A woman going to travel abroad for the first time.

10 Things to Prepare Before Traveling Abroad

For first-time travelers, preparing to go abroad may seem like a big deal. But don’t worry, because we’ve compiled a checklist of things to prepare before traveling abroad. This will help make your trip go smoothly and be as enjoyable as possible. Let’s see what you need to get ready!

Get Ready! 10 Things to Prepare Before Traveling Abroad

For first-timers wondering what to prepare for their first international trip, we’ve compiled 10 essential checklist items you should have ready. Let’s check them out:

1. Verify All Important Documents

Preparing to go abroad should start with checking all essential documents, especially your passport and visa. For passports, ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months from your travel date. Also, double-check all your personal information, including name, surname, date of birth, and passport number. Don’t forget to bring copies of important documents such as an international driving license (if you have one) and credit cards. Store these copies separately from the originals for safety and convenience in case the originals are lost.

If your destination country requires a visa, apply in advance according to the specified timeline. Research and gather all necessary documents for the visa application. Note that visa processing times may vary by country, so plan accordingly to avoid potential issues later.

2. Plan Your Trip in Detail, Including Attractions and Accommodation

Good trip planning starts with choosing the right time, considering weather conditions and desired activities. Then, plan your itinerary to cover all the places you want to visit, but consider travel times between locations to ensure smooth travel and minimize time spent in transit.

For accommodation bookings, compare prices and locations to match your budget. Consider staying near train stations or public transportation to save on travel costs and time.

3. Purchase Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

Travel insurance helps reduce risks and expenses arising from unexpected events abroad, providing peace of mind. This type of insurance typically covers various aspects, including medical treatment for illness or accidents, loss of property, and trip cancellations. To prevent potential issues, be sure to thoroughly study the policy details and conditions, especially any exclusions.

4. Pack Only the Essentials

When packing, choose versatile clothing that can be worn on multiple occasions to reduce the number of items you need to bring. Don’t forget to pack essential personal items such as sunscreen, face moisturizer, makeup, hats, sunglasses, etc. However, be mindful of liquid products as there are restrictions for carry-on luggage. Make sure to study these details thoroughly before packing.

5. Understand the Culture & Avoid Getting Lost

Before departing, study your destination country in detail, including its history, culture, and local customs. Learning these aspects will help you understand and respect the country’s culture, making your travel smoother and more meaningful.

Additionally, download useful apps for your trip, such as offline navigation maps, language translation apps, and local taxi-hailing apps to facilitate your travel.

6. Download Important Documents to Your Mobile Phone

Scan or photograph important documents such as your passport page, flight tickets, and accommodation bookings, then save them on your mobile phone or personal cloud storage. Having digital copies allows you to access information immediately when needed and is useful if original documents are lost or stolen. However, set passwords or use security systems for these files to prevent unauthorized access to personal information.

7. Purchase an Internet Package Suitable for Your Usage

Choose an internet package suitable for your trip, considering the duration of travel, estimated usage, and price. Before purchasing, check if the service covers your destination country, as some packages may only be available in specific countries or regions. Also, learn how to activate and configure your phone for international use so you can use it immediately upon arrival.

8. Gather Important Information for Safety

Safety is a top priority when you travel abroad. Save emergency phone numbers for the Thai embassy or consulate in your destination country on your mobile phone, along with other emergency numbers such as local police stations, nearby hospitals, or tourist assistance agencies.

Also, inform family members or close friends about your travel details, including your itinerary, accommodation, and emergency contact methods, so someone knows your location at all times.

9. Prepare Medications and First Aid Supplies

Bring enough of your regular medications for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of travel delays or changes in plans. Don’t forget to pack common over-the-counter medicines such as fever reducers, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and allergy medicine, which may be expensive or difficult to find abroad. However, research regulations and restrictions on bringing certain types of medication into your destination country to avoid potential problems.

10. Exchange Cash for Expenses

Lastly, for those preparing to go abroad, exchange enough cash in the currency of your destination country to cover expenses, especially for transportation or your first meal. Additionally, you may want to carry a Travel Card, which is a prepaid card usable worldwide that can lock in exchange rates, making it easier to plan your expenses.

At the same time, bring credit cards for emergencies and notify the bank before you travel abroad to prevent card suspensions due to international use.

A woman packing her things to prepare before traveling abroad.

For anyone preparing to go abroad and looking for a currency exchange shop near BTS Chidlom, you can stop by Max Exchange in The Mercury Ville @ Chidlom, located on the 3rd floor. They offer buying and selling services for up to 23 foreign currencies. Plus, they provide a pre-order service where you can reserve currency in advance and pick it up at the branch. They aim to meet all your needs and are conveniently located just a few steps from BTS Chidlom station!

ข้อมูลอ้างอิง