Tips for First Time Overseas Travelers

The Indian appetite for overseas travelling is increasing by the day. According to World Bank estimation the average money spent by Indians on overseas travel was Rs. 91,593 in 2013 which is much higher as compared to only Rs. 70,746 in 2007. With leisure tourism and experiential travelling picking up, the Indian middle class is more than ready to shed its inhibition and indulge in foreign travel for new experiences and memories.

For first time travelers, the prospect of overseas travel is indeed exciting. We prepare for the trip on expected lines for instance applying for the visa, purchasing an air ticket, checking up to book hotel online and even doing for clothes shopping for the trip. However, no matter how much we prepare, it’s not surprising to be sprung with surprises. Seasoned or frequent travelers will tell you that the amount of information you pick up from the internet about a place, or preparations you have made in advance, it is not always enough. Thus, as the number of first time overseas traveler is adding up each year, here are some tips every maiden travelers must keep in mind for a safe and fun vacation.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance may feel like an unexpected expenditure, but for all practical reasons it is a much needed cover that comes in handy in event of medical emergency, loss of baggage even flight delays. Everyone has a set budget for travelling and as usual,one saves for months before planning a holiday. One obviously does not want to be bogged down with unplanned expenses arising due to minor hospitalization, loss of passport etc. So, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or in a small group, consider taking a travel insurance policy. These policies have various features and offering that can be tailor made as peryourtravelling plans.

Work Up an Itinerary

Depending upon the number of days you will be away, work up an itinerary so that you can make the most of your trip. Having said that, create a schedule that is realistic and achievable. Do not try to cover too many things at a time. Pick up the top destinations that you wish to visit, considering the travel time it will take up to reach there. A lot of people feel burned down on the day second day of their trip because of excessive movement. In order to save time purchase tickets online for places like amusement park, museum etc.

Determine the cost of hotel

A great way to determine the cost of stay is to book hotel online.  Online booking of hotels allow you to compare the prices, learn about the services and even get a glimpse of the facility you will be staying at. Also, book ahotel depending upon the agenda of your trip. If you will be mostly travelling throughout the day and will only be at the hotel at night, it does not make sense to book a luxurious hotel. Conversely, if you want an indulgent hotel and the agenda is to relax and visit nearby attractions only for few hours in the day, book a hotel that has a spa, golf course, swimming pool etc.

Buy a Local Sim Card

Using your domestic phone connection on an international trip can be mind-bogglingly expensive. Therefore, as soon as you reach your travel destination take up a local sim card. If you are travelling in a group, make sure that more than 1 person has the local number to allow hassle free communications. Another option is to activate an international roaming package, in case the duration of the trip is short. You can also consider buying calling card, if you are travelling different countries in a single trip.

Be Wary of Food Allergies

A lot of Indians face problem with respect to food when travelling overseas. On top of that if you are a vegetarian, your troubles are double. While finding food that caters to Indian palate is not so difficult in countries like Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, there are certain things one must keep in mind. If you area stringent vegetarian, do check out if the restaurant you are eating at is giving you 100% vegan food.   If you have a specific food allergy like from sea food, nuts etc. do check about those as well. The last thing you want on a trip abroad is to be down with food poisoning.

Water Woes

A good way to fight any kind of tiredness or any ailment in general is by staying hydrated. However, the cost of packaged water, especially in Europecan be as much as 40 times higher than the price one pays in India. To avoid paying exceptionally high price on drinking water, fill up the bottle from the taps in your hotel bathroom. It may sound bizarre, but throughout Europe it is considered quite safe to drink water from bathroom or public taps. If at all you are buying a bottle of water, make sure to specify –Still water, which is another name for plain simple water or you will end up paying 40 Euros for a bottle of Sparklingly water, which is a carbonated soda drink.