Heading off on your first trip abroad – especially if you’re going solo – can feel a bit daunting. But with a bit of planning, it can be smooth sailing.
Read on for our tips and tricks for first-time travellers.
Planning tips for first-time travellers
The most important bit is to do some planning before you set off.
From your departure to your destination, here are some things to think about.
Research your destination and the culture
With so many beautiful places to choose from, picking your destination can be the hardest part!
Wherever you’ve settled on, it’s a good idea to do some thorough research on everything to do with the destination and its culture. Look for:
- Any cultural dos and don'ts - for instance, you may need to dress more modestly in some cultures or be extra respectful at religious sites.
- The activities on offer - you may be interested in a safari, surfing or even skydiving.
- Food and drink – take a look at what the local cuisine is like. If you’re a picky eater or have food allergies, it may be harder to cater to your diet in some countries!
- Currency and tipping – look at what currency they use, whether they favour card or cash, and what the expectations around tipping are.
- Public transport – how are you going to get around? You might want to hire a car, or use their bus, train or tram networks.
Learn useful phrases
It's a good idea to get to know a few key phrases to get you by, including things like:
- hello and goodbye
- thank you
- asking for the bill
- asking for directions
Research what travel documents and visas you’ll need
Different countries have different requirements around what visas or travel documents you need, including how long left you have on your passport.
Check out our in-depth guide on travel visas.
Travel and health insurance
Think about getting travel insurance.
This gives you a safety net if something goes wrong on your holiday, whether that’s losing your luggage or paying for emergency medical costs.
Remember, policy limits and exclusions apply, so always check your policy book.
Plan your itinerary
Organise your holiday day by day, so you know what you’ve got coming up.
Plan around any pre-booked activities.
Set a budget for yourself
Holidays can be expensive – once you’ve paid for your flights, accommodation and all the essentials, it’s a good idea to set yourself a budget for when you’re out there.
Consider the cost of:
- food and drink – whether that’s meals out or if you have cooking facilities at your accommodation
- any activities you want to do
- if you want to buy any souvenirs
- tourist tax – some countries, including places like Italy, ask for a tourist tax
- public transport or taxis
Also, it may be a good idea to let your bank know you’re travelling, so they don’t cancel your card when they see a payment from Peru!
Packing tips for first-time travellers
Whether you’re happy with just a carry-on or can’t live without a big suitcase, packing smart is key.
Look up your baggage allowance
Different airlines have different rules and restrictions, so always check their website carefully.
You may be entitled to just one carry-on and have to pay extra for a suitcase in the hold.
Also, be aware of the luggage size and weight restrictions.
Carry-on luggage is normally restricted based on its size, including its width and height. Hold luggage is usually based on its weight.
Read our guide on hand luggage restrictions.
Pack light
It’s important to pack the essentials, but don’t over-stuff your luggage with things you won’t end up actually needing!
Only take as many clothes as you need – and remember, if you’re travelling for an extended period, you can use a laundrette.
Remember any prescription medicine
Remember any prescription medication you need and work out whether it needs to be in your carry-on or your hold luggage, if you have it.
Also, some countries have different rules around bringing medicines into the country, so check the regulations of where you’re going.
For more info, check out our guide on travelling with medication.
Other useful items
Here are some other useful bits and pieces to pack:
- portable charger
- packing cubes – so you can pack your clothes more efficiently
- travel adaptor
- insect repellent – if you’re heading somewhere mosquitoes will be an issue!
- microfibre towel
What should I know about the airport?
Before you get to the airport, there’s a few things to be aware of.
- Print any documents you need beforehand - make sure you have all your passport and travel documents with you.
- Arrive early - arrive at least two to three hours before your flight, so you have time to check in and get through security.
- Check-in online early if you can - most flights have an online check-in option now, so you can check in anywhere from a month to a day before your flight.
- Prepare for security screening – they may ask you to get certain things like laptops or liquids out of your bag to go through a scanner separately.
- Check with how far away your gate is - some airports, like Heathrow, are huge and have over 100 gates. Once you’re through security, check which gate you are and how far away it is – some may be up to a fifteen-minute walk.
Tips for flying for the first time
Flying for the first time? It’s totally normal to feel a bit nervous – but we’ve got you covered.
Here are some handy tips on how to make your first flight as smooth as possible.
Think about what you need in your carry on
It’s a good idea to pack your carry-on based on what you’ll want to have with you on your flight.
That might include:
- a book or Kindle
- portable charger
- any medication you may need
- reusable water bottle – you'll need to empty it to go through security, but just remember to refill it before you board
- travel pillow
- headphones
- ear plugs and an eye mask
Dress comfortably
Save the glam for when you land – you'll want to be comfortable on the plane, especially if it’s a long flight.
Go for comfy trousers or joggers and bring a jumper or other cosy layer for if it gets cold on the flight.
Keep your passport and boarding pass on you
Make sure you keep all your travel documents, including your passport and boarding pass, close to hand.
You’ll need them to get through security, and then again when you board.
Take off and landing/turbulence
Once you’re up in the sky, your journey should be relatively smooth.
But it’s the take-off and landing which can make some people anxious.
Remember, they’re both over very quickly! If there’s turbulence, the flight crew will tell you to fasten your seatbelts and talk you through it.
How can I stay safe while travelling alone?
One thing you may be thinking about is making sure you stay safe while you’re abroad – especially if you’re travelling by yourself.
Here are a few tips on how to stay safe overseas.
Keep your cash in separate spots
Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket!
If you have travel money, don’t keep it all in one spot. Have some spread out between your belongings so you have a backup plan if one is robbed or lost.
Look out for pickpockets
Certain places, especially busy cities, are known for pickpocketing.
- Wear a crossbody bag – handbags over shoulders can be snatched more easily so if you need a small bag, a crossbody one might be a safer bet.
- Be careful when using your phone – there's a growing issue in some big cities with thieves on bikes snatching phones out of people's hands. Keep a good grip on your phone if you do need to use it when you’re out and about.
- Be aware of your surroundings – keep an eye on who’s around you and if anyone is acting suspiciously.
Communicate with friends and family at home
It’s a good idea to stay in regular communication with friends and family back home.
Give them short updates on your holiday, including the name or address of wherever you’re staying.
Take care of your health
Make sure you look after yourself.
If you have any medication you need to take regularly, make sure you have enough for your trip.
Also, check out our guide on travelling with a mental health condition.
