Your first international trip is one of those experiences that permanently changes your perspective. The food tastes different, the streets look different, the air smells different, and you come back seeing your own city with fresh eyes.

But the logistics of traveling abroad for the first time can feel overwhelming. Passports, visas, currency exchange, phone plans, language barriers, customs — the unknowns pile up fast.

This guide strips away the anxiety and walks you through every step, from getting your passport to walking through customs on the other side. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect and what to prepare.

Getting Your Passport

If you don't already have a passport, this is step one. Start here before you book anything, because processing times can surprise you.

How to Apply (US Citizens)

Download Form DS-11 from travel.state.gov
Gather your documents: proof of US citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a valid photo ID, and a passport photo
Get your passport photo at a pharmacy, shipping store, or use an app that meets State Department specifications (2x2 inches, white background, taken within the last six months)
Submit in person at an acceptance facility — typically a post office, county clerk's office, or library. You can search for the nearest one on the State Department website
Pay the fees: $165 for an adult passport book (valid 10 years), plus a $35 acceptance facility fee

Processing Times

Routine processing: 6-8 weeks
Expedited processing: 2-3 weeks (additional $60 fee)
Urgent/emergency: Same day to 2 weeks, but requires proof of travel within 14 days and an appointment at a passport agency

Start this process at least 3 months before your trip. Processing times fluctuate, and delays happen. Having your passport early also lets you apply for visas that require a physical passport submission.

Passport Tips

Check expiration dates: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. If your passport expires within 9 months, renew it
Make copies: Photograph every page of your passport and store copies in your email, cloud storage, and with a trusted contact at home
Protect it: Use a passport holder to prevent wear, and keep it in a hotel safe when you don't need it on your person

Understanding Visas

A visa is permission from a foreign government to enter their country. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and your destination.

Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival

US passport holders can enter approximately 185 countries without a pre-arranged visa or with a visa stamped on arrival. Major tourist destinations like most of Europe (via the Schengen zone), Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and the UK don't require advance visas for short stays.

Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs)

Several countries now require an online pre-approval that's simpler than a traditional visa:

ETIAS (Europe) — Required for US citizens visiting Schengen zone countries. Apply online, typically approved within minutes, valid for 3 years
eTA (Canada) — $7 CAD, processed online in minutes
ETA (Australia) — Apply through the app, usually approved within hours
NZeTA (New Zealand) — Apply via the app, $17 NZD plus a $35 NZD tourism levy

Traditional Visas

Countries like China, India, Russia, Brazil (for some nationalities), and many African nations require traditional visa applications. These can take days to weeks and may require:

A completed application form
Your physical passport
Passport photos
Proof of accommodation and return flights
Bank statements or proof of funds
A letter of invitation (for some countries)

Apply well in advance — at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Use official government websites or authorized visa services; avoid third-party scam sites that charge inflated fees.

Booking Your Trip

Flights

Book 2-3 months in advance for international economy flights. This sweet spot typically offers the best prices
Use Google Flights to compare prices and track fare changes
Consider connections vs. direct: Connecting flights are often significantly cheaper, but add fatigue and delay risk to your first international trip. If budget allows, fly direct for your first time
Choose your seat early: Window seats let you sleep against the wall and control the shade. Aisle seats let you move freely. Avoid middle seats on long-haul flights

Accommodation

Hotels offer the most predictable, stress-free experience for first-timers. You know what you're getting, there's a front desk for questions, and check-in is straightforward
Airbnb/vacation rentals can be cheaper and offer more space, but require more coordination (key pickup, check-in instructions, variable quality)
Hostels are the budget option and a great way to meet other travelers. Private rooms in hostels offer a middle ground between social atmosphere and personal space

Travel Insurance

Buy travel insurance. This is not optional advice. International medical care without insurance can bankrupt you — a hospital stay in many countries can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and your domestic health insurance almost certainly doesn't cover you abroad.

Look for policies that cover:

Emergency medical treatment and evacuation (minimum $100,000 coverage)
Trip cancellation and interruption
Lost or delayed baggage
Flight delays and missed connections

Providers like World Nomads, Allianz, and Safety Wing offer solid plans starting around $40-80 for a two-week trip.

Currency and Money Abroad

Before You Go

Notify your bank and credit card companies that you'll be traveling internationally. Otherwise, they may freeze your cards for suspicious activity
Get a travel-friendly debit card: Charles Schwab's checking account reimburses all ATM fees worldwide. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a multi-currency debit card with excellent exchange rates
Carry a backup credit card from a different network (Visa and Mastercard are accepted most widely globally)
Bring a small amount of local currency for arrival — enough for a taxi or transit from the airport to your accommodation. You can exchange at your home bank before departure, or withdraw from an ATM at the destination airport

At Your Destination

Use ATMs for the best exchange rates: Airport ATMs are fine. Bank-operated ATMs in the city are even better. Avoid standalone exchange booths, which charge high fees
Always pay in local currency: When a card terminal asks "pay in USD or local currency?" always choose local currency. The "pay in USD" option uses the merchant's terrible exchange rate (this is called Dynamic Currency Conversion)
Carry cash for small vendors: Markets, street food, taxis, and small shops in many countries are cash-only
Keep bills in good condition: Some countries and vendors reject damaged, torn, or heavily creased bills

Tipping Customs by Country

Tipping norms vary dramatically around the world:

United States/Canada: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars
Europe (Western): Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not expected
United Kingdom: 10-12.5% if service charge isn't included
Japan: Do not tip. It can be considered rude
South Korea: No tipping expected
Thailand: Not expected, but 20-50 baht at restaurants is appreciated
Mexico: 10-15% at restaurants
Egypt/Morocco: Tipping (baksheesh) is expected for almost every service, even small ones. Carry small bills
Australia/New Zealand: Not expected, but rounding up is common

Staying Connected: Phone Plans

Losing access to maps, translation apps, and messaging when you land in a foreign country is disorienting. Set up your connectivity before you leave.

eSIM (Recommended)

If your phone supports eSIM (most phones released after 2020 do), this is the simplest option. You buy a data plan online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to local networks when you arrive. No physical SIM swapping required.

Popular eSIM providers:

Airalo: Plans starting at $5 for 1GB. Wide country coverage. Pay per country or region
Holafly: Unlimited data plans. Slightly more expensive but no data cap anxiety
Nomad: Competitive pricing, good regional plans

Local SIM Cards

Available at airports and phone shops in virtually every country. Usually cheaper per GB than eSIM options, but requires a SIM-compatible phone, a SIM removal tool, and sometimes a local ID or passport.

International Roaming

Most US carriers offer international roaming packages. T-Mobile includes basic international data and texting on most plans. AT&T and Verizon offer day passes ($10-12/day). This is the easiest but most expensive option.

Health Preparation

Vaccines and Medications

Visit a travel health clinic or your doctor at least 6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks apart.

Common travel vaccines include:

Hepatitis A and B (recommended for most international destinations)
Typhoid (South Asia, Southeast Asia, parts of Africa and Latin America)
Yellow Fever (required for entry to some African and South American countries)
Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas of Asia)
Rabies (if you'll be around animals in remote areas)
Malaria prophylaxis (prescription medication for malaria-endemic areas)

Prescription Medications

Carry prescriptions in their original labeled bottles
Bring a copy of your prescriptions (generic names, not brand names, as brand names vary by country)
Pack medications in your carry-on, never in checked luggage
Bring enough for your entire trip plus a few extra days in case of delays

Basic Travel Health Kit

Pack a small pouch with: ibuprofen, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medication (loperamide), rehydration salts, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and sunscreen. You can find pharmacies abroad, but having basics immediately available saves time and stress.

What to Expect at the Airport and Customs

Departure

Check in online 24 hours before your flight. At the airport, drop your checked bags, go through security (same as domestic), and proceed to your gate. International terminals often have better food and shopping options — arrive early enough to enjoy them.

On the Plane

Fill out landing cards: Some countries require you to complete an arrival card on the plane. The flight crew will distribute them. Have a pen ready (blue or black ink)
Keep your passport accessible: You'll need it at immigration, not buried in your bag
Download entertainment: WiFi on international flights is expensive and unreliable. Load your phone or tablet with movies, shows, and music before you board

Immigration and Customs at Your Destination

This is the part most first-timers worry about. It's straightforward:

Follow the signs to "Arrivals" or "Immigration" or "Passport Control"
Join the correct line: There's usually one line for citizens/residents and another for foreign visitors. Join the visitors line
Present your passport (and visa, ETA, or return flight confirmation if requested)
Answer questions briefly and honestly: "What's the purpose of your visit?" — "Tourism." "How long are you staying?" — "Ten days." "Where are you staying?" — give your hotel name and city. Don't over-explain or volunteer extra information
Collect your checked bags from the carousel
Walk through customs: Most countries have a "Nothing to Declare" lane (green) and a "Goods to Declare" lane (red). If you're not carrying restricted goods above the duty-free allowance, walk through green. You may or may not be stopped for a random check

The entire process usually takes 15-45 minutes depending on the airport and time of day.

Dealing with Jet Lag

Jet lag hits hardest when crossing 5 or more time zones, especially traveling eastward. Your body's internal clock is out of sync with local time, causing fatigue, insomnia, digestive issues, and brain fog.

Before Your Flight

Shift your sleep schedule 1-2 hours toward your destination time zone for a few days before departure
Book flights that arrive in the evening if possible — you can stay awake on the plane and sleep when you arrive, aligning with local time immediately

During Your Flight

Set your watch to destination time as soon as you board
Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
Sleep if it's nighttime at your destination: Use an eye mask and earplugs. Avoid sleeping if it's daytime where you're headed

After You Arrive

Get sunlight immediately: Natural light is the strongest signal for resetting your circadian rhythm. Spend time outdoors on arrival
Don't nap for more than 20 minutes: A long nap will lock you into your old time zone
Eat on local time: Even if you're not hungry, eating meals at local breakfast, lunch, and dinner times helps your body adjust
Consider melatonin: A low dose (0.5-3mg) taken 30 minutes before your desired bedtime at the destination can help you fall asleep on the new schedule

Most people adjust at a rate of about one time zone per day. A 6-hour difference takes roughly a week to fully resolve, but you'll feel functional within 2-3 days using the strategies above.

Cultural Preparation

Research Before You Go

Learn 10-20 basic phrases in the local language: hello, thank you, please, excuse me, how much, where is, yes, no, and the numbers 1-10. Locals appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation is terrible
Understand local customs: In Japan, you bow and remove shoes indoors. In Thailand, you don't touch people's heads. In many Muslim countries, you dress modestly. A quick search for "[country] cultural etiquette" covers the essentials
Know the local scams: Every tourist destination has common scams. TripAdvisor forums and Reddit's r/travel have country-specific warnings. Awareness is your best defense

Managing Culture Shock

Culture shock is real, even in countries that seem similar to home. You might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or homesick. This is normal and temporary.

Accept discomfort: You're supposed to feel a bit off-balance. That's the point of travel
Keep a routine anchor: One familiar activity each day (morning coffee, evening journaling, a workout) provides stability
Connect with home: A quick call or text to someone familiar helps when you're feeling untethered
Talk to other travelers: Hostels, tours, and cafes are full of people experiencing the same thing

Planning Your First Trip with AI

If the planning logistics still feel daunting, tools like TripGenie can simplify the process dramatically. Describe your interests, budget, and travel dates, and the AI builds a detailed day-by-day itinerary with transportation, accommodation recommendations, and local insights — handling the overwhelming research so you can focus on the exciting part: actually going.

Your first international trip will be imperfect. You'll get lost, you'll mispronounce things, you'll eat something you can't identify, and you'll have at least one moment of genuine confusion. That's not a bug — it's the feature. Those moments become the stories you tell for years.

Start with your passport. The rest will follow.

International Travel for the First Time: Everything You Need to Know