What Every New International Traveller Needs to Know Before Their First Adventure

Editor

Summary of key points

Are you tired of staying in the same bubble and finally wanting to go out and experience other cultures? Are you tired of the same constant activities like boating or other outdoor activities that are close to your home or hiking in places you’ve hiked dozens of times? Good, that’s the spirit! Honestly, the world is so vast, and there’s just plenty to see and do, and the world is just waiting for you to explore it! Plus, traveling has a lot of mental health benefits, too, and going outside of your comfort zone is the best way to go about it.

While yes, it’s so exciting, it can also be just a little bit overwhelming. Just think about it: new languages, new currencies, laws and regulations you might not be aware of, food and ingredients you’ve never tried, new sites. Basically, anything and everything is new, and it’s going to be totally different from what you’re used to. 

But at the same time, that’s what makes this so magical and wonderful! But before getting to packing, it’s important to keep some things in mind first. Sure, some of these are passed out online (and in books) a lot, but if something gets repeated enough, it probably shows how important it actually is, right? Well, with that said, here’s what you really need to know before your first international adventure!

Do You Know That Luggage Storage Exists?

Unless you’re from a major tourist destination, there might not be a chance you’re aware of this, but this is basically a traveller’s best-kept secret. You’ll find these handy solutions in airports, train stations, city centers, and sometimes even businesses that will charge a small fee to hold onto your luggage while you’re out and about (all you really need to do is Google “luggage storage near me”, or “Luggage storage (location)” and there’s usually results that pop-up. Well, in major tourist destinations, that is. 

So, as long as you’re going to a tourist-friendly destination, the odds are very high that there’s luggage storage. For example, if you’re in London and you’re going to be hanging out close to St. Pancreas because you plan on taking the Eurostar to mainland Europe later that day (for example, you still have a few hours until your train), then you can use Radical Storage in London to hold your belongings. This is an example, but basically, when it comes to any city, whether it be a short layover or that weird transitional period you have between your hotel check out and your flight or train, then this can be a great option. 

Overall, the whole point is to just keep your belongings secure when you go out and sightsee (plus a lot of stores and museums won’t allow for suitcases or large backpacks). Oh, just one thing, you’ll just make sure to check the locker policies and fees beforehand. This little trick can turn potential travel headaches into carefree adventures.

Learn a Few Local Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent in the language of every country you visit, but learning a few key phrases can go a long way. For the most part, all you really need are some simple greetings like thank you, please, and help can make a significant difference in your interactions. Nowadays, it’s so easy to learn a few phrases, there’s free apps like Duolingo and Drops, but of course, you can check out YouTube, or even use an old-fashion guidebook. 

Unless you’re in Paris (or some other city with not-so-nice locally), you can expect that the majority of locals will appreciate the effort, and it can open doors to more authentic experiences. Plus, it’s fun to practice, and you might even surprise yourself with how much you can pick up!

Get Travel Insurance—Seriously

This might not be the most exciting topic, but travel insurance is a must. Yes, you need this, especially if you’re traveling internationally for the first time. It’s your safety net for unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. So, you can think of it as a small investment for peace of mind. 

So, it’ll be a pretty good idea to just shop around for policies that best suit your needs and destination. It’s one of those things you hope you never need but are immensely grateful for when you do.

You Need to Be a Responsible Traveller

Lastly, remember that travel is a privilege. Yes, even if this is your first time travelling internationally, this is still nothing short of a privilege. It’s unfortunate to say, but it seems as if more and more tourists are showing up on the news and being disrespectful in the area that they’re visiting. Yes, one bad apple can ruin a bunch (which isn’t fair). But when you’re traveling, you need to respect the local customs, traditions, and environment. Be mindful of your impact as a tourist. While it doesn’t seem like much, even being a tourist in this location that you’re at does have an impact.

Editor
Autumn is an Editor @ WholeYum, passionate about holistic health and nutrition.

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