Preparing for International Travel: A Beginner’s Guide

When it comes to traveling – especially internationally – it helps to be as prepared as possible. Of course, if you’ve never traveled abroad before, it can be tough to know “what you don’t know.” I totally get the stress that can come with prepping for an overseas trip, which is why I’ve put together a few quick tips that I’ve learned along the way. It’s mostly just trial and error. You learn what works best for you by making mistakes or having travelers conversations along the way. 

Seriously – these are game changers.

Travel Tip #1: Download Google Translate for any major languages spoken in the country that you’re visiting…and do it BEFORE you leave. There’s nothing quite as fun as trying to download Google Translate to your phone in an unknown country, at an airport with spotty Wi-Fi, all after having just flown 10+ hours (I’m kidding – it sucks).  You can also download prior to leaving Google Maps for the area you think you might be exploring. That way you won’t need to worry about service while there.

Travel Tip #2: TAKE LESS CLOTHES! Here’s the truth: no one but you will know that you’ve worn the same shirt three days in a row. It took me a while to figure this out, but there are actually laundry options in most countries that you can easily utilize. And the worst case scenario? Even if there aren’t any that happen to be immediately available, sink washes and air drying always represent a viable option. 

Travel Tip #3: Keep your cash in several different locations and move it around frequently. Also, consider keeping only small bills on your person – this can help in case you get robbed (this is smart practice, no matter where you’re at– including in the U.S.) Pro tip: this can also help if you’re trying to buy something – if you pull out your pockets and show a vendor that you don’t have any more cash on you than what you’re showing them, they’ll often cave on the price.

Travel Tip #4: Keep an old pair of tennis shoes on hand. Toss them out on the last day of your trip – this helps to free up space for the small gifts you’ve bought, AND it forces you to buy that new pair you’ve been procrastinating on (face it – we all do it).

Travel Tip #5: Buy a 45L travel backpack. These suckers fit in all overhead bins (I haven’t checked a bag in a decade) and can carry everything you’ll ever need. I wear a waterproof bag on my front which can help protect your electronics, even in the midst of rainy weather. I look like a tool but I have all my items with me at all times. 

Travel Tip #6: Get up early for everything. Life happens, and no matter how well you’ve prepared or think you’ve timed everything out, even the most flexible of schedules tend to have a way of being disrupted when traveling abroad. Lose a little sleep and save yourself a lot of stress – trust me, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff.  

Travel Tip #7: Many carriers have international data plans, or even built in. I’ve tried most and currently use Google Fi. It’s amazing for Android phones…shocking. And great for iPhones. They really push you to switch but I’ve had three iPhones with them and no issues. If you’d like to support me and get a credit to try it my code is 47WJ3Y. It may be a conflict of interest but I do really like the service. Of all the countries I’ve been to, it’s worked on landing every time. 

Travel Tip #8: Screenshot your location when at obscure locations/sites you love. This will help you to remember and explain the picture to others. (This is the location of the ATM Cave Belize- Actun Tunichil Muknal which you will learn about in my Belize blog soon!) 

Travel Tip #9: Take a filtered water bottle with you. I’ve gotten into the habit of bringing this with me any time I go abroad. Even at hotels that promote filtered water systems in Mexico it’s better safe than sorry. 

Travel Tip #10: It took me to country 38 to really internalize this. Don’t be attached to any physical item you bring. Wallet or brand new iPhone included. Both were stolen walking down a festival side street in Colombia. It feels awful at first being violated. But…this is why you stick to the above rules and don’t be attached. Traveling is a dangerous sport, people. 

Travel Tip #11: Bringing an old phone is a decent idea. With more and more phones going to e-sim card it will allow you to do the very basics if you are traveling solo depending on your carrier and phone. 

Travel Tip #12: Bring crips bills. When exchanging money in many countries they will not accept anything less than very new looking bills. Vietnam and Colombia are two examples.

Travel Tip #13: Get used to WhatsApp. Everyone else uses this for communication. From locals, to businesses, to signage on doors. 

Travel Tip #14: Medicine: if you have a weak stomach or travel often the next time you go to the doctor ask for anti-diarrhea pills. Fortunately, I’ve only needed them once but they turned me around quickly and salvaged a few extra days / hospital stay. I also take a standard orange pill bottle of Tums and Pepto.