Is it going to be your first time traveling abroad? And you’re not sure what to do or what to bring? Hopefully, this will help you decide what to do.
- Apply for a Passport
You must apply for a passport if it is your first time traveling outside of your own country. You won’t be allowed to take a flight abroad without a passport. You may always search for information on where to get a passport on Google if you’re unsure. Since online applications are now available on the website of the embassy of your nation, applying for a passport has never been simpler.
Here’s a list of passport requirements: (note that these requirements may be different from your country)
- Confirm your online appointment
- After submitting the application online, make an appointment. It’s preferable to do this at least three months prior to the planned travel date so that you have ample time.
- During the pandemic, walk-ins were not allowed so it’s best to double-check with your country’s embassy if walk-ins are now allowed.
- Duly accomplished application form
- This is often completed online, and if you have paid the application processing fee, you will receive an email confirming your appointment time when you have finished filling it out. There will be a link to your application form in the email as well. You can print your form after clicking the link to download it.
Note that there may be additional requirements for people who are married and if the applicant is a minor.
- Birth certificate
- Copy the original birth certificate, which should be printed on PSA security paper and be PSA-authenticated.
- Valid ID
- Valid forms of identification to bring include your driver’s license and social security card.
- Physical appearance
- Even if a travel agent assisted you with filling out the necessary paperwork, you still need to show up at your appointed appointment. In order to apply for a passport, you must provide biometric information and have your picture taken. Dress appropriately for any photo opportunities. It is prohibited to wear accessories, colored contact lenses, or other facial piercings. However, depending on the regulations of your DFA, this can be different.
- Do not be late for your appointment, and carry all necessary materials.
- Unless you are the applicant’s guardian, you cannot bring anyone with you who is not a passport applicant.
Once you have applied for a passport and it has been processed, you can now use it to travel!
- Plan your first international trip
Although we have no doubt that you are eager to go, you might want to consider how you want to begin your journey.
Ask yourself if you would feel at ease traveling to a place with poverty, pollution, and chaotic traffic. Consider how comfortable you are traveling to new places. Since this would be your first trip, think about vacationing close to your country of origin. It’s entirely fine to travel nearby so you may allow yourself some time to adjust and decide if you want to travel frequently.
Travel to a country that speaks English or one where you can learn the language, even if it’s just for a short while if you don’t want to go somewhere close by. If you want to be around people while traveling alone, think about signing up for a guided tour. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet other visitors and local tour guides.
Consider your plans for the country you want to visit as well. Would you like to take a trip? visit museums? eat upscale meals or fast food? Going to the beach to unwind or hiking a mountain? Or do you prefer to go out and have a good time? You should be able to determine what you truly want to experience as a first-time traveler if you put what you want in writing.
Hopefully, after going through everything with yourself, you’ll be able to decide which country or countries you want to visit.
- Check if you need a Visa
While booking your trip, double-check if the country you’re going to needs a visa or not. A visa is a document issued by the country or countries you’re visiting that grants you permission to travel there for a certain number of days. For example, Japan and Korea require a visa. You can either get multiple entries or a certain number of days that you can stay in the country.
- Make sure you can access your money while traveling
Nowadays, you can travel without having to bring physical money with you. However, this doesn’t work for all countries, as some places only accept cash for transactions. It’s advisable to carry cash, a debit card, and a credit card with you on your first international trip.
- Saving money by using public transportation and booking at a budget-friendly accommodation
This is for going around the country you’re visiting. Explore options like taking a train or bus, as they will be cheaper than having to travel using a taxi that could possibly overcharge you. Some countries still have UBER or LYFT, where the price from point A to point B is fixed and you have the option to pay either in cash or by card.
As for accommodations, with the help of Google, you can also find their cheapest hostels or hotels to stay in for the duration of your visit to that country. But if you’re feeling fancy and want to book at a luxury hotel, check out slingo.com for some suggestions.
- Book everything in advance
Although some trips work well when they are spontaneous, it’s still better to book in advance so that once you arrive in the country you’re in, all you need to do is get there and follow the itinerary you have.
- Give yourself time to rest
Once you arrive, give yourself time to rest and adjust to the time zone of the country you traveled to. It could take you a day or two, so it’s best if you just take it all in. Use day one to relax and regain the energy you used to get wherever you are.
- Protect yourself
As this is your first time traveling out of the country, here are some things to be aware of:
Pickpockets and petty theft
- Keep a close eye on your possessions at all times to prevent becoming the victim. If you want to move around, it is preferable to choose a crossbody bag or a fanny pack because these bags will shield you from pickpockets. Never leave a backpack on the ground or the back of a chair without both straps fastened to your shoulders. Don’t put your phones or wallets in your back pocket for security reasons. Put them in the front pocket or keep them inside the bag.
Have common sense
- You can find out which parts of a town or city you shouldn’t visit by asking the locals. The best course of action is to avoid such locations, especially if you’re traveling alone.
We hope that this will help you as you travel for the first time. Besides all of this, we hope you enjoy the trip!
