International travel is a big deal for most people, but for travelers it can sometimes be an anxious experience. You may feel like a social outcast at home when you travel, but once you get over that hump and realize how amazing the world actually is, you’ll notice how much more charming people are once they meet you in person. For example, at home I’m either in a bar or with my friends (sometimes both), so meeting new people and traveling internationally was actually one of the easier parts of my bucket list. But even still, there are certain things to consider if you’re thinking of visiting another country for the first time. Check out these tips so that your travels don’t feel like a prison sentence and make the most of your time abroad!
Decide Where You’re Going Before You Leave
Deciding where you’re going to travel to is the first and most important step towards a successful trip. This is because your trip might be altered (or even canceled) if you decide to go to a place that’s too dangerous or too unstable to venture to. The same goes for deciding where you want to travel to. There are many different types of International travel, and you may want to venture to a destination that’s different from what you’re used to. Additionally, if you’re looking at visiting a new country for the first time, it can be difficult to decide where to begin your trip. This is because there are so many destinations to choose from! You might want to start with a specific city or region, or you might want to start at the northern tip of South America and work your way south. There are many different types of travel, and you may want to venture to a destination that’s different from what you’re used to.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Weather
One of the things I’ve learned while traveling around the world is that everyone is afraid of the weather in different parts of the world. In some areas, it’s so cold that people are afraid to go outside for their own safety! You may be used to warm weather and humidities back home, and then you’ll be in the freezing cold with no coat or gloves on and your hair down to your knees. This can be incredibly nervewracking, but it’s actually an opportunity to meet other people from other cultures and learn about their ways. After a while, you’ll get the hang of it, and you’ll be able to enjoy the weather just as much as the locals!
Have A Plan
You might be intimidated by the thought of traveling with no plan, or you might have a plan in mind that you want to follow while traveling. There are many different ways to go about this, but the most effective way is to get a travel journal. In your journal, write down all the activities that you plan to do while traveling, and try to keep it as realistic as possible. If you have a set travel plan in mind, you’ll feel more prepared when you’re abroad and have less “free time” to deviate from the plan.
Learn the Language
You might think that learning the language is “ missionary work” while you travel internationally, but in reality, it can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your trip. The more dominant the language is in your home country, the more interesting it’ll be for travelers. For example, learning Japanese or Korean will be very easy for you, but it’ll be a million times more interesting for the other travelers in your home country to get to know you as a new friend of the language!
Make Friends At The Start
You might think that you’re ready to make friends at the end of your trip, but be prepared for the “best friend zone” scenario. When you travel, you’re likely going to meet so many amazing new people that you’re likely to either become friends with them or make room in your schedule for them when they come to visit. The “best friend zone” is actually one of the more flattering parts of the relationship iceberg. The best friends you have ever had will meet you at the end of your trip and be blown away by how great you are!
Have A Destination In Mind
If you’re thinking of visiting another country for the first time, you might want to consider what that country is really like. For example, if you’re visiting Brazil, do you want to go to the Amazon or the beaches? Think about what part of the country you’d like to visit first so that you’re well-reheated before you get there.
Take Care Of Your Health
Unfortunately, many travelers develop “treats for the trip” or “I’m-trying-new-foods” syndrome. This is where you “treat” yourself to treats when you’re abroad so that you won’t be tempted to eat and drink the “bad stuff” at home. While it’s important to give your body what it needs while you travel, you also need to take care of yourself at home. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough exercise.
Fun Activities To Do While You Travel
If you’re looking for ways to pass the time while you travel, there are plenty of options. A hotel pool or hotel spa is a great place to relax, and you can also try out some water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, or banana boat tours. For more active travelers, there are plenty of opportunities to workout at a hotel gym or take a yoga class.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to travel, research the destination and find out what the cost and logistics are like. You don’t have to travel like the locals, so make sure you know the facts ahead of time. When you’re in a foreign country, you want to make the most of your time by experiencing the culture, taking in the sights, and meeting new people. There are many different ways to do this, and traveling like a local can be done properly or cheaply. Make sure you know the best ways to go about this, and you’ll be fine!