Travel Tips for Beginners

It can be daunting to embark on your first international or domestic trip. From transportation to accommodations to health and security, there is a lot to consider. Remember to check international travel restrictions as well.

Researching ahead of time and knowing some travel tricks and tips can make you feel confident and prepared as you embark on your trip. Below are some of our top travel tips for new travellers.

Travel Tips for Beginners

Travel tips for newbies:

1. Make sure you plan every aspect of your first evening, even if it’s a spontaneous adventure. We’re sure of this. You will be tired from the travel day, and it is good to know the area before you venture out.
2. You should also make copies of your passport, driver’s licence, visa, vaccination certificate (if applicable) and other important documents. Scanning them into the cloud will make it accessible from anywhere.
4. Purchase all of your essentials at home.
6. Notify your financial institution and credit card companies that you are travelling. Doing so will prevent your bank from cancelling your card after an unexpected purchase is made far away. Ask about fees incurred overseas when travelling.
8. If you need international service, call your phone provider to add it to your plan. Consider buying a SIM card from the country that you are visiting.
10. Do you want to work while you’re away? Add an international data plan along with your regular service to get a travel WiFi hotspot.
12. Take a travel diary. Record the places you go to so you can keep the memories.
14. Choose versatile clothes. Darker colours can be worn day or night. Keep a spare set of clothes and any other essentials in your carry-on bag, just in case your luggage gets lost or stolen. More packing tips can be found here.
16. Bring along a phrasebook even if you speak the language of the country that you’re visiting. This is also helpful if the translation app you use is not accessible. Review these tips on how to travel without speaking the language.
18. Smiling! You are very excited to go on your first trip!

Travel Tips

These quick travel tips are perfect for anyone who is going on a short trip for the weekend or a single night:

• Make a list of the things you’d like to do before you go. This will save you time once you arrive.
• Don’t pack too much. Try to pack versatile clothes and your most spacious shoes. You can also save space by using travel-size products.
• Driving by car? Bring along some games that everyone can enjoy to make the trip as fun as the destination.
• Select your accommodation wisely. Why not spend a little more on a hotel or inn that you will love?
• If you don’t have to travel far, take the scenic route.

Travel Safety Tips for Domestic Travel

Don’t forget to check out our tips on domestic travel safety for your short trip:

• Avoid carrying or wearing any valuables you don’t need. This could make you an easy target for pickpockets. When you sit down, place your bag or backpack on your lap instead of at your side.
• Research your accommodation and make sure it’s in a safe area of the city. You can read reviews on travel websites or ask fellow travellers for advice.
• Keep yourself safe by sharing your itinerary with someone at home, especially if travelling alone. Consider scheduling daily check-ins and sharing your location via your smartphone with trusted family or friends.
• If applicable, follow all COVID restrictions at your destination.
• Do not travel if you feel unwell or if COVID-19 has recently been diagnosed.

International Travel Tips

Planning your first trip abroad? It’s normal to be a little anxious, along with all the excitement. You can prepare yourself for your first long-haul trip with these international travel tips:

• Arrive 3 hours before your international flight. Although it may seem excessive, the 3-hour check-in time is necessary because of immigration checks and increased security when traveling internationally. International flights are usually on larger planes, which have more passengers and longer lines.
• You can download e-books or movies before you travel. It is recommended that you download books, movies, or shows to your tablet or smartphone in advance if you intend to use them during your flight.
• Bring a portable charger. You may not be able to find a plug in a crowded airport, and certain planes do not have charging ports.
• Once you arrive, plan your route to your accommodation. Don’t try to figure out transportation on your first night abroad.
• Don’t overload. Select a suitcase you can easily move around, such as a rolling case or backpack. It can be annoying to drag a bunch of duffel bags, especially if you are experiencing jet lag.
• Register with the program at the U.S. Embassy closest to your final destination. You can use this resource to receive alerts or to allow the embassy to reach you in an emergency.
• Travel insurance is a must. Trip cancellation insurance can protect you if your trip is disrupted or cancelled. Travel medical insurance is a good option if you need coverage for medical emergencies and travel expenses but not trip cancellation.
• Get moving and get some exercise as soon as you arrive. How to minimize and prevent jet lag.
• Check the requirements to enter your destination up until the date of departure. These restrictions and requirements can change even without COVID.

Travel Safety Tips COVID-19

Follow these COVID-19 travel safety tips to reduce your risk of contracting COVID and spreading it.

• The most important tip for international travel is to keep up with the latest travel restrictions and entry requirements. Use this map of international travel restrictions from Kayak to find out about entry requirements and travel restrictions for each country. These can be subject to frequent change.
• Don’t forget that many counties and localities have their travel restrictions and requirements. COVID restrictions are listed for each state.
• Do not skip the necessary precautions when travelling abroad or at home. It is important to get vaccinations and boosters before travelling, maintain a 6-foot (or 2 meters) distance between yourself and others, avoid contact with sick people, quarantine if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill, and wear a mask when in public places.

Packing Tips for

The decision of what to bring is one of the most stressful aspects of travelling. You will be surprised to see how effective simple travel hacks and travel tips can be!

• It is important to have versatile clothes. Separates in neutral colours are an easy way to update your wardrobe while also reducing packing.
• Roll your clothes in order to maximize the space you have in your suitcase.
• You’ll need to know the current weather conditions in your destination. Is it rainy season in your destination? Does the area have a reputation for windy weather conditions? You will need to bring a lot of sunscreen, bug repellant, a sunhat and loose clothing. You can better prepare yourself if you are more informed about your destination.
• Layer your clothes and wear comfortable shoes to explore. When you travel, use your largest shoes, and don’t forget to pack the inside of any shoes that are packed.
• If you are packing items other than clothing, like toiletries, jewellery or medications, it is best to use a separate travel bag. You can also pack these items in small packing cubes and boxes to save space.
• Avoid overpacking your luggage. You may be charged if you exceed an airline’s weight limit, and it will be difficult to carry around.
• Consider buying toiletries on your trip rather than packing them.
• Remember to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule when packing your carry-on bag with liquids, aerosols and gels. You can pack up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller in a quart-sized bag that is clear and resealable. As a passenger, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. Per passenger, one carry-on bag and one personal item (i.e. purse, backpack, etc.) are allowed.
• Consider shipping bulky items like sporting equipment or instruments in advance so that you won’t need to worry about transporting them.

Tips for Students on Traveling

Are you getting ready to go abroad for your semester? Are you planning to backpack during your gap year? Budget-friendly travel tips are always useful, no matter where you go or what type of trip you take!

If you are wondering how to travel as a student, take some time to look into summer or semester programs abroad. Here are 15 great study abroad programs to consider.

Are you interested in learning how to travel free of charge as a student? These nine countries offer Americans the opportunity to study abroad at no cost or for a fraction of what other programs would cost. Consider joining a course study or summer program that offers grants and scholarships.

Consider getting a paid internship abroad or a part-time tutoring job on campus if you want to save some money for your travels as a student. You can start a travel blog for students to earn some extra cash.

When you are travelling as a college student, hostels can be a great place to stay. Some hostels offer help with cooking, cleaning, maintenance and other tasks during your stay. You might be surprised by the number of resources available for student travellers.

Unique Travel Tips To Help You Better Prepare

You’re almost ready to leave on your trip. Review these travel tips before you go. Remember that the travel tips you choose will help you enjoy a rewarding and immersive experience.

Travel Tips to Make Your Trip Unique

1. Listen to podcasts relevant to your trip before you depart.
3. You can find great information in tour guidebooks, but why not read some historical fiction or biographies about key people from the country you are about to visit?
5. Join a social media group focused on the country you are visiting. This will give you a first-hand look at what it is like to live or visit the area.
7. Plan a few walking tours. You can learn a lot about your destination by walking around the town or city.
9. Consider taking a culturally immersive class, such as a cooking course. Take the time to learn more about a culture.

It’s time to start getting excited about your first trip! You don’t need to worry about packing everything you will need. Once you reach your destination, you can pick up any items you forgot. It’s now time to prepare for your adventure!