International Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers 

At ACIS Tours, we like to pride ourselves on being travel experts. We also understand that for some, especially first-time travelers, the idea of international travel can feel exciting yet overwhelming!  

Our goal is to help make your experience with international travel extraordinary and life-changing– not stressful or anxiety-inducing. When you are preparing to head off on your adventure, remember these essential tips to ensure the trip goes smoothly and safely.  

Gather Important Documents Ahead of Time 

Making sure that you have all the necessary documentation in order is so important to avoid any complications when traveling. Here are some (not limited to) important documents you may need to gather and research before your trip.  

Passport 

Your passport is probably your most critical travel document. If you don’t already have one, make sure you apply for one in advance before you book flights, hotels, etc., as they may require your passport for identification and check-in. Applying for a passport can take weeks or months, so make sure you have one sooner rather than later to avoid any complications down the road (check your passport right now- it may be expired!)  

Visas  

When choosing your destination, you must check the visa requirements. Some destinations allow visa-free travel such as Japan or France, while other destinations such as China require visas to be applied for in advance- some applications can be quick online forms, and some countries have a more rigorous process. The rules and regulations around travel visas can be quite volatile, so make sure you are always up to date with the latest requirements. Check the official government websites or contact the embassy of your destination to ensure you have the most accurate information. 

Spoilers! Big changes are coming in 2025 for European travel. Plan accordingly. 

Medical Documents  

Certain countries require proof of vaccinations (Yellow fever, COVID-19 etc.) for entry, so it is essential to check the health requirements early. If you do require special attention or need to carry specific medication, it is also good practice to have verification- usually in the form of a doctor’s note or prescription.  

Travel Insurance 

While it is not mandatory, deeply consider investing in travel insurance for your trip. While our fingers are crossed, unexpected things do happen. Travel insurance provides peace of mind by covering unexpected situations and expenses such as medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, or even natural disasters. Without insurance, unforeseen expenses can add up, leaving you in a difficult position.  When you travel with ACIS, you are automatically enrolled in our Basic Coverage plan and can scale up from there.

Having physical and digital copies of your travel documents is a smart plan to ensure you are prepared for any hiccups you may encounter.  
 

Set Yourself Up for Success by Packing Right

The first step to packing is to create a list of essentials you need to bring on your trip, so you don’t end up overpacking- adding to the stress of planning the trip. Make sure everything is on the list to ensure that you don’t forget anything important; it will also help you stay organized as you go.  

Packing versatile clothing is key to staying comfortable and prepared for various activities and weather conditions while keeping your luggage light. Check the forecast and climate and include layers for unpredictable weather, and pack essentials like a waterproof jacket, comfortable footwear, and swimwear if your plans call for it! Packing cubes are recommended- tried and tested– by seasoned travelers to help you organize and consolidate space.  

Packing toiletries is tricky, especially because of TSA size regulations. It’s the worst when an officer throws out your favorite shampoo because the size of the container is too large. To avoid trouble, Invest in reusable travel-size bottles if you want to use your products or just purchase them at your destination to save space.  

Some other important things to pack may include:  

• Travel Documents (Passport, Visa, etc.)  

• Electronics (Chargers, Power Adaptors, etc.) 

• Medications and Prescriptions, 

• Money 

• Itinerary and Maps 

Do Your Research

Before your travels, we recommend you take the time and research the culture, customs and etiquette of your destination. Not only could it help you avoid cultural faux pas, but it also demonstrates your respect to the locals- learning how to greet someone properly or knowing how/when to tip can go a long way! Simple words like “hello” or “thank you”, or small phrases for directions or food will make your experience that much smoother. Don’t be afraid if your pronunciation isn’t perfect! 

Traveling for the first time is an incredible opportunity to see new cultures, meet amazing people and create lifelong memories. Remember, everyone started somewhere: So don’t be scared to embrace the adventure and open to the world ahead of you. Your journey starts now!