7 Steps To Prepare For Your First Trip Abroad

by Janis on June 16, 2013

This post is written by Taysha Ham, an agricultural communications student at New Mexico State University.

A year ago I traveled to Belgium for a summer study abroad program.

It was my first trip out of the country.

While preparing for this new adventure, I realized I had a lot of questions.

I was not sure what I needed to do or what I needed to pack.

I called friends to find out any tips they had and I searched on the internet for any information that could be helpful.

This is a list of the seven steps that I found most helpful preparing for my trip; perhaps it will be helpful to yours as well.

1) Get a passport and make a few copies just in case. You would not want to lose this document while traveling. Pack the copies somewhere different from your actual passport.

2) Contact your bank and let them know exactly when you are leaving and where you are traveling. Do this for each bank and any cards, credit or debit, which you may use. This will prevent the bank from freezing your accounts and also better prevent theft of card numbers while abroad.

3) Call your cell phone company. Find out what your phone is capable of and the international options available through your service provider as well as others. Companies have different rates for calling or texting while abroad, and some phones are able to be used with the help of an international SIM card. You can stay connected to work or family while traveling, find the company that works best for you.

4) Think about electricity. Find out what travel adapter you will need, based on your destination, to convert the chargers for your phone, laptop, hair dryer. There are also special products, such as your curling iron or straightener that can be bought specifically to adapt to electric currents so they won’t burn out.

5) Check your shot records. Make sure you are up-to-date on all vaccinations or shots relevant to your destination. The last thing you want to deal with while you are traveling is getting sick and missing out on the fun.

6) Get a camera. It can be a Digital Camera with Zoom and HD Video Recording or a simple point-and – shoot
or you can even use the one on your phone. There is going to be a lot to see. You will be glad you have something to capture the beauty of your destination.

7) Get a cross body bag. A roomy Cross Body Messenger Bag Purse like this one makes it much easier to keep everything close and more secure while traveling. By wearing your bag across the front of your body, you can carry all of your personal items are directly on your person. The cross body style frees your hands to enjoy your new surroundings, although you always what to remain alert of your bags, especially in popular tourist destinations.