Taking your first steps towards international travel can be daunting, exciting, and very satisfying. Travel opens up the whole world, and there are unlimited opportunities for experiencing new things, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. However, it can be terrifying as well, because stepping so far out of your comfort zone means that you are leaving behind everything you know. Everybody has to start somewhere though, and even the hardiest and most experienced of travellers was once in the same situation as you are right now, and it’s good to know that any fears that you are experiencing are quite simple to overcome. If you’re planning your first travel experience, then here’s how to ease the whole process so that you get the most out of it.
Where to go?
It’s a big world outside your front door, and the sheer range of options available when it comes to choosing a destination can be quite dizzying. The best thing to do is to work out exactly what you want from your journey. If you want the warm beaches and cocktails, then the chances are that Alaska is not the best choice for you, and if you’re not a big fan of cities and the hustle and bustle, then it’s best to avoid Mumbai or Paris. If you’re not really sure exactly what you’re looking for, find a destination that offers a little bit of everything and provides plenty of opportunity to explore. Just because you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, doesn’t mean that you have to change who you are.
What to take?
The potential for stress starts from the moment that you start to wonder what to pack. Deciding on what clothes to take with you is a problem that really shouldn’t give you too much concern. It’s ultimately going to boil down to the climate that you’re travelling to and what you’re likely to be doing when you’re there. One of the best ways to consider your packing is to start with the essentials: passport, money, travel documents. After that, the rest of your packing is entirely your decision, and even if you get to your destination and realise that you should have packed that jacket after all, then you can always pick one up while you’re there, and it’ll make a great souvenir of your first adventure!
Don’t panic when things go wrong
It’s a horrible feeling when things go wrong, especially when you’re travelling for the first time. The important thing to remember is not to panic. You aren’t the first traveller who has encountered the issue, and you certainly won’t be the last. One of the most common issues is missed connections due to flight delays, and these usually result in mind-numbing waits in airports. Airlines are used to dealing with stranded passengers, and there are systems in place to organise your Qantas, British Airways, or EasyJet flight delay compensation so that you can at least recover some funds. You should always be prepared for waits when it comes to transport, so keep a book handy at all times.
For your first travel experience, you should always do a little research so that you get the most of your time away. Having some idea of what to expect can help you to enjoy your journey, and will ensure that this trip is simply the first in a long life of exploring this wonderful planet.
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