My 10 travel tips for a SAFE first time holiday abroad

The world is a big and beautiful place and in this post, I will give you my 10 top travel tips to help you have a pleasant and safe first holiday abroad. going travelling is one of the most enjoyable adventures, The freedom and change of scenery, being amongst different cultures and seeing how they live in other parts of the world, Different types of food to taste and loads more. This may seem a bit overwhelming at first especially if you plan to travel alone. Fear not there are thousands of people doing it every day but if you are not sure what to take or how to be secure whilst travelling, then this blog post is for you.

Prevention is better than cure in my opinion when travelling and anything you can plan before you travel (such as how you will get from the airport to your hotel when you arrive) will always be beneficial towards a stress-free journey.

1.

What do I need to know about travelling abroad the first time?

I know what it feels like when you get to that stage in life where all your friends are going or coming back off holiday and telling you what a wonderful time they had, showing you all their holiday snaps and telling you about the great parties, beaches and adventures they have been on. That is when you get the urge and decide it’s time to start planning your first holiday abroad even if only to see what all the fuss is about.

When travelling abroad you have to remember you are in a different country with different cultures and different laws to your own country. Always read up about things you can and can’t do in the particular country you plan to visit. Remember that not every culture shares the same sense of humour as your own so be careful how you approach people and what you say before you know them better.

My first holiday was travelling Asia for 3 months, a big challenge but it was what I really wanted to do. Before you get too excited, be logical. Listen to other people’s experiences, watch some travel videos and decide for yourself where YOU would really like to go? Not everybody shares the same interest and what may be appealing to others may not be what you really want.

Be honest with yourself and choose somewhere that interests you don’t just go because everyone else is going, unless of course where they are going really appeals to you. This way you will not be disappointed

2.

Which countries are best for first-time travellers?

Like most things in life approaching a new experience can sometimes be a little bit daunting and unfortunately we naturally always anticipate the worst. But don’t worry, travelling abroad is easy if you make sure you plan everything and follow the basic guidelines.

For your first holiday abroad I would personally book a short holiday and visit a country close to your own maybe a 2 or 3-hour flight away, Yes a paradise beach holiday in a faraway destination is great but this would be like a practise run to familiarise yourself with airports and what to do when arriving in a foreign country but also most importantly how to get home.

If you are not sure about where you would like to go on holiday, the best way to decide where you would like to go is to start by writing a list of all the places you would like to visit, why you would like to visit them, what you would like to do when you get there, and what you would like to see. Write down as many things as you can that would excite you about visiting somewhere, and then by process of elimination break it down and choose your destination. This way you will be more excited about going and you will enjoy it more when you arrive.

Read on if travel has been on your mind lately but maybe you don’t have the time or money to take a break from life right now – this post is perfect for all types of travellers!

3.

Is it better to exchange money before travelling abroad?

Yes, I would highly recommend visiting your bank and exchanging some money to take with you before you go. The main reason being you may want to buy some food or get a taxi to your destination and they may not accept card payments. once you arrive at your destination you can then become more acquainted with the area and find the closest ATM that accepts your card.

The other reason why it is a good idea to exchange some money before you travel is to familiarise yourself with the exchange rate so when you are spending money you can relate to what it is costing you in your own currency. This is really important to help save you from wasting money without knowing it.

You can track your spending more easily if you update the apps on your phone to the destination’s currency. That way, it will be easier for you to check how much money you have left so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay.

If you’re travelling, it’s a good idea to set your phone to the local currency so that all of your transactions are automatically labelled with their correct prices.

There are much better things to do whilst on holiday than to waste your time Fiddling around with exchange rates all the time is not worth it!

4.

Take a travel kit that includes basics such as plasters

Make sure to carry a travel kit with you when going on vacation. This does not mean taking the whole medicine cabinet with you. Depending on where you plan to travel to will depend on what you take. The basics like plasters headache tablets, ointment, Sunburn cream, condoms, oh and do not forget the insect repellent. There is no need to go overboard as most destinations will have shops where you can purchase these items.

Whether you’re going for a week or longer on vacation, or on a business trip, make sure to travel prepared. My travel kit always includes the basics but I am fortunate not to have any medical issues. Make sure you include on your travel list any prescribed medication as this could cause you problems abroad.

It’s also a good idea to include emergency contact information in your travel kit.

5.

The safest place to keep my passport when travelling

Taking your passport with you everywhere could result in you misplacing it or leaving it somewhere by mistake or worst case scenario getting robbed and losing it. This will cause you big problems in some countries and could be a very costly mistake, you should keep it with you only when there are no other options or when changing destination because if it’s stolen or lost it could cause problems when going through security or leaving the country.

Don’t take your passport out with you unnecessarily. Most hotels have secure safes or if you want to be really safe leave it at the hotel reception. This of course depends on the kind of hotel you are staying at. Worst case scenario take it with you but keep it in a safe pocket or belt bag with a zip or buttons.

Always keep your passport in a place you can easily access it in case you need to make an emergency exit. The best place to leave your passport is with all your other travel documents, this way you know where everything is and you don’t have to waste time searching for it.

6.

Update apps to your destination’s currency to track your spending

You can track your spending more easily if you update the apps on your phone to the destination’s currency. That way, it will be easier for you to check how much money you have left so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay.

If you’re travelling, it’s a good idea to set your phone to the local currency so that all of your transactions are automatically labelled with their correct prices.

Fiddling around with exchange rates all the time is not worth it!

7.

Are airline tickets cheaper on weekdays?

The best time to book a flight is during the week, preferably Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This may cause a small inconvenience for some people but that is why you can pick up some great deals. most people are looking for flights over the weekend, so you can be sure prices will escalate if you try to book at the weekend. Also because most people like to travel at the weekends, booking your flight on a weekday will mean fewer queues and waiting times due to overcrowding at the airport.

this was a trick I picked up from doing many searches on flight prices – and I can now confirm it works amazingly well!. Another benefit is because there are fewer passengers during the week, chances are you will get a whole row of seats to yourself allowing you to spread out and get a good sleep if you are on a long flight.

8.

Use Google Maps offline so you can still navigate even without a connection

If you’re driving or walking between places and don’t have a data connection, use Google Maps offline mode. It’ll still give you directions and useful information like the distance to your destination, what streets to take, and how long it’ll take to get there.

You can also download a map of your places of interest ahead of time, and then you get to use it anywhere – even on things like subways!

9.

Carry bank cards you can use abroad

If you are travelling to another country, it’s always a good idea to bring 2 bank cards with you and keep them in separate cardholders. You don’t want to rely on just one card when travelling. It could cause problems if one of them gets lost or stolen. It is always a good idea to have contact from your home country who could help you financially should you lose your bank card.

Make sure to let your bank know you are travelling abroad and where to, This will stop them from sending you fraud alerts every time you make a transaction abroad. Keep a record of your bank details, latest transactions, log in details for internet banking, passwords and answers to security questions. If a bank blocks your card whilst you are away it can prevent you from using your card and you really don’t need that when you are miles away from home.

10.

Why it’s important to plan your journey

Travelling can be a stressful and terrifying experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Following these simple guidelines to help you prevent making some of the mistakes I made when I first started travelling and some of those mistakes I hasten to add cost me dearly. this way you will always know, where your passport and travel documents are at all times, how much money you’re spending on flights and accommodations (and when), and most importantly, that you are ready in case of emergency.

If you are planning a long journey abroad and plan to find accommodation when you are there Some great advice would be to book and pay for a hotel online before you leave. Flights can be exhausting and by booking a hotel even if it’s only for a couple of nights at least you have somewhere to put your bags down and get acquainted with your new surroundings.

Before you start to plan your first holiday make sure you check the travel requirements for entering another country and what documents you will need. Make sure your passport is still valid, and purchase travel insurance including medical insurance and any covid vaccine requirements, this may be an added expense but I personally would not leave home without it. check to see if there are any visa requirements for the country you plan to visit and make sure you have some spare funds in case you need them in an emergency.

Some extra useful bonus tips for travelling abroad

11.

Do you need to take towels on holidays abroad?

One of the ways of reducing travel expenses is not having to pay excess baggage costs. Towels take up a lot of space in a suitcase or travel bag. Depending on where you are going, most hotels or guest houses provide at least the bare essentials when it comes to toiletries and laundry including towels. However, if you are planning on going camping or un-furnished apartments then you may need to take your own towels.

Most of the time especially if you are travelling to coastal destinations you will be able to purchase cheap towels from local shops in the area. The reason I specify cheap towels is because you will only really need them whilst you are on holiday and taking them home with you could mean taking up valuable space in your suitcase so leaving them behind at the end of your holiday would be the best option

12.

What food should I avoid on holidays abroad?

The type of food you choose to eat whilst in a different country will depend on personal preferences. If spicey food like curry does not agree with your stomach then I strongly advise against eating it as the last thing you want is a dodgy stomach.

Depending on what country you visit will have a great impact on the health issues surrounding the production and storage of any food you plan to eat. People in third world countries can tolerate much lower standards of hygiene than someone from a less deprived country so try not to eat from dirty looking restaurants with low hygiene standards. Having said that be adventurous at times, I have had some wonderful meals from street food vans and hawkers.

Some good advice is not only to be wary of what you eat but also what you drink. Avoid drinking tap water when visiting other countries stick to bottled water for drinking, brushing your teeth and cooking. In a worst-case scenario if you have no choice boil the tap water and allow it to cool before drinking it.

Do not let me put you off eating food abroad that is far from my intention. The food in many foreign countries is amazing and you would be missing out if you did not take advantage of tasting their traditional cuisine. Ok, so the chances of finding a real authentic roast dinner or a full English greasy spoon breakfast are far and few between, but hey, When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

13.

What are the most important things to take on holiday?

Top of the list when it comes down to what are the most important things to take on holiday is all your travel documents. This includes your passport, your bank cards and money, your flight details and check-in details, your driving licence (if you plan to drive abroad)proof of your NHS vaccines with information on where you had them done and any other important personal papers such as medical information should in the unlikely event of needing hospital care abroad.

Depending on how long you want to go travelling for and where you are going travelling to my best suggestion would be to take the bare essentials. many people travelling these days take merely their hand luggage as this cuts down on waiting time at baggage control and also less chance of your baggage going missing.

The only problem with doing this is you are restricted to what you are allowed to carry in your personal luggage such as liquids, toothpaste, sun lotions, lighters, insect repellents e.t.c. However, most of these items can be purchased on your arrival at your destination and more often than not at a lower price too.

Depending on the climate of your destination you would be advised to take appropriate clothing such as winter clothing for colder climates or shorts and T.shirts for hotter climates( 1 pair of socks is sufficient as you would more than likely be wearing sandals or flip flops in these climates). If you are visiting a Muslim country this would include long-sleeved shirts and even trousers ins some areas.

For all you lovely ladies going travelling, 10 pairs of shoes, 10 different bikinis, and 10 different dresses is a big no-no. you really do not need all that no matter how self-conscious or out to impress you may be and besides that poor hubby is going to end up having a heart attack from carrying it all. Stick to minimal essentials as generally, you can buy your other needs when you arrive.

14.

Which SIM card is best for travelling abroad on holiday

That old phone you don’t use anymore and is just sitting in the back of the drawer is now going to be very useful. make sure it is unblocked and can use a pay as you go SIM card. as soon as you arrive at your destination purchase a pay as you go sim card from that country and put it in your old phone.

Most airports will have a shop where you can buy a sim card. The main reasons you should do this is to not risk the chance of getting a massive bill for roaming charges when you return home but also because you do not want to take your new top of the range mobile phone out with you in a country where it is likely to be stolen as soon as you put it down.

Use your old phone when you go out and keep your main phone in a safe place and only use it for emergencies. Make sure to turn off roaming data as soon as you arrive in another country. Always keep your belongings in your bag or pocket, do not leave personal items on tables or lying around openly in bars and restaurants or you will be going home without them. I KNOW FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCES.

15.

How do I book my first holiday abroad?

So, you have decided where you want to go, and How long to go for, it’s time to book it and make this dream come true. Try and book your tickets as soon as possible even if it’s a couple of months away. There are 2 main reasons for doing this, the first is you will get much better deals the more advanced you are in the booking. The second reason to do this is that once your money is on the table, there is no turning back. you are going on holiday. Go and have a nice drink and start celebrating the count down to lift off.

WHERE DO I BEGIN?

All your bookings can now be done online but be sure to use reputable companies as there are many rogue companies trying to take your money. for hotels and flights I personally use and recommend Skyscanner I have used them many times without any problems and found great deals on flights and hotels. I use medical travel insurance for great deals on medical and general travel insurance.

If you are still not happy with booking online then there are many high street travel agencies where you can go and get more information and prices before making your final decision. Unfortunately, you will pay more if you choose to book your holiday through a high street travel agent.

Conclusion

The world is your oyster, with so much to see and do the chance of getting away should be embraced with open arms. We all have responsibilities and ties, I get that, but if you always fancied visiting another country or even just taking some time out for a couple of weeks, THEN DO IT. you can always find someone to take care of the house and feed the pets whilst you are away and there is always someone happy to get a few extra shifts covering you at work. Don’t live your life wishing you had done it. Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you found it useful.

HAPPY TRAVELLING