Make a first trip abroad may seem intimidating, but with proper preparation and a few helpful tips, you'll feel ready to explore the world with confidence. Find out how to make your first international adventure a success by following these key steps.
Prepare the ground: before you leave
Essential formalities
Before setting off on an adventure, it is essential to take care of administrative formalities. Make sure you have a valid passport for the duration of your stay (+6 months for most destinations) and check the visa requirements for your destination. Some destinations also require travel insurance and specific vaccinations, such as yellow fever.
Passport And Visa are essential documents for traveling abroad. Check the websites of the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit to find out their visa requirements and other formalities (or contact them directly if you cannot find the information).
Budget and financial management
Financial planning is a key part of a successful trip. Establish a budget realistic to cover the costs of transportation, accommodation, food and activities. Don't forget to take into account additional costs such as souvenirs or unforeseen events. For this, Where and When can help you because we provide you with budget ideas for each country and examples of prices on site.
It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rates of exchange and payment options available in your destination country. Carry enough cash to cover your initial expenses and find out about local ATMs and money changers. Here too, we offer you complete fact sheets on the currency of each country.
Choice of destination
The choice of destination is an important step in planning your first trip abroad. Consider your interests, climate, language, local customs and country-specific events.
Fortunately, on Where and When you are in the right place! We give you some ideas for destinations for a first trip and we provide you with the best destinations month by month depending on the weather. On our “When to go” page you will find sheets with the best climatic periods country by country (and city by city).
Do you speak the language of the country?
Another element to take into account is: what languages do you speak ? If you are allergic to foreign languages, prefer a destination where French is widely understood by the population. If you speak Spanish well, choose a country in Central or South America (excluding Brazil).
And if you speak English well, the whole world is almost open to you – either because you are traveling in a country where English is the national language (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.), or because you are visiting tourist areas where tourism professionals necessarily speak English (with some exceptions, such as in China where it may be rarer for example). If your level of English remains at that of high school, you can definitely consider taking some private English lessons in order to get back up to speed and be more comfortable communicating with the people you meet. In all cases, plan to learn a few simple words and sentences in the local language (“Hello”, “Thank you”, “Goodbye” are the basics), this will always please your interlocutors and allow for more authentic encounters. !
Finally, if you do not speak any foreign language but you still want to visit a country where the inhabitants do not speak French, you can use an automatic translator. The app Google Translate works very well in this case. The only constraint: you will need an internet connection at all times, so remember to buy a local SIM when you arrive at your destination!
Pack smartly: What to put in your suitcase?
Travel Essentials
It is essential to prepare well suitcase for a trip abroad. Remember to bring clothing suitable for the climate and activities you plan, good comfortable walking shoes, as well as a first aid kit and your personal medications (as well as insect repellent and sunscreen if necessary). ). Also don't forget important documents such as passport, plane tickets and reservations (yes you can have them on your mobile phone, but having them printed can be reassuring, especially for a first trip!).
Useful accessories
Pack some practical accessories to make your trip easier, such as:
- Universal electrical outlet adapter : Standards vary from country to country, make sure you can use your devices everywhere.
- External chargers and batteries : To keep your devices always ready for use.
- Camera : To immortalize all your beautiful memories (a good smartphone can be just as suitable!).
- Backpacks or foldable bags : Ideal for day trips.
- Suitcase padlock : Keep your belongings safe.
- Tourist guide and map of the region : To plan your visits and orient yourself.
- Practical accessories : Hats, sunglasses, and scarves can not only add a stylish touch to your outfits but also protect you from the elements.
These accessories can greatly enhance your experience and help you stay organized throughout the trip.
Travel Safety and Health
Health precautions
Take care of your health during a trip is essential. Carry a first aid kit containing personal medications, dressings and antiseptics. Also write down emergency contact details such as those for your insurance or a local doctor.
Safety Tips
Be aware of the potential risks to your security during your trip and adopt appropriate behaviors. Learn about areas to avoid, respect local customs, and protect your personal property by using a hotel safe or keeping valuables on your person. Consult the French diplomacy website to find out about the risks in each country.
Housing and Transport
Book your accommodation
Choose one accommodation adapted to your budget and your needs, whether it is a hotel, a youth hostel or an apartment rental. It is recommended to book in advance to benefit from the best rates and guarantee availability (at least for the first nights).
Travel planning
Organize your travel local locations by researching the transportation options available in your destination (bus, metro, taxi, etc.). For this, Google maps can be very useful to you. If necessary, also consider renting a vehicle and plan your itinerary to optimize your time there (in which case, double check whether an international driving license is required).
Discover and Enjoy
Activities and attractions
Make the most of your trip by exploring the sights, cultural activities and unique experiences your destination offers. Do your research before departure to identify must-see attractions and prepare a balanced program. Once again, Where and When is a real mine of information, you will find our tourist maps and lists of the best places to visit for each country!
Cultural immersion
The immersion cultural is essential to having an authentic experience when traveling abroad. Taste traditional cuisine, familiarize yourself with the customs of the country visited and, as already mentioned above, learn some basic words in the local language.
Manage the unexpected
Solutions to common problems
Unforeseen events can arise during a trip, so it is useful to know solutions to deal with it. Loss of documents, medical problems or conflicts: find out what to do if something goes wrong and keep in mind that you can always ask for help.
Useful resources
In case of difficulties, be aware that resources are available to help you. Embassies and consulates can provide assistance with lost documents or other legal issues. Additionally, some mobile apps offer emergency services to facilitate communication with local authorities.
Return and Reflections
End the trip
Before your return, take the time to prepare your things and check that you have not forgotten anything. Also take advantage of the last moments to share your impressions with the people you met there and gather their advice for a future trip.
Share the experience
Once you return home, share your experience with your loved ones and why not write a blog or post photos on social networks? Your testimony may be valuable to other travelers who are considering their first trip abroad.
By following these tips, you'll be ready for an unforgettable adventure on your first trip abroad. Have a good trip !
