Whether you’re taking an adventurous gap year prior to studying, or just fancy taking a temporary career break to gallivant across the continents, preparing to travel abroad for an extended period of time is an exciting opportunity.
If you’re looking forward to your travels abroad, here are five top tips for ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience.
1. Pack Smart!
If you’re planning on plane hopping across continents, you’ll likely need to pack light to avoid any hefty baggage charges.
To do this, pack a range of versatile clothing that can be used in multiple climates such as t-shirts, trousers that can be turned into shorts, and comfortable shoes that can be worn on a variety of terrains. This will prevent you needing to pack heavily.
You can also use packing cubes to help you pack clothes into different sections.
This will enable you to organise your suitcase and find what you need easily without compromising on how much you can cram into your bags.
To do this, pack a range of versatile clothing that can be used in multiple climates such as t-shirts, trousers that can be turned into shorts, and comfortable shoes that can be worn on a variety of terrains. This will prevent you needing to pack heavily.
You can also use packing cubes to help you pack clothes into different sections.
This will enable you to organise your suitcase and find what you need easily without compromising on how much you can cram into your bags.
2. Create a Shortlist of Places to Visit!
Travelling can be disorientating without an itinerary, so creating a shortlist of places to visit can help you stay on track, on budget, and enable you to fill your time efficiently.
Some places you can visit also include residential opportunities like Conservation Travel Africa.
Whether you’re staying alone, with a partner or with other family members or friends, their volunteering programmes allow you to experience the magic of the conservation efforts on the continent in a safe and secure environment.
Some places you can visit also include residential opportunities like Conservation Travel Africa.
Whether you’re staying alone, with a partner or with other family members or friends, their volunteering programmes allow you to experience the magic of the conservation efforts on the continent in a safe and secure environment.
3. Secure Your Finances!
Having access to funds whilst you’re abroad is essential for you to be able to buy food and access activities and accommodation.
However, you will need to be more conscious about keeping your finances safe whilst you’re travelling, as this is usually the time you’re at your most vulnerable.
If you’re carrying cash, using a bag tied around your waist and hidden beneath a t-shirt can stop pickpockets targeting your funds. Additionally, using an internationally recognised and supported finance provider to store your travelling money like Revolut will enable you to claim back any stolen currency.
However, you will need to be more conscious about keeping your finances safe whilst you’re travelling, as this is usually the time you’re at your most vulnerable.
If you’re carrying cash, using a bag tied around your waist and hidden beneath a t-shirt can stop pickpockets targeting your funds. Additionally, using an internationally recognised and supported finance provider to store your travelling money like Revolut will enable you to claim back any stolen currency.
4. Stay Connected with an International SIM!
Ensuring that you stay connected to loved ones is hugely important when travelling. Not only does it help you bring a feel of home on your journey, but it can keep your mental health intact and keep you safe if you’re travelling with others.
Contact your airtime provider to find out which international packages they offer, and how to access them. Some providers will offer great deals on the internet, texts and calls, and may even offer a discount.
Contact your airtime provider to find out which international packages they offer, and how to access them. Some providers will offer great deals on the internet, texts and calls, and may even offer a discount.
5. Learn a Language!
Wherever you’re travelling, it’s a good idea to learn new local phrases to supplement your exchanges with the locals, and build some rapport with the community, especially if you’re planning on staying for a while.
If you want help with learning a new language on the move, why not try apps like Duolingo? Their smart interface allows you to explore new languages with ease and practice on your phone daily - no more lugging around hefty dictionaries!
If you want help with learning a new language on the move, why not try apps like Duolingo? Their smart interface allows you to explore new languages with ease and practice on your phone daily - no more lugging around hefty dictionaries!
Do you have any tips for travelling abroad in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! (Image source: Unsplash)
