This post was updated on April 11, 2023

If you aren’t a seasoned traveler, you might need some help when it’s time to find cheap flights, pack, board, and have a great time on your vacation. We got you. This four-part series of posts for newbie adventurers is just the place to start. In the first installment, we outlined some great international travel tips for booking your flight. Now let’s go beyond to look at how you should  plan and pack for your trip.

Obtain Passports and Vaccines

Never underestimate the time it takes to get a passport! Take care of this before you even book your airline tickets as it can take several months for passports to arrive and you’ll want to avoid a time crunch. Already have a passport? Then you’ll want to double-check to make sure it will still be valid for six months after you return from your trip.

Make copies of your passport for yourself and someone you trust at home (take a picture with your smartphone, too). Check in advance if you’ll need to receive certain vaccinations for where you’re going. Finally, make sure to refill any prescriptions that you’ll need before your trip and pack them in your carry-on luggage.

Plan Your Itinerary…But Don’t Overdo It !

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a “type A” personality who loves to plan ahead, you’ll still want to have a daily schedule of activities you plan to do. Not only will this help you not miss out on any of the best sights, but it will also give your friends and family a better idea of where you are in case they’re unable to contact you.

For certain events and attractions, it’s imperative to purchase tickets in advance. Creating a daily schedule will allow you to fit everything in. However, you should resist the urge to over-schedule yourself. Give yourself some breathing room to explore, rest, and account for unexpected delays. This can keep you from getting stressed once you arrive.

You Might Also Like: International Travel Tips and Hacks for Newbies — Part 1

Remember Your Tech

Let’s face it: Most of us can’t live without our gadgets. So, when you visit another country, you’ll want to stay connected to friends and family back home. But you’ll have to take steps to ensure your devices can charge and function without costing you a fortune when you’re traveling internationally. Be sure to pack an adapter for your phone, laptop, tablet, and other electronics to ensure they can plug into the wall without blowing a fuse.

You should also talk to your cell service provider to ensure you have an international calling plan or use messaging apps that operate on Wi-Fi — like WhatsApp — to avoid those dreaded roaming charges. 

Plan to Dress in Layers — and Prepare for Lost Baggage

Of course, you’ll want to consult a reliable weather app when you pack for your international trip to ensure you won’t be over- or under-dressed. Usually, it’s a good idea to pack and wear multiple versatile layers on your trip. That way, you can cut down on baggage weight while still being prepared for almost any conditions.

In addition, you should consider packing like you expect your airline to lose your bags. While we all hope this will never happen, you’ll want to be prepared if it does. So, pack an extra set of clothes and a jacket in your carry-on bag just in case!

Do You have any travel tips for first-time international travelers that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!