By Having visited thirty-five different countries on five different continents, I like to call myself a world traveler. My first solo trip was at nineteen when I drove my motorcycle from Windsor, Canada to Daytona Beach, Florida. It was before the Internet, mobile phones, or GPS. It was a time when travelers referred to giant and cumbersome sheets of paper, otherwise known as maps.
I’ve learned many important lessons over the years, mostly by trial and error. By adhering to advice from seasoned travelers like myself and others, and using modern technology available today, even timid souls afflicted by wanderlust can experience the joy of discovering strange and exotic places that our planet has to offer. Here is my list of five tips for international travel to ensure you have a great experience.
Tips For International Travel
Planning
Having an oven-ready travel plan is like baking the perfect cake — you need a good recipe to ensure your success. Travel agents can do the work for you if you want a pre-packaged, no-brainer vacation. But if you want to get off the beaten path and explore, the Internet is your best friend. Sites like TripAdvisor are invaluable, and Google can virtually take you to any place in the world you want to see. Check YouTube for clips from experienced guides like Rick Steves.
If a particular country is your destination, open a tab or print a reference guide that shows things like terrain and transportation routes. A good map should include airports, rail, and roadways. Sites like TripAdvisor, Google Maps, and MapQuest compare distance and travel times for various modes of transportation. Check the weather patterns, best times of the year, and peak tourist seasons.
Another advantage the Internet offers is access. Many sites offer virtual tours, where you can see inside castles, museums, and even the layout of your cruise ship. Research and make notes or create a detailed itinerary with a calendar. Depending on your sense of adventure, you can book all your accommodations in advance, or play it by ear, deciding how long you want to stay once you get somewhere.
Packing
What exactly should I bring? It depends on your destination and what you are doing when you get there. I once read that one of the tips for international travel is to pack everything you think you’ll need and then take half of it out. It’s sound advice. Backpacks were the way to go in my day, but they can be awkward and heavy. I’ve heard my generation referred to as Flashpackers. We use bags on wheels.
Get something with lots of pockets and compartments for easy access to essentials. Make sure it’s easy to carry when you have to. I’ve seen too many people struggling with their luggage on planes, trains, and buses. Be smart and buy something you can easily handle. I sometimes bring disposable clothes that I can discard or give to the poor. It makes room for new stuff. Google ‘Packing Tips’ for hundreds of great ideas.
Booking
Once again, a good travel agent can book all your accommodations and modes of transportation, if that’s the way you decide to go. If you’re planning your own trip, one of the best tips for international travel is to consider open-ended flights when traveling abroad. Then you can arrive in one location and depart from another. This way, you’ll cover more ground without having to circle or double back. I’ve taken trips for two months or more where I didn’t book my return flight until much later on. Maybe you won’t be ready to go home. It’s great to have flexibility.
A fellow traveler once told me about his three-day rule. He wouldn’t venture to any particular destination unless he could spend at least three days there. It gives time to settle in, explore, and get a feel for the location before moving on to the next. Finding a place to stay is easy with sites like VRBO, Airbnb, Hotels.com, or Expedia.com. Even TripAdvisor offers accommodation searches. The latter is invaluable for getting reviews and insights from other travelers. Do your research and read what people have to say, keeping in mind not to believe everything you read. Compare, and buyer beware.
Transportation
There are many choices for booking transportation and accommodations online. I use a wholesaler called Cheapo Air for my flights. They go a step further than sites like Trivago and give the cheapest flight option with all the details and discounts included. They are usually non-refundable, but there is the option of travel insurance.
Each mode of transportation has advantages and disadvantages. Flying is quicker but can be expensive. Rail might be efficient and less costly, but access in big cities can be limited. Buses are usually cheaper but normally take longer. Boats are even slower, usually relaxing, but not always economical. Car travel seems a lot easier, but it can be expensive, and parking can be a problem. Companies like Uber are now available around the world (mostly).
When deciding on your mode of travel consider things like schedules, fuel, insurance costs, ferry prices, cancelations, and mishaps. I once spent five hours stranded on a bus because of a mountain landslide. Always have food and water available no matter which option you choose. Make sure your passport, driver’s license, and any other travel documents are up to date and inquire if special visas are needed in certain countries. Beware of the laws in any foreign country you might visit.
Have Fun
Murphy’s Law sometimes comes into play when you travel. Know that shit happens, and certain things are beyond your control. Long and boring waits in airports are normal these days. Mechanical issues can happen to anyone at any time. Be patient and don’t sweat the small stuff. If you’re not happy with something in particular, feel free to complain in the proper forum. My wife is a master at it and has gotten us vouchers on non-refundable flights and free hotel rooms from sites like Hotels.com. It pays to complain, but do it politely — remember what your mom used to say about sugar and honey.
Traveling to and discovering new places can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Meet different people, explore their culture, and educate yourself. Try their food. Do these things to become a better version of yourself. But most importantly, enjoy the trip and have fun. Maybe you can write your own tips for international travel one day!
If you’re interested in any of my adventures or have any questions, please feel free to ask and/or visit my website: www.edmondgagnon.com.
45 Comments. Leave new
Wow you have been to a lot of places!! I was totally reminded of traveling with the family in our 1974 VW Bus, with that thick US Thomson guide map, haha. My mom would be reading it and barking orders to me dad who was driving, haha. Travel has definitely changed since then. Planning is key, I know some people love to travel by the seat of their pants so to speak, but generally it is a good idea to plan. haha.
Travel = memories. A ’74 VW bus…wow! My wife would love to do that…she drives a Beetle Bug.
LOL does Texas count as abroad? I think so too! I love all the information in this post. Gonna have to pin it for the future. Thank you!
Sure Texas counts, Iris, many of this website’s readers are from other countries. And from what I saw, parts of Texas are like another country 🙂
These are excellent tips. They seem so elementary, but when you’re traveling abroad, they become so much more important. With all the factors you have to take into account, if you don’t have the basics squared away, you could be in for a lot of headache.
You’re so right, Ben, I’ve seen so many examples – including myself on occasion, of people not be properly prepared for their trip.
Great ideas. Another, that a good friend taught us that is very important when travelling with someone else is to both not have the same meal. If by chance you get sick from the food the other person can take care of you.
Right on, Laurie, a rule we adopted years ago in Greece when my wife and I both got food poisoning, I should have known better than to order German food in a Greek restaurant. Unfortunately it means keeping out of each others plates 🙂
Great post! There is a lot to take into consideration to travel. I think planning is the most important of it all, I dont like to take trips without a good planning.
Thanks Kevin. There’s nothing better than a good plan.
Traveling is so fun and so rewarding! Your first solo trip to Florida sounds like it was a lot of fun and very rewarding. All of these tips are really great to keep in mind.
Kileen
cute & little
I learned a lot on that Florida trip…ran out of gas and cash, borrowed money and made it home with 15 cents in my pocket. It was in 1977…my first credit card didn’t arrive before I left and no debit cards back then. Great memories.
There are great travel tips and the most important thing when you go for a trip is planning.
You are so right, Gervin, nothing is better than a good plan.
A comprehensive list with important insights. Will definitely consider the next time I travel!
Thank you for your feedback. Happy Travels!
Nice tips. I always enjoy when I can travel. I am terrible with the packing.
My wife starts packing for big trips months in advance. I’m a day or two before 🙂
You are so right about stuff happening that’s out of our control on travels. It’s always wise to plan that the unexpected will happen and roll with it.
You’ve got it, Pam, just roll with the punches…
While a travel agent is generally the more convenient route I definitely do agree researching off sites is the best especially as you find hidden treasures to add to your bucket list.
For no-brainer trips I agree, Marina, but I guess it depends on how much research you’re willing to do. I rarely use a travel agent anymore, finding better deals than they can provide. My sister has a great agent who only has private clients, but she charges a lot more for her work. If you have the money it’s fine.
My husband is the planner and I am the recepient of all his hard work!
Yep, same here.
This post is really informative. Thanks for sharing these travel tips.
You’re welcome Tasheena, thanks for your feedback.
I love making my own trips / itinerary. It’s more convenient. Also, I pack ahead of time so I won’t forget any.
To each their own, I guess. And even though my wife packs months in advance, chance are she forgets something.
Thank you for the tips and for your Cheapo suggestion. I love travelling a lot!
You’re welcome, Catalina, hopefully we can all get on the road again soon.
I’m a traveler for the past 10 years and I totally agree with all the points you mentioned. Planning is my favorite part, but also I think is the most important for a successful holiday.
Great minds think alike!
These are some great tips! In my experience, if you’ve done proper planning and booking in advance, there are high chances that you will enjoy stress free travel experience. I have been to Texas and it surely feels like a different country… 🙂
A agree with you that good planning equals less stress. And Texas is truly a unique state…no wonder the Americans stole it from Mexico.
Oohh….nice bike you got there, Mike! Thank you for sharing these….most especially, the one on packing. In my experience, I have always done shambles when it comes to that part.
I have actually never been outside of my country, it is sad, lol. Life has just been too busy for me here. But most of my kids have been to various countries for internships/ministry. I agree with you that good planning (and well in advance) is key to a successful trip.
I don’t think it’s sad, Marie, there are many places in Canada I still haven’t been to…my country is so big. My wife and I still enjoy taking off for the night or even a weekend to explore places within a few hours of home.
We’ve been to my home country in Asia twice in the last few years, but never been to Texas yet which is closer. LOL. One day, we will.
So many places to see and not enough time to do it. You could spend a month in Texas and not see it all. S/E Asia was a truly unique experience for me.
Travel is one of my favorite hobby and one of my dream is to go for out of the country trip. These tips would help me a lot. Thanks to this!
Glad to help, thanks for your feedback.
This is a well thought out post for traveling. I am so ready to travel again
I hear you, Lily, no Covid here…only itchy feet and wanderlust.
Thank you for curating these international travel tips. It’s my family’s goal to go to at least one new country every year but then the pandemic happened.
You’re welcome, Ivan, we’ve had to cancel two years in a row. I hope you reach your goal.