Embarking on a journey abroad or exploring international travel opens the door to a wealth of experiences, blending moments of joy and challenges.

While planning such an adventure may seem daunting, it can be an enriching process when approached thoughtfully and ahead of time.

Before you make any travel commitments, take into account the following crucial aspects, from purchasing your flight ticket to visa applications.

1. Where do you want to go to travel abroad?

When considering a journey abroad, whether for work, tourism, or study, the choice of destination plays a pivotal role in shaping your overall experience.

Italy stands out for its rich cultural heritage, renowned opera, artistic legacy, and high-end fashion brands, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking an immersive cultural encounter.

Likewise, countries such as China, Hong Kong, Turkey, Australia, Canada, France, the USA, and Switzerland offer promising job opportunities, making them top choices for individuals seeking professional growth and career advancement.

2. Where will you stay when you travel abroad?

In the contemporary travel landscape, a plethora of accommodation choices are available, necessitating thorough exploration and timely selection. My personal preference leans towards Airbnbs, as they afford me the freedom to cook meals at my convenience.

Hotels present a comfortable alternative for those who relish dining out. Remarkably, motor vans offer a unique experience, enabling individuals to drive and camp wherever they desire. Motels and shared accommodations are also viable choices.

For longer stays, renting a flat emerges as an attractive option. Many countries provide online real estate platforms that facilitate home searches prior to relocation, streamlining the process.

3. What and how should you pack?

When preparing for travel abroad, I find it advantageous to pack well in advance to circumvent any potential forgetfulness. Many individuals, however, opt for last-minute packing days before departure, each with their own rationale. Regardless, the process of packing can be stressful.

Certain items remain pertinent for both long and short trips. Among these essentials are money, a universal travel adapter, a portable charger with cords, necessary medications, toiletries, and clothing suited to the season.

Efficiently folding clothes minimizes space consumption within the luggage. Furthermore, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the weight limit set by the airline you will be flying with, ensuring a smooth journey.

4. Which airline will you use to travel abroad?

Flight booking can indeed be a taxing endeavor for many individuals. To circumvent this potential stress, some opt to enlist the assistance of Airline Agencies to handle flight and hotel reservations, as well as organize their itinerary. While this approach is undoubtedly hassle-free, it can come at a slightly higher cost.

Personally, I dedicate time to explore various airline options and meticulously compare prices. On occasions, I opt for airlines from the destination country, as this often entails a direct flight. Layovers can be extensive and occasionally draining, particularly when confined within an airport.

In less favorable scenarios, especially when transit visas aren’t readily granted, making the most of the layovers for quick tourism can pose a considerable challenge. It’s essential to thoroughly assess flight dates and times, as disparities in time zones could inadvertently lead to missed flights.

5. Which transportation means will you use when you travel?

Different countries boast diverse options for public and private transportation. While this may seem like a concern to address once you’ve arrived in the country, I strongly advise verifying these details prior to your flight.

In many well-developed nations, the subway or train system often proves the most cost-effective and efficient method for navigating the city. Acquiring a train card—available for purchase at convenience stores within train stations—loading it with funds, and attentively following train announcements at each stop are typically the only requisites.

Conversely, in some countries, buses reign supreme due to their ability to access more remote neighborhoods. Boarding at designated stops allows for convenient travel to any destination within the city.

Contrarily, in my home country of Cameroon, taxis are the more economical choice for main roads, while motorbikes are ideal for navigating within neighborhoods. In various regions, vans and tuk-tuks are abundant on street corners.

Certain countries offer online platforms like Uber, enabling you to effortlessly summon a ride that will collect you directly from your doorstep.

When planning is done in advance, a travel abroad becomes relaxing and organized. The above questions are essential to note before leaving your country. I suggest writing them out and having clear options for each of them. 

For more traveling abroad preparation tips, check out this link.