Essential Tips for Traveling Abroad: Lessons from My Experiences :)

Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but there are several important things to keep in mind to avoid unnecessary complications. Here are a few insights from my recent travels, which I hope will be helpful:

1. Visas: A Crucial Step

If you hold a passport that’s not very strong, understanding visa requirements is absolutely essential. Research not only the visa process but also the rejection rates for the country you're visiting to avoid surprises.

2. Booking Flights: Know the Rules

If you're not familiar with airline policies, especially when booking budget airlines, you may encounter several issues. For instance, many budget airlines won’t interlink your luggage if you’re using a different carrier for the next leg of your journey. This means you’ll have to collect your luggage and recheck it, which might require a transit visa. Be sure to check the luggage policies—some airlines only allow small bags and limit the number of pieces. Familiarizing yourself with these details can save you a lot of hassle.

3. Using a Local Travel Agent or Guide

As a travel agent myself, I usually prefer to engage local travel agents when planning trips abroad, as it allows me to focus on enjoying the journey. However, during my recent trips to Oman and Azerbaijan, I couldn’t find suitable travel agents, so I opted for a local guide. Unfortunately, this led to some challenges. The guide booked us basic apartments instead of hotels, often without sharing the names of the accommodations in advance.

This arrangement didn’t work out well, and we eventually started booking small hotels ourselves. Additionally, in places like Oman and Azerbaijan, day trips from the main cities (e.g., Muscat to Wadi Shab or Nizwa) are common. However, I found this tiring, as these locations are stunning and deserve more time for exploration. When we expressed a desire to stay overnight in the villages rather than return to the city, we were quoted additional charges of $80 per day for the driver’s accommodation and food in Azerbajan, leaving little room for negotiation.

4. Beware of Villas and Apartments

When offered villas or apartments abroad, be cautious. If you’re used to a certain standard, you might be surprised (and not in a good way) by the quality of these accommodations. Always check reviews and set your expectations accordingly.

5. Planning Your Own Trip: Pay Attention to the Details

Unless you're experienced with trip planning, finding accommodations close to city centers or within walking distance of key attractions can be tricky. Be cautious with online photos, as they can be misleading. When you're in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, and things don’t go as planned, it can quickly turn your holiday into a stressful experience.

6. Local Guides: Communication Barriers

During my time in Azerbaijan, a well-known guide didn’t have a name placard when I arrived. With no easy way to find him, and with VPN restrictions limiting my access to Wi-Fi and essential apps, we faced unnecessary delays and confusion.

7. VPN and Communication Apps

Some countries restrict access to commonly used apps like WhatsApp. It’s important to either have a VPN set up in advance or download the local communication apps to stay connected.

8. Travel Essentials: Adapters and Clothing

Always carry a universal adapter, as not all hotels will provide one. Packing extra clothes in your hand luggage is also a smart move, especially with flight and luggage delays becoming more common.

9. Mobile Roaming for Emergencies

Make sure your phone’s roaming service is activated before you travel. It’s helpful to have access to your network in case of an emergency when Wi-Fi or local SIM cards aren’t available.

These are just a few of the lessons I learned during my month-long trip away from home, Sri Lanka. I hope these tips help you avoid potential issues and make your travels smoother. Hope this helps you :)