If you're preparing for your first solo trip abroad, here are some practical tips to help make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Preparation
Start with the essentials: choose a suitcase with reliable wheels, and avoid oversized bags – the larger it is, the more you’ll be tempted to pack, which can lead to weight penalties at check-in. Opt for a medium sized suitcase that you can manage comfortably.
Be practical when it comes to clothing, pack items that are versatile rather than planning for every possible occasion.
For essential documents like your passport, cellphone, and credit card, use a secure cross-body bag or chest pack. Once onboard, you can transfer this into your cabin bag, which should also include a change of clothes, basic toiletries, medication, and any valuable electronics.
Be sure to double-check the airline’s size requirements for carry-on bags, as these can vary.
It’s also smart to save emergency contacts on your phone, but keep a backup list on paper. Snap a photo of your passport photo page and any visas, which can be helpful if your documents go missing border officials won’t accept the photos as replacements, but they can help speed up obtaining emergency documents.
At the airport
Arrive well ahead of your departure, at least two hours before your flight. Check in online to save time and have your boarding pass stored on your phone. This way, you can quickly drop your bag and pass through security.
Keep an eye on information boards to stay updated on your flight status, and wait near your boarding gate as it typically closes about 15–20 minutes before departure.
If you feel uncertain about anything, don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance. It’ll save you time and reduce any unnecessary stress.
Onboard
Once you’re seated, stow your cabin bag in the overhead locker, and place smaller essentials under the seat in front of you if possible.
Always listen to the crew's instructions – they’re there to ensure a safe and comfortable flight for everyone.
Be considerate of those around you by keeping your seatbelt visible over any blankets and using headphones if listening to music or watching movies.
On some flights, you can purchase onboard Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected and updated.
Take advantage of in-seat charging ports to power up your devices; you might need your phone to navigate upon arrival.
Useful apps to consider downloading before you go
- Google Maps for getting around airports and new cities.
- Google Translate, which can translate text, audio, and even images, useful if you’re visiting a country where English isn’t widely spoken.
- -XE Currency is a quick way to check currency conversions.
Arrival
If you have a connecting flight, you can bypass immigration and follow signs for flight transfers. On arrival at your destination, you’ll go through immigration before collecting your bags. Some countries also require arrival forms; fill these out accurately.
Once through customs, the arrivals hall is where you’ll meet anyone picking you up. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s perfectly normal – excitement and a bit of anxiety go hand-in-hand with travel!
Embrace the experience as part of the journey and let each new step add to the adventure you’ll remember.
IOL Travel