First time travelling? Three things to help you prepare for your trip away

This is a collaborative post

Preparing to take your very first trip abroad can be simultaneously exhilarating and daunting. It can be difficult to know what to expect, and your mind will be undoubtedly abuzz with conflicting thoughts, feelings, and emotions. 

If you’re getting ready to take your first overseas trip and you are unsure where to begin when it comes to proper preparation, we’ve got you covered. Check out this guide with three things you’ll need to think about when preparing for your first trip away. 

Get yourself insured

Anything can happen while you’re on holiday. The last thing you want is for you to pick up an injury or fall ill. This is a terrible situation at the best of times but will only be exacerbated if you happen to be in a strange, foreign country at the time. 

Medical services abroad can be significantly different to what we are used to, and they can often incur substantial bills. Getting travel insurance ahead of time can help to mitigate these risks. Providers like Staysure offer a range of insurance packages, with potential unlimited cover for medical expenses and cover for a number of pre-existing medical conditions. So make sure you spend some time going through the types of packages you can get before you set off. 

Get ready for the flight

For most of us in the developed western world, flying is completely normal and is something most of us do at least once a year, if not much more frequently. However, for someone who has never flown before, the idea can be strange, alarming, or even downright terrifying. 

Fear not, flying is incredibly safe. In fact, you’ll find many people fall asleep and snooze for the majority of the journey unworried. Bring some headphones so you can listen to music or a podcast, or a book to read, or simply enjoy the view if you happen to be at a window seat. 

If your ears start to hurt, don’t worry. This is perfectly normal and relatively common side effect of flying that is caused by sudden shifts in air pressure. Suck on sweets or chewing gum or swallow repeatedly to minimize the discomfort. 

Photo credit Pascal Meier via Unsplash

Pack everything you need

When it comes to packing for your very first trip away, it can be hard to know where to even begin. The most effective way to pack is to do it methodically. Make an itemized list of everything you think you’re going to need and assess each point individually. 

Many people pack too much, while some of us don’t pack enough. Either way, this is due to improper planning. Packing in an organized and structured way will make the process much less stressful and will ensure you don’t forget anything essential. 

Number one should be your passport, wallet, and money. Next, you’ll need enough clothes for your trip. Ensure these are appropriate for the particular climate of your chosen destination. Don’t forget your personal items too, you’ll need your phone, a phone charger, and all the necessary toiletries. 

Check everything off your list as you pack, this will save you having to unpack everything in a panic if you manage to convince yourself that you’ve forgotten something. 

Photo credit American Green Travel via Unsplash

Conclusion

Going on your first trip away can be a scary experience. The best thing to do is embrace the nerves, they’re totally normal and you’ll feel them drift away as the plane takes off and you see your hometown disappear into the distance. Know what to expect from the flight, get travel insurance, and ensure you pack everything you need to guarantee yourself the trip of a lifetime.