Thursday 11 May 2017

🗽An International Travel Checklist
For First-Time Travelers💼
Sleeping mask, headphones, my favourite novel.
Should I pack them all?
Would they all fit in?
Should I carry my razor or they won't let me?  
Damn!
Will I ever finish packing the right stuff?
Planning for your first foreign trip is exhilarating. Yet it can turn out to be more confusing and panicking than you think.
But, easy or tough, you got to do it. And if you don’t do it right, you can end up wrecking your much-awaited trip.
With my experience of frequent foreign trips, I have made a simple travel checklist that can ensure that you neither overpack nor miss out on anything.
This checklist can make your foreign trips hassle and panic free.
This checklist would be especially helpful if you are a first-time international traveler.
So, have a look at my traveling abroad checklist. And be ready to create some of the most memorable memories of your life.
Bon Voyage!
1. The Travel Documents📄
You have re-checked your passport and kept it safe in your bag. Right?
Of course, who will forget them? Sounds like I am talking gibberish.
But let me clear what I intend.
By travel documents, I meant a bit more than your passport.
I am talking about currency (or your travel card), photocopies of your tickets & identity cards, and credit/debit card (the originals of course :D).
Additional Tip: Make sure that you have 2 photocopies of each (i.e., passport and identity card). Also, put each copy in different bags, god forbid if you misplace any of your bags.
2. The Electronics🎧
Don't forget the essential electronics!
A multipurpose charger adapter can prove to be your best buddy during this trip. And trust me not carrying this little thing with you will only spoil your mood.
The other things that you wouldn't wanna miss: headphones, power bank, laptop, and camera (to click some amazing pictures for your facebook photo album).
When you reach your destination,  check the voltage of the electronic products you are carrying, and activate your phone’s global capabilities (you are usually charged for it, but it is lesser than the roaming charges if you don’t).  
3. Medicines💊
For next few days/weeks/months, you’ll be in an entirely different place. I hate to say this, but the change of weather might invite a sore head or an annoying cold.
So, carry medicines for cold,  fever, diarrhea, allergies along with some basic ointments.
Trust me,  during an emergency, you will find it the most annoying things to scour the streets of an unknown place for medicines, while you already feel sick.
4. A Side Bag👜
If you have thought about it already,  I must say you are on the ball.
It is handy to carry things like medicines, travel documents, a book/magazine, phone, wallet, and other things that you might need during the flight.
5. Packed Food🍕
Another thing to pack is ready to eat veg packaged food.
See,  you don’t know about what you might face in the foreign land. So being extra cautious is no harm.
Carry food packets and assure your stomach that it will be fed and attended well throughout the journey. 😊
You can take along food products like Maggi, chips, biscuits, or any other dry snacks. However, please cross check the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling to, regarding border food prohibition or customs and border protection.
Check out the list of things that you cannot carry to these countries: The United StatesBritainCanadaSingapore, and Australia
6. A Map and Contact Details to Keep You on the Track 🗺
You’ll probably think that what’s the need of map or hotel’s contact information when you have a phone.
Most people rely on phones to find directions. And of course, they are so great. So, why a map?
Well, it’s because this marvellous gadget has limits too. There are chances that you lose it somewhere or, simply, its battery gets drained (that’s what happened with me once and guess what? I got lost).  
So, better carry a map and complete address of your hotel to avoid getting lost, while on a stroll.
7. A Book to Keep your Language Woes at Bay📚
Another valuable thing to place in your bag is a language book. It is always advisable to know the local language of the place you are heading to.
No, you don’t have to be a pro. A very basic knowledge of the language and a book for help will do.
Carrying the language book will have following benefits:
Number 1, the obvious one: Communication with the localities will become easier.
Number 2: People will be more generous with you. They’ll appreciate the fact that you are making an effort to talk to them.
Number 3: If you wish to saunter alone, it will be easier with that book and a map.
Number 4: You will be able to explore the place more intensely.
Additional Tip: Start getting acquainted with the language from the day you have booked your tickets. You can practice and read more while you are on a plane or waiting at the airport.
These were some of the basic yet useful things that you should carry along.
However, Below I have mentioned a few first-time international travel tips. These are some of the best international travel tips for first-time travelers.
Have a look.
  • Cross check that your passport is valid for next six months at the time you are going for the trip.
  • Inform and share your contact details and address of your hotel with your family/friends.
  • Do not carry any ❌objectionable items with you.
  • Check that your luggage is not too heavy because every kilo counts. Keep it to the minimum to avoid panic or regrets at the time of check-in.
  • Do not carry any object that can be dangerous like a knife, scissors, nail cutter, razor, and lighter.
  • Make sure you are carrying enough pair of clothes that will be suitable as per the climate of the place you are visiting.
  • Check the weather conditions of the place where are your heading. It will help you in picking the right type of clothes.
  • Ensure that you have enough cash with you.
  • Avoid carrying valuable items like jewellery, etc. with you.
  • Read the immigration rules of the country you are visiting.
So,  this was my set of tips and tricks in making traveling a hassle-free and memorable experience.
Hope you liked both: the international travel checklist and the tips for traveling abroad for the first time.
Besides, I’d love to know what you think about these tips. It will be a pleasure to hear your suggestions and experiences.
You can talk about your doubts too.
Share your queries, experiences, or suggestions in the comment section below.
We are waiting.😃