What to keep in mind on your first trip abroad

When you book international flights, especially cheap flight tickets, double check all the details to ensure that there are no errors. Ensure that all your tickets have the right time and date. Ensure that your passport is valid and has a validity of atleast three months after you plan to return. Understand the concept of time zones and prepare for it. Especially research the time zone that your destination lies in as it will help you get acclimatized and adjust faster. Avoid jet lag and read up about it on the internet. Consult your local doctor on how to avoid jet lag, as being jet lagged can put a damper on your vacation plans. Another good idea is to purchase an overseas travel insurance that covers all the activities that you plan to do abroad. These insurance plans are not costly and very helpful in case you are faced with a medical emergency while you are abroad. Make atleast 3 xerox copies of all your important documents and keep them safe and separate. This includes your passport, visa, tickets, travel plan and a list of important phone numbers. In case you are travelling in group, it’s a good idea to make a travel plan and hand over a copy to every member of the group. Nowdays with smartphones and free WIFi, it’s a good idea to email a copy of the travel plan to yourself so that you can access it from anywhere that the internet is present. While travelling abroad also split the money that you will be carrying into three parts and carry one part in your wallet, one part with your important papers and one small part in your baggage. This will ensure that in case you are pickpocketed or your baggage gets lost or delayed or misplaced, you still have some cash in hand. Another important thing while travelling abroad for the first time is to read up and familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the place that you are visiting. This helps you to navigate your way in a foreign land and ensures that you do not inadvertently offend your hosts. Check out and research very carefully the city and the hotel that you will be staying in. Search the internet for user feedback about the service and standard of rooms in the hotels that you are booked in. These standards differ from country to country and hence it’s a good idea to check. Also check out what local travel you can do and find out if your hotel will arrange a sight-seeing tour for you. While travelling abroad, if you suffer from a medical condition or need a regular medication, it’s a good idea to find out the name of the drugs that you will require. Also check availability and medical facilities in the place that you are visiting.