compatible with your bank
- Depending on the country and areas you are traveling to, buy locks for your luggage
- Learn basic phrases in the native language of the country you are going to – not only will this be a good experience to immerse yourself before you leave, but it will make communicating that much easier
- Carry basic first aid necessities and medications with you – specifically, keep necessary medications with you in your carry on or personal bag on the off chance your checked bag gets lost
- Your carry on bag should have everything you need to survive for a few days – like I said above, just a precaution in case something happens to your checked bags
Obviously there are so many more tips and tricks people use when traveling, these are just some that I have used every time I travel, no matter the location. Hope you find some of these helpful and happy traveling!
Soumya Studies Abroad 