4 Tips to Prepare You for Your Next Global Travels


Traveling around the world can change your life forever, but international adventures are often quite challenging. Taking the time to plan out your travels far in advance could help you avoid time-consuming and expensive mishaps once you arrive at your destination.

Finalize Your Paperwork Early

Renewing a passport isn’t like renewing an ID card or driver’s license. Even with all of the correct paperwork, you might still have to wait for quite a few months to receive a new passport. As a general rule, travelers should immediately apply for a passport if they plan on being out of the country any time in the next few years. Depending on when you fill out the paperwork, you might have to wait five or six months to receive your new documents.

Work With a Private Tour Company

No matter how much time you spend planning your trip, it’s easy to miss the major historical sites in the area or book a hotel on the wrong side of town. Professional tour companies take the guesswork out of international adventures and make these trips as stress-free as possible. In addition to helping you with the logistics, they can also ensure your safety when you are traveling to countries you have never been to before.

Find a New Credit Card

Not many travelers realize just how many fees the leading credit card companies charge when making transactions in different countries. Some charge a blanket fee every time the credit card is used while others take a percentage of everything that is withdrawn from the ATMs. Cards that are specifically designed for travelers often have zero foreign transaction fees and give cash back on any traveling expenses.

Figure Out Communications

Unless you plan on staying within your country, your phone will most likely not work on your travels. One of the best ways to bypass this is to buy a temporary phone with prepaid minutes as soon as you land. You can also connect to local hotspots to use video and texting apps when you do not have service. Another popular option is to swap out your current sim card for a local sim card as soon as you land.

No matter where you are traveling or how long you plan on staying, a little organization can save you from some major headaches. These four tips will allow you to save time and money as you enjoy the most exciting cultures and sites in the world.

About the Author

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan suggests utilizing the professional services of travel companies like Kuoda Personalized Travel as you plan the itinerary for your next global excursion. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.