How to plan your first foreign trip? + 12 practical steps

Travel is always full of experiences and usually brings with it pleasant memories. If this trip is to other countries, the baggage people bring back with them will be more fruitful. Foreign travel is a unique and memorable experience that can somehow open a new window to the world of cultures, landscapes and adventures. Considering all these pleasures and experiences, the first foreign trip has its own challenges. From choosing the destination to preparing the necessary documents, budget planning, and travel arrangements.

If you do not plan properly for this first trip, the excitement of the trip may turn into worry. Are you worried about how to plan a hassle-free and enjoyable trip? This article will help you learn all the necessary tips and steps for your first foreign trip.

1. Choose your desired location and research

Choosing a destination for your first foreign trip is like opening a new book, the first page of which can intrigue you or even make you a little hesitant. But how can you choose the best option? Think about your personal interests first. Are you interested in adventure and nature tourism or do you prefer to walk in historical cities? Maybe you want to relax on the sunny beaches.

For example, if you love history and architecture, European countries like Italy or Spain are good options. On the other hand, if you are interested in different cultures and unspoiled nature, Asian countries like Thailand or Malaysia can make an attractive trip for you.

Ease of travel is another important point. For the first experience, it is better to choose a country that does not require complicated visa procedures to enter or that is easy to issue a visa. Many neighboring countries of Iran, such as Armenia or Azerbaijan, do not require a visa or the conditions for obtaining it are very simple. Also, make sure that your food taste is compatible with the country you are visiting.

Another thing you should pay attention to is the language and culture of the destination country. If you choose a country whose language or culture you are familiar with, it will be easier for you to adapt to the environment. For example, countries that understand English or Farsi well, such as Dubai, can create a more carefree experience for you.

2. Determine your budget for the trip

First of all, determine how much you want to spend on the trip. These costs include everything you have to pay for, such as airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, souvenir shopping, and entertainment expenses. For example, if you are on a tight budget, instead of staying in luxury hotels, you can choose budget options such as hostels or rented apartments.

The duration of the trip is directly related to the amount of budget you consider for the trip. You must specify whether you plan to go on a 5-day trip or a month-long trip. You should also specify whether you are going to experience a luxury trip or a regular trip. To determine the amount of budget, it is very important to plan carefully about the duration and style of the trip.

Each country has different costs. For example, in countries like Switzerland or Japan, even a simple meal can be expensive, while in countries like Thailand or Turkey, you can enjoy high-quality food for less. Sites like Numbeo or Google Travel can help you check everyday expenses in the destination country.

3. Get a passport or check the passport expiration date

You need a passport for foreign travel, because without it you will not be able to travel to another country. If you do not have a passport in your documents, it is better to get it as soon as possible. The process of getting a passport takes about a month. If you have a passport, check its date and make sure it is valid for at least 6 months after your travel date.

Some countries do not allow travelers to enter or issue visas if their passports are valid for less than 6 months.

4. Check the visa requirements of the destination country

There are limited countries that you can travel to with an Iranian passport. If you plan to travel to another country, you must have a visa for that country. The conditions for obtaining a visa are different for each country. For this reason, you should apply for a visa according to the conditions of the country you choose to travel to.

5. Book the desired tour

After you have chosen the destination country for your first foreign trip, look for suitable tours for that country. Traveling with its tour for your first trip abroad will help you not to get confused in the destination country. Because the tour leader is by your side and guides you in all stages of the trip. Also, he is familiar with the country in question and can show you its spectacular sights and create fascinating memories in your mind.

6. Book your accommodation

After you have made your final decision for the trip and determined the duration of the trip and its date, it is time to book the accommodation. If you don’t plan to go on a tour, you should look for a place that matches your budget and conditions. Note that the residence has good access to the city center and places of interest to make your commute easier.

7. Book your flight ticket

After the exact travel time and place of residence are determined, you should proceed to purchase the plane ticket. Note that the flight time is compatible with the time of your stay in the desired country. Book the round trip ticket at the same time so that you don’t face any problem when you return and you can feel free about the time of return.

8. Check airline baggage rules and restrictions

Airlines have specific limits for the amount of luggage and the weight of each piece of luggage. Remember to check these restrictions before you fly. If the weight of the luggage is more than the amount of weight that the airline company has declared in its rules, you have to pay a fee for excess baggage.

We suggest you to choose the luggage weight less than what is specified. With this, if you make a purchase during your trip, you won’t have to worry about the extra charge at the time of return and the penalty.

9. Buying travel insurance

If your health insurance is not valid abroad, you should get travel insurance. It has been said for a long time that accidents don’t make news, therefore, travel insurance makes you not worry about expenses and treatment if unexpected things happen to you.

10. Plan your activities

If you are not going on a tour, plan in advance for each day which place you want to visit. If you want to visit historical places or go shopping, specify which day you want to visit. If you plan to go on a tour, plan your free days.

11. Get to know the local transport of the destination country

Being familiar with the transportation of the destination country can be effective not only in your expenses, but also in the waste of your time. Commuting by subway may be cheaper than taxi and will get you to the desired place sooner.

12. Set up your mobile phone roaming or buy a SIM card in the destination country

When you travel abroad, you have two ways to communicate with others: activate roaming or buy a SIM card in the destination country. Considering that roaming costs can be very high and at the end of the trip you will see a bill with endless zeros that are hard to count, get a SIM card in the destination country to save money. This will make your communication easier.

the first foreign trip; A step towards the endless world of adventure

Planning your first foreign trip may seem like stepping into a world full of unknowns, but if you proceed with care and awareness, this experience can be one of the most memorable moments of your life. From choosing the right destination and managing the budget to respecting the local culture and getting to know the customs, every step you take is a bridge that connects you to a different and new world.

Traveling is not only an opportunity to discover new places, but also a time for personal growth and getting to know yourself better. With proper planning and an open mind, you can enjoy every moment of this experience and create memories that will remain in your mind for years. Have you ever traveled abroad? If you have no foreign travel experience, how useful do you think the information in this article is? Write us your experiences and opinions.