If you are planning to travel abroad for the first time in your life, here are three helpful tips that can make a big difference in the planning process.
Traveling abroad is one of the best ways to give yourself the chance to get out of your comfort zone and experience something completely new. Experiencing a new culture and learning about how others from around the world live can help to broaden your worldview and give you a better sense of just how differently life develops and progresses in other parts of the world.
With all of its benefits, you might wonder why everyone doesn’t travel abroad at least once in their life. The truth of the matter is that there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about exactly what it takes to travel abroad. For instance, most people assume that you have to spend an extortionate amount of money, but this isn't the case more often than not.
If you are planning to travel abroad for the first time in your life, here are three helpful tips that can make a big difference in the planning process.
1. Apply for your passport early
Everyone knows that in order to legally leave the country and enter a foreign one, and vice versa, you need a valid passport. If this is your first time traveling abroad, you might not have one just yet. You will need to apply for a passport or for US passport renewal if yours is set to expire within the next six months as soon as possible.
It can take up to six weeks for your application to process and even longer for you to receive your new passport in the mail. As soon as you know that you will be traveling abroad in the near future, make sure to get your passport application in.
2. Travel for cheap
One of the biggest excuses people give for not traveling abroad is the hefty price tag usually associated with such an experience. To be sure, if you are planning a trip to a hot tourist destination during peak season, things like flights, accommodations, and food will all be on the pricey side.
However, there are a number of ways in which you can travel for cheap without breaking the bank. Firstly, plan to go somewhere that is a bit off the beaten path. You should also be flexible with your timings and be comfortable traveling during the low season. Next, plan on staying somewhere that isn’t a high-end hotel. AirBnB’s and apartment rentals let you get a true taste of local life without spending a bundle.
3. Respect the local culture
You might have heard that the locals in cities that tend to see a lot of tourists throughout the year aren’t exactly thrilled when they meet a foreign visitor. This is mainly due to the fact that many tourists don’t take the time to learn about the local culture of a destination and behave in a respectful manner towards it.
Do yourself a favor and research the destination you are visiting. When you arrive, be respectful of the local culture and do what you can to be as least intrusive as possible.
