No matter how much you have travelled in your motherland, getting ready for your first trip abroad may be quite challenging and exciting at the same time. Chances are you have studied every inch of that 3d map wall art in your room and know very well where exactly you’re going; however, going somewhere completely new may be confusing. The good news, guys – we’re here for you to save the day with our tips and tricks!

Docs, Docs, Docs!

Before you go, make sure every document you need for a trip is valid and actually there. It might sound obvious; however, you have no idea of how many travelers realize the passport is not in their bag when it is time for baggage drop off at the airport. The point here is that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Do you need a visa? Have you got it? Is it still valid? Everything must be checked and re-checked!

Perform Research on Your Destination

There’s no doubt that spontaneous traveling is pretty much romantic. But do you know what is more romantic? Having a safe trip! Anticipate some crucial nuances to make sure you (and your companions, if any) are safe and sound on the road. We recommend checking the following issues:

• What’s the local currency?
• Are there vaccines that you have to get?
• Is it OK to drink the tap water?
• What language do people speak there?
• Is the local food suitable for you and your current health issues?
• Are there many (safe) accommodations for tourists?
• What are the dangerous (if any) areas for the tourists?
• What kind of clothes might be banned?

Let Your Bank Know About Your Upcoming Trip

They should know that your next shopping fever is going to happen in a faraway land. Without letting them know in advance, you risk having your credit card blocked because of some ‘suspicious activity.’ Plus, find out if your debit/credit cards will work internationally. Are there any foreign transaction fees? Ask that, too.

Know the Local Currency

Besides, you should check out the exchange rates to have an idea of how much money you’ll have or spend here and there. We strongly recommend to have most of your money on a credit card; however, some cash should be prepared too, especially for some small vendors and transportation.

Learn How Local Public Transport Works

Use various traveler-approved apps like 12Go and Rio2Rome to explore the best route options and see what transport you should choose at this or that moment. We recommend using the subway and bus systems since they’re more affordable in most places. If you have some spare money, taxis rock. Apps like Cabify, Uber, Bolt, or Grab are at your service around the clock.

Pack Light and Smart

It’s better to take versatile clothes with you. Pick something that suits the weather (check this one in advance!) and the culture of the place (check if any religious rules exist). Put power adapters (check plug types!), copies of important documents, and basic medicine in your bag. When getting ready for a trip overseas, follow the well-known less-is-more rule. In other words, do your best to ease the moment when you’re dragging a suitcase across cobblestones.

Download Offline Maps and Translation Apps

Wi-Fi can disappear when you least expect it! Be sure to download offline maps (Google Maps offers this feature, yay!) and a translation app like Google Translate. They’ll be there to help you deal with unknown streets, menus, and even conversations.