*Collaborative post*
Looking to book a holiday or have one coming up? Planning your first trip outside of the UK can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But with a bit of preparation and forward planning, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment of it. This guide covers all the must-do steps to make sure your first holiday abroad goes off without a hitch.
Know your essential documents
Before packing your bags, double-check that you have the necessary paperwork and documents. Your passport is your number one priority. If you don’t have one, get one. If you have one, make sure it’s not about to expire. Within six months is a good rule of thumb, but always double check this for the destination you are visiting.
Some destinations need a visa, so sort this out early. The British passport is one of the strongest worldwide, allowing us to enter 192 countries visa-free or with a visa on entry, but always double-check before you go.
The GOV.UK Foreign Travel Checklist and its country-specific travel advice is a handy tool to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Research your destination
Are you nervous about the prospect of being somewhere new? That’s understandable – especially if you are visiting a country where English is not the first language. But you’ll be surprised how many do speak it, especially around airports, hotels and big cities.
Still, getting to know your destination beforehand can help you have a great trip in advance. Dive into the local culture, customs, and maybe even laws, so you don’t accidentally step on any toes. Familiarise yourself with the language – if only a few basic phrases, currency and weather so you can pack and plan properly.
Check out popular sights and activities to put together a loose itinerary. Travel blogs and forums are packed with tips from other travellers, and websites like Lonely Planet or Tripadvisor are solid go-to options for in-depth guides and reviews.
Budget and money matters
Setting a budget that works for you helps tremendously in enjoying your trip without stress. Factor in accommodation, transport, meals, activities, and those inevitable souvenirs when working out your costs.
Travel cards are a handy way to manage your spending, though it’s good to have some local currency on hand too. Not every country is as credit card friendly as the UK is.
Look out for last-minute deals or providers specialising in holiday packages, and you might end up spending less. MoneySavingExpert is packed with tips to help you save on your travels and a good website to take a look at.
Pack smart
It is incredibly easy to pack too much and too many things you won’t actually need. Packing smart is all about making your journey comfortable. First, think about the weather and what you’ll be doing when deciding what clothes to bring. A packing list can keep you organised, and is a great way to keep an overview of what you already have and what’s still missing.
Remember that less is often more. Stick to light, versatile clothing and weigh your luggage before you leave to dodge those pesky baggage fees. How much and what dimension you can take with you changes depending on the airline you are flying with. If unsure, check their website!
There are also some clever tricks on how to pack your bag most efficiently so you can get the most out of your available space. Don’t forget that there are restrictions on what you are allowed to take with you, especially in the in-cabin luggage. The one that will affect you probably the most is the amount of liquid you are allowed to bring. There are special containers you can buy for this, but sometimes – especially if you’re staying for a week or two at your destination – it’s worth simply buying what you need there, like shampoos or body wash.
You also can’t take anything to drink with you through the security check, but nothing is stopping you from bringing your empty reusable flask and simply asking a store or restaurant inside the waiting zone to fill it up with tap water.
Stay safe and healthy
Your health and safety should come first no matter what you do or where you go. Travel insurance is a must to cover any unexpected hiccups, as it gives you complete peace of mind for any cancellations, delays, or emergencies that might occur.
Remember to check if you need any vaccination certificates, in case you travel intercontinental. Pack any essential meds and a basic first-aid kit. You don’t want it to steal too much space, but a handful of plasters, disinfectants, and painkillers can go a long way.
When you’re out and about, stay aware of your surroundings like you normally would in the UK as well. Don’t forget to keep your belongings safe too. The NHS Fit to Travel website is a great resource for info on health risks and jabs.
Additional tips
A lot of things come with experience, but there are some things we can already help you with by mentioning them beforehand.
- Know how to get from A to B. Some countries have better public transport than others. In big cities, you’ll almost always be able to utilise buses or trains quite well, but especially if you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings, a pre-booked airport transfer takes you wherever you want to be after landing and might be a more confident choice than a taxi.
- Stay connected. Make sure that your phone works abroad by checking your mobile provider’s roaming charges or consider getting a local SIM card. It’s also a good idea to have a list of important contacts saved offline, just in case. Remember that every country has a different code that is substituted by the 0 at the beginning of a telephone number. For the UK, this is +44.
- Download maps and apps. Before you leave, download offline maps of your destination through apps like Google Maps or Maps.me. You can create a designated area and are able to recall all information and directions without having to rely on a stable internet connection. Travel apps such as Google Translate, XE Currency, and Trip Advisor can also be invaluable on the go.
- Pack a travel adapter. Different countries have different plug types, so make sure you have a suitable travel adapter. You can usually find some at the airport, too, but at higher prices. A universal adapter with multiple USB ports to charge all your devices at once is a good call.
- Stay healthy. Air travel can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water. Try to keep eating balanced meals to keep your energy up, too. Pack some healthy snacks for long journeys, so you are not being caught out by costly airport prices!
