Traveling to another country, especially alone, can be a daunting undertaking—but there’s no reason to stress yourself out. Being prepared is key to ensuring your travel experience is a positive one. So, read on for tips on how to prep yourself for traveling to another country.
Side note: If you’re reading this to prep, but really aren’t ready for a full country travel, opt for a small vacay. Search out Bald Head Island rentals and other seaside resorts to get some traveling experience.
Snag Your Passports, Certifications, and Necessary Travel Documents
Before you even book a flight, hotel, or transportation when you get there, make sure your travel documents are in order. Every destination is different in traveler requirements, so update your passports, make sure your vaccinations are on point, and research about any certifications you might need.
Research the Demographics, Stories, and Safety Regulations of Your Destination
Some destinations are dangerous—just sayin’. And some cultures have beliefs that could make those destinations moreso dangerous to naïve travelers. Ergo, the best thing you can be is prepared. Follow up on news stories, demographics and statistics (crime rates), and safety regulations about the area. Read past traveler experiences and prepare yourself until you feel comfortable enough to know that you can avoid negative situations in a new-to-you destination.
Plan and Set Aside a Travel Budget for Everything (i.e. Food, Transportation, Activities, etc.)
While hopping on a plane and traveling the world in an impromptu adventure might sound exciting and spontaneous, smart travelers always have a plan. Don’t galivant to somewhere foreign and expect to know where to go from there. You need to plan and set aside a budget for all that you want to do, see, and eat.
Focus on Learning the Culture, Language, and Respect for Both
As aforementioned, most destinations, especially in other countries, have their own cultures, beliefs, and languages. Respect them by researching them and building a knowledge of those customs before you journey to your intended location. Think of it this way—you wouldn’t want a stranger to start a fire in your backyard, so avoid offending someone just because you don’t understand their customs. Respect goes a long way when you’re a traveler.