TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME? HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

TRAVELING ABROAD FOR THE FIRST TIME

Flying internationally for the first time is exciting, whether you’re traveling for business or heading out on your dream vacation. Some people are nervous about the idea of international travel, as they’ve never had to apply for passports, pass through customs, or arrange for travel visas before. Follow our international travel tips to learn how to prepare for a trip abroad, and you’ll find such tasks are quite straightforward.

Apply for Your Passport Early

Apply for your passport well ahead of your travel dates: it can take eight to eleven weeks to process your application, depending on your country immigration policy.
What Should You Do When You Receive Your Passport?
Some of the most important tips for traveling abroad for the first time center around protecting your passport. Passports may get lost or stolen during international travel, which can seriously impact your trip. Once you receive your passport, make two paper copies of the document. Give one to a trusted friend or family member for emergencies, and keep the other in your wallet.

Digital copies of your passport are also helpful. Take a photo of the document with your phone and upload the images to a secure cloud server such as Google Docs. Take another photo of your visa stamp and upload this to the cloud as well.

Research Country’s Language & Traditions Before Booking

Research plays a big role when learning how to prepare for a trip abroad. You’ll have to adjust to different currencies, laws, cultural customs, and time zones at your destination, so do some preparation before you travel. Read up on your destination online — no matter where you’re heading, you’ll find relevant travel blogs and articles online. Check out travel message boards or social media pages dedicated to your destination, and ask plenty of questions. Good travel podcasts are also excellent sources to get expert tips on general travel information or specific destinations from frequent travelers.

Cultural Differences
Cultural considerations are extremely important, and knowing what a culture considers polite and respectful behavior helps prevent embarrassing situations. For instance, in India, public displays of affection such as kissing and hugging are considered inappropriate and should be avoided to prevent offending people.
Never assume what’s acceptable in your culture is accepted in someone else’s. A gesture as innocuous as a thumbs-up gesture means something insulting in many Middle Eastern countries. Information on such cultural no-nos is, fortunately, readily available online.

Local Lingo

If you’re traveling to a non-English speaking country, learn some simple phrases in the local language. “Hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” and “thank you” are good places to start. Use the Google Translate app for more complicated conversations and download local languages onto your phone.

Staying Safe

Travel, whether domestic or international, is not without risk. Check online to see if there are any locations travelers would be wise to avoid or common scams local crooks like to play on unsuspecting foreigners. For an in-depth overview of the safety of your destination and what to know before flying internationally, check the Department of State’s travel guides.

Visa Requirements

A visa is a permit that allows you to be in the country for the duration of your stay. Not all countries require travelers to obtain visas, including many Asian and Africsn countries. For countries that do require visas, you must obtain the document from the country’s consulate in advance or you will not be allowed to board your flight.

COVID Entry Requirements

The COVID pandemic has, unfortunately, made travel slightly more complicated. Be sure to check your destination’s COVID-related entry requirements, including what proof the country requires for vaccinations, how far in advance of travel you can take PCR tests, and how the country deals with vaccination exemptions.

Check with the country’s consulate for advice on where to find entry locator forms, which may be either paper documents or electronic. Also, check to see if your destination is on the CDC’s list of high-risk countries, so you can take appropriate precautions as you travel.

Consider Travel Insurance

We can tell you and how to pack your carry-on, but none of this matters if your flight gets canceled, your luggage gets stolen, or you have a medical emergency while abroad. For these reasons and many more, securing travel insuranceis one of the most important international travel tips we know.

Most people never have to make a claim on their travel insurance, which sometimes leads to the assumption that travel insurance is an unnecessary expense. This isn’t true: travel insurance is a sensible precaution all international travelers should consider.

Be sure you understand what events your travel insurance policy covers. While often associated with major problems such as medical emergencies, travel insurance can cover a wide array of expenses, including the impact delayed baggage or a broken camera could have on your journey.

Get Proper Currency in Advance

In some countries, however, ATMs are few and far between, and vendors may not process credit or debit cards. Even in nations where ATMs and credit card use are commonplace, it’s still a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case of emergencies.
You can exchange currencies at airports, but you’ll pay a steep price in transaction fees. It’s cheaper to exchange currency at your local bank or through licenced currency exchange

As for how much local money you should have on hand, aim for about $200. This is enough to make a difference if you need it, but not so much that loss or theft would bring your trip to a sudden halt. Try to bring a debit and credit card: keep one in your wallet and the other safe in your hotel room, so you have a backup.

Call Your Credit Card Company

Calling your credit card company is one of the often-overlooked tips for how to prepare for a trip abroad, but it’s important. Your card company monitors cards for suspicious activity. If most of your purchases are made in Johannesburg, and suddenly you’re making purchases in Dubai, the credit card company may freeze your account, which can take time to resolve. Avoid this problem by letting the card company know your travel plans.
While talking to your card company, ask about the company’s international fees and whether the company works with particular banks at your destination. This may save you money on foreign transaction ATM fees. On a related note, make sure you have your card’s PIN memorized so you can withdraw money.

International SIM Cards

Speaking of international fees, check your phone plan’s international calling policy. Calls and texts from foreign locations can result in unexpectedly high phone bills. One of the best ways to avoid such fees is to purchase an international SIM card when you get to your destination and use it instead.

Packing Smart

Our best advice for first-time international travelers is to pack as lightly as possible. If you can get away with only traveling with a carry-on, go for it! You can buy an additional bag at your destination if you want to transport large souvenirs home.
When packing, check to ensure that what you pack is permitted by Airport security and your destination country’s laws. This is especially important when traveling with prescription medication, as some medication may be permitted in one country but illegal in others. Pack cold medicine and prescriptions in your carry-on.
If you’re traveling with electronics (and who isn’t these days?), you may need an adapter or voltage converter to plug devices into your destination’s power outlets safely.
Understanding what to know before flying internationally will make your first trip abroad go smoother. You’ll have less stress and will be able to enjoy the trip knowing you’re well prepared for the unexpected. Above all, have fun! International travel is a great adventure, and the more you travel, the better prepared you’ll be for your next trip

BEST TIPS TO FOLLOW WHEN TRAVELING

When you travel, some things are out of your control, but there are a few steps you can take to stay safe and keep your trip on track. When traveling abroad, always remember these important tips to follow.

Arrive on Time

Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two to three hours before international ones. Check travel alerts from the Department of Foreign Affairs to avoid missing your flight.

Make Copies of Important Documents

Carry extra copies of your passport, medical prescriptions, and travel insurance certificate. This will simplify the replacement process if they are lost.

Pack Prescription Medicine in Original Containers

Ask your doctor if it’s safe to carry a month’s supply of medication. Pack these in their original containers and include extra supplies in your carry-on luggage.

Use Covered Luggage Tags

Use covered tags with your address, email, and phone number. Consider using your office address instead of your home address for added security.

Traveling with Kids

Keep a recent photo of each child on your phone. These can help authorities identify and reunite you with your children if separated.

Leave Valuables at Home

Avoid bringing expensive jewelry or valuable items, especially during holiday periods when thefts are more common.

Be Wary of Pickpockets

Carry money, credit cards, and passports in a pouch under your clothes. Be discreet with money and valuables, as pickpockets often work in teams.

Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws

Understand the laws of your destination. Use trusted sources or apps to get an overview of important regulations and cultural norms.

Learn Key Phrases

Learn a few key phrases in the local language to assist in emergencies and help you connect better with locals.

Use Common Sense

Avoid walking in unfamiliar areas at night, unmarked taxis, and accepting unknown packages. Stay aware of your surroundings to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

Get Travel Insurance

Accidents can happen anytime. Good travel insurance provides financial backup and peace of mind during your travels.

TANZANIA SAFARI PACKING LIST: ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR ADVENTURE

Are you embarking on an adventure? Wondering what to pack for a safari in Tanzania? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll equip you with a complete Tanzania Safari Packing List, containing everything you need to know, including what to wear on safari in Tanzania.

Located in East Africa, Tanzania boasts an array of natural wonders, including the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater to name a few. Tanzania offers vibrant markets, opportunities to experience traditional Maasai and Swahili cultures, and safaris galore.

With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and warm hospitality, Tanzania offers travelers a truly unforgettable adventure. My 2 weeks in Tanzania was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.

One of the main reasons that people visit Tanzania, other than to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, is to go on a safari. I was lucky enough to visit 4 of the 7 main safari parks on my trip. So let’s dive into the essentials you’ll need with this thorough safari packing list.

Essentials For The Trip To Tanzania

Passport: At least 2 empty pages and valid for at least 6 months past your date of departure

Visa: Required for most countries to travel to Tanzania. IVisa can advise you if you need one, the cost and you can apply directly from their website.

Travel Insurance: Covering medical emergencies and trip cancellation is a necessity when traveling to Tanzania, especially if you are climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or embarking on a safari. SafetyWing is my choice for travel insurance and they offer adventure travel insurance as well.

eSIM for mobile: You can avoid the high roaming changes and stay connected, assuming connections are available. I recommend Airalo as it works great and is relatively inexpensive.
Vaccinations: Many recommended vaccinations are required, including yellow fever if you are coming from a country with a risk. You can view recommendations for vaccinations at PassportHealth.

Credit cards: Widely accepted at major tourist locations.

Cash: Tanzania Shilling is the currency and is recommended to have some on hand for tipping and incidental expenses, especially if you plan to do any local shopping.
Contact information for your embassy or consulate in Tanzania. Most major embassies are located in Dar es Salaam.

What To Pack For A Safari In Tanzania

✔ Binoculars for wildlife spotting, especially if you plan on birdwatching which I highly recommend! Suggested specifications are 8×42

✔ Camera or smartphone with plenty of storage

✔ Travel adapter – Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz

✔ Chargers for your electronic devices and batteries

✔ Sunscreen with high SPF

✔ Insect repellent to ward off pesky mosquitoes

✔ Water bottle to stay hydrated during game drives

✔ Daypack to carry your essentials during game drives

✔ Flashlight

✔ Sunglasses with polarized lenses

✔ Head covering (baseball cap or wide brimmed hat) that provides complete sun protection and features water-absorbent / waterproof properties to manage sweat and rain.

Medications / Pharmacy


➥ Malaria prevention medication is recommended
➥ Allergy, Cold/Flu, Pain Relievers
Dramamine / Motion sickness tablets
➥ Antiseptic cream, bandaids
➥ AfterBite
➥ Personal Hygiene
➥ Dental care (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)
➥ Shampoo and conditioner
➥ Shaving accessories
➥ Sanitary requirements
➥ Eye wear; Bring a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust while on safari
➥ Facial cleaning creams and lotions
➥ Tweezers, mini scissors

What To Wear On Safari In Tanzania


➥ Tops
➥ Long-sleeved shirts to protect against the sun and insects
➥ Jacket with a hood suitable for safaris
➥ Fleece jacket or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings
➥ Button-down shirt or tunic
➥ Tank tops
➥ Raincoat
➥ Bottoms
➥ Safari pants that are lightweight and water-resistant
➥ Khaki-colored pants or leggings
➥ Convertible or drawstring pants
➥ Shorts or Capris
➥ Underwear / Bras

Footwear


👢 Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for bush walks
👢 Sandals (for when not on safari)
👢 Long socks

Tips For Choosing What To Wear On Safari

Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors such as khaki, beige, and olive green. Avoid white and bright colors such as red
Embrace Casual Attire: Safari adventures typically call for relaxed clothing

Cover Up at Night: To stay warm and protect against mosquito bites, opt for long-sleeved tops and pants.

Prioritize Comfort: Choose clothing made from natural fibers rather than synthetics. Cotton is an excellent choice for its breathability and comfort.

Dress in Layers: Garments with zip-off sleeves and ample pockets are convenient. Remember to bring a jacket and scarf for game drives, as temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset.
Whether you’re marveling at the Great Migration in the Serengeti, gazing into the depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, or exploring the hidden gems of Selous, your safari journey through Tanzania’s wild landscapes promises to be an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Wondering what to expect on a safari? Your typical day on a safari can vary between lodges but I suggest you expect to spend a full day exploring.
As you prepare for your safari adventure, remember to refer back to this Tanzania safari packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.

PREPARE AND TRAVEL LIKE A PRO

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Article by – Melanie Seneviratne.