Beginner’s Guide to Traveling Abroad for the First Time
For anyone getting ready to travel abroad for the first time, the excitement often comes with a bit of worry. There are so many things to prepare. Important documents, trip planning, and packing your bags. But don’t worry! This article has put together 10 essential checklists you shouldn’t miss, to make sure your first trip abroad is fun, smooth, and stress-free.
1. Check All Important Documents
Documents are the first thing you should get ready before your trip.
- Passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 more months.
- Visa: If your destination requires a visa, apply in advance and double-check all paperwork.
- Copies of Documents: Bring copies of important items like your international driver’s license or credit card, and keep them in a separate place from the originals for safety.
2. Plan Your Trip in Detail
A well-prepared travel plan makes your trip smoother.
- Choose the right travel time: Pick a season that fits the weather and activities you want to do.
- Organize your itinerary: Arrange the places to visit in an order that matches your time and travel route.
- Book accommodations in advance: Stay near public transportation to save both time and money.
3. Get Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind
Don’t overlook travel insurance. It can protect you in case of illness, accidents, lost belongings, or flight cancellations. Be sure to read the coverage details and exclusions carefully before purchasing.
4. Pack Only the Essentials
Choose clothes that can be mixed and matched for different occasions to keep your luggage light. Don’t forget personal items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Before flying, check the airline’s liquid rules to avoid any issues at the airport.
5. Learn About the Culture and Destination
Before traveling, you should learn about the country’s culture, customs, and basic etiquette to avoid misunderstandings when communicating.
Also, download some useful apps, such as offline maps or translation tools, to make your trip smoother.
- Offline map
- Translation application
- Ride-hailing apps
6. Keep Digital Copies of Important Documents
Scan or take photos of essential documents—such as your passport, flight tickets, and hotel bookings. Save them on your phone or in the cloud so you can access them anytime if the originals are lost or stolen.
7. Get a Travel Internet Package
Choose an internet package that matches your travel duration and usage needs. Make sure it works in your destination country, and learn how to set it up in advance so you can connect right away when you arrive.
8. Prepare Emergency Contacts
- The Thai embassy or consulate
- Local police
- Nearby hospitals
Also, share your travel plans with close family or friends so they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.
9. Bring Medicines and First Aid
Pack enough of your prescription medicine, plus a little extra in case your trip is extended. Also, carry basic medicines such as fever reducers or pain relievers.
Before traveling, check the restrictions on bringing medicines into your destination country.
10. Exchange Some Local Currency in Advance
Prepare some local currency of your destination for initial expenses, such as transportation or your first meal.
Also, carry a travel card or credit card for backup, and notify your bank before traveling to avoid any issues when using your card abroad.
For anyone who wants to exchange foreign currencies in the Huai Khwang area, you can easily exchange your money at ACU Currency Exchange. Just get off at MRT Huai Khwang Station, Exit 4, then walk straight for 500 meters, and you will see the ACU Building (head office).
You can check the daily exchange rates during business hours at https://acu-exchange.com/
or pre-order your currency in advance through Line OA : https://lin.ee/ph4iznU
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 205/18-19 Ratchadaphisek Road, Ratchadaphisek Subdistrict, Din Daeng District, Bangkok 10400
Phone numbers: 02-002-1008, 061-028-3918, 084-324-4893
- Popular Tag | travel tips for beginners
About the Author
ACU-Exchange
We are committed to providing the best currency exchange experience and the highest level of customer satisfaction, serving both Thais traveling abroad and foreigners visiting Thailand for tourism, education, or work.
