10 Things We Wish Everyone Knew Before Their First International Trip

Your first international trip is exciting—but it can also come with a lot of questions.

Here are ten things that can make leaving the country for the first time much easier.

1. Check Your Passport Early

Don't wait until a month before your vacation to look at your passport.

Some destinations have specific passport validity requirements, and renewing a passport takes time.

2. Entry Requirements Aren't the Same Everywhere

Depending on your destination, you may need a visa, electronic travel authorization, entry form, or other documentation.

Always check official requirements before traveling.

3. Have More Than One Way to Access Money

Bring at least two payment methods and store them separately.

If a card is lost, stolen, frozen, or simply doesn't work, you'll have a backup.

4. Your Phone May Need a Travel Plan

Check international roaming before leaving.

Depending on your phone and destination, an international plan or eSIM may be a convenient option.

5. Download Offline Maps

Do this before you need them.

Offline maps can be incredibly helpful when you land somewhere new and don't have reliable cell service.

6. You May Need a Power Adapter

Outlets aren't the same around the world.

Research the plug type and voltage used at your destination before packing.

7. Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On

Passport. Medication. Money. Phone. Chargers. One change of clothes.

If your checked luggage takes a different vacation than you do, you'll still have your essentials.

8. Learn a Few Local Phrases

You don't need to be fluent.

Learning "hello," "please," "thank you," and a few other basic phrases is useful and shows respect for the place you're visiting.

9. Know How You're Leaving the Airport

After a long international flight is not the ideal time to figure out transportation.

Know whether you're taking a transfer, taxi, train, rental car, or another option before you arrive.

10. Don't Overplan Every Minute

International travel is full of unexpected discoveries.

Leave some room in your itinerary to wander, find a local restaurant, sit at a café, or spend another hour somewhere you love.

Preparation makes international travel easier.

Flexibility makes it memorable.

Planning your first international trip?

Schmidt Travel Co. can help take some of the uncertainty out of the process so you can focus on experiencing somewhere new.

Memories made for you.