First-Time International Traveler? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
When a person takes that first trip abroad, it’s one of the most thrilling things he or she can do.
But it can also feel like a ton of work. Passports, packing lists, reservations, a million questions running through your head at once. And then there’s the fear of the unknown.
The good news? International travel doesn’t have to be complicated or scary.
With a little preparation, first-time travelers can experience their first foreign trip without any major hiccups. But what exactly do they need to know? And how should they prepare?
This article will answer those questions, and more. Time to make that first trip abroad a truly unforgettable one.
In this guide:
- Why now is the perfect time to book your first trip abroad
- Documents all travelers need
- The packing process
- Picking the perfect first destination
- Safety abroad
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Book Your First Trip Abroad
International tourism has been on the rise recently.
As the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer reports, in the first nine months of 2025 alone over 1.1 billion international tourist trips were taken. That’s around 50 million more than the same period in 2024.
This is what it means for the first-time traveler. When a place is popular and visited by a lot of people, the tourist infrastructure is going to be better.
More airlines are going to start direct flights to those destinations. Hotels are going to be more competitive with the services they offer. Popular places are just going to give a warm welcome to everyone.
Think about it. If you’re about to consider Cabo San Lucas activities for your first bucket-list adventure, a Cabo San Lucas vacation is a very good start. Mexico in general is a very good place to start. A trip to Cabo has beaches, local culture, exotic vibes and adventure. Not to mention the exotic food and drinks!
But you don’t have to worry about having to navigate through a completely unknown place if you choose Cabo. The area is very tourist-friendly.
Documents All Travelers Need
Documents are where most first-timers make their first major mistake.
Without the proper papers in hand, your dream trip is off to a very bad start. This is the part that needs to be handled first, even before making any reservations.
Here are the documents that a person should have:
Passport
The most important thing is, of course, your passport. A valid passport is a must for any international traveler.
Most countries require passports to be valid for at least the next six months. Try to apply at least a couple of months before departure.
According to the U.S. State Department, there are now almost 170 million valid U.S. passports in circulation. Passport processing times have improved over the years, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and apply early.
Visas
Some countries may also require visas in order to be allowed to enter. Others may not.
Please double-check visa requirements for each individual country before purchasing any tickets. Hearing that you’ve been denied at the airport is no one’s idea of a good time.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance gets overlooked far too often.
It’s a lifesaver in the case of a medical emergency, trip cancellations or lost luggage. It gives you piece of mind while you’re in unfamiliar territory.
Packing Like a Pro
Here’s a secret that veteran travelers know:
Travel light.
The number one mistake newbies make when it comes to packing. Heavy suitcases are a drag to lug through airports and train stations. Versatile pieces are the way to go, since the same items can be used for a variety of occasions.
Comfortable shoes, layers for different kinds of weather, a universal power plug, copies of important documents and a basic first-aid kit.
A single carry-on and one personal item should be enough to carry everything you need for a week-long trip if packed smartly. Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space, as does wearing the bulkiest items on the plane.
Picking the Perfect First Destination
You’re going to have to choose your first destination wisely.
Places are not created equal in terms of what a new traveler needs. Language barriers, cultural differences and infrastructure all play a part in this. The very best first trips abroad should offer adventure but also accessibility.
Factors to consider are:
- English-speaking or areas that are generally known to be more tourist-friendly
- Direct flights to and from your hometown airport
- Safety ratings for the general area
- Ease of public or alternative transportation
- Activities that match personal interests
Beaches tend to be an excellent place to start for first-timers. The weather is relaxing and there are no crowds fighting to squeeze into a sightseeing attraction at every turn. Surfing, diving, snorkeling, local restaurants and food and beautiful sunsets – the entertainment factor is covered.
Choose a resort town rather than an unestablished one. The tourism infrastructure will be well developed and locals at your hotel, restaurants and attractions are used to dealing with tourists. Transportation is clearly marked and staff at tourist sites are trained to help visitors. You’ll have an easier time asking questions and understanding the answers.
Safety Abroad
Safety is key.
But being safe doesn’t mean being paranoid. A few common sense precautions can go a long way to ensuring that a trip abroad is as incident-free as possible.
Keep your valuables in a safe place.
Tourists are a favorite target for pickpockets everywhere in the world. Invest in a money belt or hidden pouch and keep your passport, extra cash and backup credit cards on your person. Leave the flashy jewelry at home and try to blend in rather than draw attention.
Stay in touch with someone back home.
Leave them your itinerary and check in from time to time. The good news is that most international destinations offer fast and reliable Wi-Fi.
Trust your instincts.
If a situation doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Don’t accept drinks from strangers. Stick to reputable tour operators for sightseeing excursions.
Do some research on local customs.
Certain behaviors that are fine at home may be considered rude elsewhere. Learn a few key phrases in the local language. Tipping customs vary from country to country. Be sure to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Money Matters Abroad
Money can cause a lot of trouble for first-time international travelers.
Inform your banks and credit card companies of your travel plans before leaving. Otherwise, you might accidentally trigger a fraud alert and have your accounts frozen in the middle of your vacation. A declined credit card while trying to pay for a nice dinner is vacation-ruining.
Exchange some cash before your trip for small purchases. Exchange rates at airports are almost always the worst. ATMs inside of the bank usually offer a far better exchange rate.
A credit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money in the long run. Plus, you have far more fraud protection than you do with cash.
Pro-tip:
Separate emergency cash from your everyday spending money. Put a hidden stash of cash in the hotel safe as a backup in case a wallet goes missing.
Navigating Language Barriers
Speaking the local language isn’t a requirement for traveling.
Translation apps have made communication a lot easier. Download some offline language packs before you leave, so you have them in case you don’t have Wi-Fi when you need them.
It’s always a good idea to at least know a few key phrases. Hello, thank you and excuse me are all words of respect for the local language and culture. Don’t worry about getting the pronunciation exactly right, most people will appreciate the effort.
Use body language. Pointing, hand gestures and a smile work wonders. Patience and a sense of humor are all you need to get over most barriers.
Wrapping Things Up
Going international for the first time is an unforgettable experience.
The world is now more accessible than it’s ever been. And even a complete beginner can get around in a foreign country if they prepare.
First things first: get the documents sorted out, do some research on visas and pack as lightly as you can.
Choose a destination that offers adventure but doesn’t overwhelm. Stay on top of safety but don’t let it overwhelm the whole experience.
The dream trip abroad is not a dream at all. The question is now… where to first
