Whether you have never traveled abroad before or you just need a quick refresher, Antonio Moschella understands that it can be quite intimidating to go to a new country where a different language may be spoken and you’re unsure of your environment. This is perfectly fine, and you should know that international travel can broaden your horizons and enrich your memories. So where should you start? Antonio Moschella offers the following advice to international travel novices:

 

Make Copies of Your Passport: In the event that you lose your passport, it could complicate things when you try to return home. Make copies of your passport so you can prove your identity in the event that something happens. You should also leave a copy of your passport with someone you trust back at home.

 

Call Your Bank or Credit Card Provider: Let’s say you go to Venezuela to visit family, but you live in the United States. If you start using your cards in Venezuela, your bank and credit card issuers are going to start asking questions. They will likely think that your card was stolen. It’s much easier to call them beforehand and let them know that you will be out of the country so they know not to reject your transactions.

 

Check the Local Currency Conversion Rate: When planning your trip, budget will obviously be a concern. In some places, the dollar will travel far. In other places, not so much. By getting a sense of what the conversion rate is, you’ll have a better idea of how much you’ll need on your vacation. And remember to always have local cash on hand as some shops and restaurants will not accept credit cards.

 

Do Tons of Research on the Place You’ll Be Going to: Antonio Moschella cannot stress this enough. Although the best adventures often do stem from spontaneous travel, you will also need to have a sense of what you’ll want do. For some attractions, for example, you might need to purchase your tickets before you go. Antonio Moschella says that it’s always best to have some sort of an itinerary so you don’t miss out on the best the country has to offer.

 

Don’t Stress: It’s a vacation. You’re supposed to have fun. Even if you’re worried about customs and other issues, you should know that the purpose of the vacation is to relax and take in a new culture. Be careful, but don’t be so uptight that it ruins your enjoyment.