International travel is an exciting prospect, especially if it’s to a new destination you’ve never been to before. It can also bring about its own worries: what will the food be like in your destination and how will you get around? A little research into the country or region you’ll be staying in can make things much easier. Here are some tips for planning a trip abroad. 
Accommodation
Hotels in major cities around the world can be very expensive. Hostels and budget hotels are a great alternative, although hotel reservations admittedly mean more privacy. If you’re traveling with someone else, renting an apartment might make more sense – it will usually have two bedrooms or more to accommodate two people, equipped kitchens for cooking your own food and washing dishes, and plenty of space to retreat to after a long day traipsing through museums or markets.
Services like Airbnb allow anyone to rent out their place online, even if they live in a country that’s not typically on travellers’ radars.
Be sure that your hotel has cable TV if only so you can keep with current events in case of emergencies. You’ll also want a place where the Wi-Fi is strong and reliable (bring along an Ethernet cord if Internet speeds are too slow without it). Hotels will usually always have basic toiletries like mouthwash or shampoo, but if you’re staying in one place for a while, remember to bring your own.
Safety and Security
Before you go anywhere, take the time to research the country’s crime rates and what areas tourists are discouraged from going to (if there are any). Not only can this mean avoidance of dangerous neighborhoods – which is always helpful because criminals often target tourists – but it also means not accidentally going into an area that’s off-limits. For example, certain subway lines in Moscow might be closed at night as a safety precaution; getting on them could earn you a fine by police officers patrolling the station.
Nutrition
It would seem obvious, but many first-time international travelers leave their diet at home. You should always research local food culture before leaving; if you’re not familiar with what it entails, you might end up with a stomach ache that interrupts your sightseeing adventures. Local customs around when and how to eat are also important to remember: in some Asian countries, it’s considered rude to eat food on the street or in public transportation (although this is cultural, rather than official).
Money
Cash isn’t as common as credit cards in less developed countries. So be sure to bring enough cash for your stay abroad (unless you plan on using a card-swiping service like Square), both for emergencies and to use in markets. In addition, foreign currency can come in very handy when you’re traveling; it’s always better to go to a local market and buy jewels, affordable clothing, or other souvenirs with the local currency rather than trying to exchange your own money for theirs. It is important to know the exchange rates.
Weather
Depending on where you’re going, rain gear might be more necessary than a nice outfit. If you know that the place you’ll be visiting will be rainy or snowy or very hot during certain times of the year, research what kinds of clothes to bring along. For example, pack a light sweater if you’ll be in Europe during wintertime – but don’t forget gloves and a hat.
Transportation
Getting around is part of the fun of travelling, but you’ll want to have a plan before you leave. Check to see how different countries’ public transport systems work and what kind of fares they charge (if any); trains are more popular in certain places. Also make sure you check whether your area requires a driver’s license or permit, if only for renting that car in the airport parking lot. If you do choose to drive yourself around town, remember to obey the rules of local roadways – even if driving standards are lower than back home, there are still some laws that must be followed.
To help you plan your trip, here are a few helpful pro tips. Don’t forget to research the best deals and compare prices before booking anything. There are many websites where you can get all of this information in one place. You should also consider getting travel insurance that will cover any expenses if something unexpected happens during your journey. If travelling with children make sure they have their own seat on the plane or book them an extra ticket so they don’t disturb other passengers too much. Pay attention to food safety when eating out at restaurants overseas by asking for cooked meats to be served medium rare instead of well done, avoid raw vegetables unless peeled, and never drink tap water.