The commentary article titled "Checklist for Beginners Preparing for International Travel" provides tips for preparing for your first international trip. Traveling abroad is one of the wonderful experiences that allows you to come into contact with new cultures and environments, but it takes time and effort to prepare. Especially for those who are traveling abroad for the first time, I think there are many things to worry about preparation. In this article, we will comprehensively introduce what you need to prepare for your first overseas trip.
Checklist
First of all, the following 12 items are listed as a checklist for overseas travel preparation beginners.
- Travel destination research and destination selection
- Preparation of required documents and fees
- Budget and reservation planning
- Obtaining medical and travel insurance
- Prepare local currency and credit cards
- Gain knowledge of local culture and customs
- Prepare clothing and equipment suitable for the local weather and climate
- Local transportation reservations and arrangements
- Reservation and arrangement of local accommodation
- Acquisition of knowledge about emergency response
- Acquisition of knowledge about local communication
- Preparation after returning to Japan
Details on these will be introduced below.
Travel destination research and destination selection
For first-time international travel planners, it is a checklist that guides you through the steps from choosing a destination to preparing for it.
For example, the first thing to do is pick a destination. This should take into account the cultures and attractions you are interested in, your budget and time.
Next, do some research on the destination. This includes looking up basic information such as weather, transportation, lodging and restaurants.
Then move on to preparation. This includes having travel insurance, passports, visas, cash, etc.
Finally, before traveling, check your luggage and make sure you have what you need.
By following these steps, your international trip will go smoothly.
Preparation of required documents and fees
A checklist for preparing the documents and fees required for overseas travel.
For example, the first required document is a passport. To go abroad, you need a valid passport. It may take several months from the date of issuance, so apply early.
Then you may need a visa. A visa may or may not be required depending on the destination country. Check in advance and apply if necessary.
And you need travel insurance. Insurance is essential when traveling abroad. Covers risks such as illness and accidents.
Then prepare the fees. Prepare cash or a credit card according to your budget. Also, it is safe to prepare foreign currency in advance.
By following these steps, preparations for traveling abroad can proceed smoothly.
Budget and reservation planning
This is a checklist that summarizes the necessary items when preparing for an overseas trip.
As for the budget, consider the cost of air tickets, accommodation, transportation, local restaurants and shopping. For example, you can get cheaper fares by purchasing airline tickets in advance.
As for reservations, by making reservations for hotels, Airbnb, local tours, etc., you can spend your time without stress during your trip. For example, when reserving an accommodation, it is important to check the location, facilities, reviews, etc., and make a choice that suits you.
In addition, it is necessary to complete procedures such as visas and insurance for the destination country.
And by knowing the weather and culture of your destination, you can enjoy a more fulfilling trip.
Obtaining medical and travel insurance
This is a checklist for obtaining the necessary medical and travel insurance when traveling abroad.
Medical insurance is necessary to prepare for illness and injury. If you get sick while traveling abroad, the cost of going to the hospital may be high. To prevent this, it is necessary to obtain overseas travel insurance.
Travel insurance is necessary to cover unexpected troubles that may occur during your trip. For example, compensation for loss or theft, compensation for airport delays or cancellations, etc. Travel insurance can be selected according to the destination and duration of the trip.
You can acquire insurance that you choose according to your travel destination and travel period, and deal with any trouble that may occur during your trip.
Prepare local currency and credit cards
This is a checklist for preparing the local currency and credit cards you need when traveling abroad.
For example, when traveling to Indonesia, it is necessary to obtain Rupiah, the currency of Indonesia, in advance. Rupiahs can be purchased at banks and travel agencies before going to the destination. You can also use ATMs to withdraw local currency if you run out of cash while traveling.
Also, having a credit card is important. Before going to the destination, you can check the credit cards that can be used at the destination and apply in advance if necessary. You can use your credit card to pay for your purchases while traveling, thus avoiding running out of cash.
By preparing for them, you can spend your overseas trip smoothly.
Gain knowledge of local culture and customs
A checklist for acquiring knowledge of local cultures and customs when traveling abroad.
For example, when traveling to India, it is important to acquire knowledge of Indian culture and customs. India has diverse religions and cultures, and there are manners and customs that go along with it. For example, in India it is avoided to set foot. It is also important not to use your left hand while eating.
Knowledge of the local culture and customs of the destination is also important for enjoying the trip. By understanding the local culture and customs, you will be able to communicate with the locals smoothly and gain a deeper understanding of your destination.
In order to acquire knowledge about the local culture and customs, it is effective to refer to travel guidebooks and the Internet before traveling. You can also gain first-hand knowledge of the local culture and customs by talking to the locals while traveling.
Prepare clothing and equipment suitable for the local weather and climate
This is a checklist for preparing clothes and equipment suitable for the local weather and climate when traveling abroad.
For example, if you are traveling to a southern country, it is hot, so bring clothing that will keep your skin bare, as well as sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection items. Also, if your destination is cold, bring a thick coat and cold-weather goods.
It is also important to have equipment that matches the local weather and climate of your destination. For example, if it rains a lot in your area, bring a waterproof backpack and rain gear. Also, if you are in an alpine area, bring cold-weather goods and mountaineering essentials.
By preparing clothes and equipment that match the local weather and climate of your travel destination, you can spend a comfortable time during your trip.
Local transportation reservations and arrangements
Checklist for booking and arranging local transportation when traveling abroad.
For example, when traveling to Germany, it is necessary to make reservations and arrangements for trains and buses locally. By booking and arranging transportation in advance of your visit, you can avoid wasting time during your trip and have a smooth transition.
It is also important to book and arrange rental cars at your travel destination. By booking a rental car in advance of your visit, you will be able to arrange transportation during your trip.
By making these reservations and arrangements, you can spend your overseas trip smoothly.
Reservation and arrangement of local accommodation
This is a checklist for booking and arranging accommodations when traveling abroad.
For example, if you are traveling to Italy, you will need to book and arrange hotels and apartments locally. By making a reservation in advance, you can save yourself the trouble of finding accommodation during your trip. Also, by making a reservation, you can stay at the reserved accommodation.
In addition, booking hotels and apartments at your destination can be done easily by using the reservation site. On the reservation site, you can compare room rates and room types.
By making these reservations and arrangements, you can spend your overseas trip smoothly.
Acquisition of knowledge about emergency response
It refers to acquiring knowledge to prepare for unexpected situations when traveling abroad.
For example, if the language of the country you are traveling to is different, it is important to learn words for simple conversations and words that can be used in an emergency. It's also important to find out in advance which country's phone number you're traveling to and which phone number to use in case of an emergency.
A checklist for international travel preparation includes necessary certificates and documents, insurance matters, budgets, etc., but in addition to these, it is also necessary to prepare for emergency situations.
For example, if your travel plans change, or if an emergency such as illness or injury occurs, it is necessary to check emergency contact information and evacuation sites in advance so that you can respond with peace of mind at your destination. .
Acquisition of knowledge about local communication
It refers to acquiring the knowledge necessary to communicate locally when traveling abroad.
For example, if the language of the destination country is different, it is important to memorize the words for simple conversation and the knowledge to deal with cultural differences. It is also important to know the local payment methods and manners that match the local culture.
A checklist for overseas travel preparations includes travel destination information, reservations, budgets, etc. In addition to these, knowledge necessary for local communication is also necessary.
For example, when enjoying restaurants or shopping at a travel destination, it is effective to learn simple words before the trip in order to understand the explanations of the menus and products at the destination. It is also important to learn the words necessary to explain your destination when using local transportation or taxis.
Preparation after returning to Japan
It refers to making the necessary preparations after returning from overseas travel.
For example, canceling a credit card or cash card used at a travel destination, canceling travel insurance, etc. In addition, it is necessary to sort out items purchased or collected at your travel destination, and to notify customs of any items you bring back.
A checklist for overseas travel preparation includes things you need during the trip, reservations, budget, etc. In addition to that, preparations after returning home are also necessary.
For example, if you no longer use a credit card or cash card that you used while traveling, you need to stop or cancel the use. In addition, it is necessary to sort out the items you bought or collected during your trip, and to report the items you brought back to customs. Even after returning to Japan, you can consider creating albums or blogs to record the events and experiences you had during your trip and keep them as memories.
summary
There are many ways to prepare for traveling abroad. The checklist for overseas travel preparation beginners covers everything from pre-trip preparations to emergency response during the trip, local communication, and preparations after returning home. It is important not to forget to make preparations after returning to Japan, such as canceling credit cards and cash cards used at the destination, canceling travel insurance, and notifying customs. In addition, it is effective to acquire knowledge to deal with differences in languages and cultures necessary for local communication. Planning and preparation are important when traveling abroad. Please follow them carefully and enjoy your overseas trip with peace of mind.
