​​

So, you want to travel internationally … but you’re staring at your laptop wondering, “Where do I even start?”

 

You’re not alone. Most first‑time international travelers feel overwhelmed by passports, visas, flights, hotels, apps, budgets, and what feels like 400 tabs open on your browser.

​

Good news: you don’t need a luxury tour service or a professional travel agent to plan an international vacation. You just need a little research and a checklist — and that’s exactly what this guide gives you.

 

We’ve used this exact process to plan trips to 20+ countries — now it’s your turn. Here are the steps to plan an international vacation, whether it's your very first time abroad or your first time planning it yourself.

 

Download your free First International Travel Checklist >​​

​

1. Check entry requirements for your destination

Before you book anything, figure out what it takes to enter your destination of choice. Identifying entry requirements for international travel, such as tourist visa requirements and passport validity rules, can seem intimidating for beginner travelers. 

 

We suggest starting with one of our favorite tools, which lists real‑time requirements for U.S. travelers: Travel Off Path’s Top Entry Checker. It answers several important questions on one handy page: 

 

• Do you need a tourist visa?

• How long are you allowed to stay?

• Minimum passport validity (Most locations require at least 6 months before it expires.)

• Are any vaccines required?

 

The Top Entry Checker also provides links to a safety index and the U.S. Department of State’s website to check if your destination is safe. To learn more about recommended vaccines, such as whether they require multiple doses that should be started immediately, you can visit the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or U.S. Department of Health’s websites.

 

Bonus tip: Are you traveling to any of these European countries during the last quarter of 2026 or after? Then you’ll also need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver. 

 

2. Research the destination basics

Now it’s time to figure out what your destination is actually like. We like to think we know the basics about most countries, but the knowledge we gained from our high school geography class gets fuzzier with each passing year. That’s why our first Google search is simply: “What is [destination] known for?”

 

Besides learning industries and history, gather the essentials:

• Top attractions: 

  • Search “things to do in [destination]” and “must‑dos in [destination].”

  • Save your favorites and read reviews, especially on travel sites like TripAdvisor, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.

  • Visit each city’s website for local tips and restaurants.

• Types of food: If you’re a foodie, this can affect which activities you choose and scheduling.

• Language: Learn basic phrases (“hello, goodbye, left, right, straight, don’t, thank you, excuse me”). Locals will appreciate your efforts.

• Currency: Even though we’re in a very card-friendly world, a lot of countries are heavily reliant on cash, especially for tipping or in local restaurants.

• Sunrise/Sunset times: Noting these helps you plan activities accordingly, especially if you’re visiting during the off-season.

• U.S. Embassy details: Save the address and local emergency number. You’ll be glad you did if there’s an emergency or natural disaster.

 

3. Use Google Maps to build your trip blueprint

Learning how to plan an itinerary doesn’t have to be as difficult as you imagine. Open Google Maps and look at the entire country to get a sense of where the cities, airports, and famous landmarks are in relation to each other. Then look up one of your must-do items, select its bookmark, and save it. Go one step further and create a trip name to save all your destination’s hot spots. 

 

When you zoom out, you’ll see activity clusters that show you:

• Which activities pair well together

• Where to book accommodations

• How many days you need in each area (If there’s a large cluster, you’ll have to break it up while sightseeing.)

 

Google Maps trip planning helped us level up from beginner travelers to seasoned travelers. It not only makes your itinerary instantly clearer, but it’ll remain a good resource as you’re sightseeing.

 

Bonus tip: We like to take it a step further by zooming in, swiping around some of the popular areas or where we think we’ll book a hotel to look for transportation options, restaurants, and lesser known attractions, like unique local museums. We’ve had some excellent meals and off-the-beaten path adventures this way.

 

4. Watch real traveler vlogs for insider tips

We don’t mind watching vlogs created by travel organizations, but our favorites are posted by regular travelers who have been there and done that.

 

Vlogs are especially helpful for:

• Neighborhoods to explore

• Transportation step-by-step instructions

• Food must‑haves

• Cultural etiquette tips

 

Open YouTube and search:

• “[destination] travel tips”

• “[destination] vlog”

• “[destination] travel guide”

• “[destination] itinerary X days”

• “what I wish I knew before visiting [destination]”

• “[destination] do’s and don’ts”

 

Of course, there are classics, like Rick Steves, but some of our favorite channels are:

• Samantha Brown

• Happy to Wander

• Away Together

• Exotic Vacation

• The Tour Guy

• Finding Gina Marie

• Januslog

• Hungry passport

• Kensho Quest

• Malini Angelica

• Retirement Travelers

• Wolters World

 

5. Sketch a simple itinerary (without overplanning)

Next up, beginner itinerary planning. Use your notes to determine which tours and experiences you want to pursue, so you can determine how many days you’ll need in your destination. For example, if you’re visiting a foodie destination, you may want to sign up for a cooking class or a food tour.

 

You’re not scheduling everything; leave room for spontaneity. You’re simply creating an outline, so you’ll know which cities you should fly in and out of and how many nights to book hotels:

 

• Day 1–2 area/activities

• Day 3–4 area/activities, etc.

• Day trips you’d like to take and from which city

• Recovery time (very important!)

  • Give kids a daily power pick — one restaurant, activity, or snack stop.

  • Couples can share a moment daily — morning coffee or a post‑dinner walk.

 

Bonus tip: You can ask AI (artificial intelligence) to generate a recommended itinerary based on your interests and budget as a starting point. But make sure to double check all the suggestions. AI has recommended permanently closed restaurants and tours that are only offered for times outside of our trip’s window before.

 

6. Book flights the smart way

You can try using AI to do a specific search for how to find cheap international flights or use certain sites for deal detection. But our favorite method is still Google Flights. 

 

Google Flights tips: We like its ability to set price alerts and its grid comparison feature to find which days are best to travel based on price. We also like the ability to enter our departure location with “anywhere” for the destination to see which locations are the most affordable when we’re available.

 

7. Choose the right accommodation for your trip

Use whichever sites are your favorites to find where to stay in your destination. Ours are Hotels.com, VRBO, and Booking.com. Their sites have filters that make it easier to find the best hotels for first‑time travelers. We’ve also been using our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card points whenever possible.

 

Make sure to consider:

• Length of time you have: Do you have time to travel to a cheaper accommodation each day or should you stay close to your activities?

• Distance to public transportation and taxi stands: You may think a 15-minute walk to the subway sounds reasonable, but try telling your feet that when they’re sore from all-day sightseeing.

• Laundry facilities: If you’re planning to only use a carry-on suitcase, you’ll want to clarify if the location has on-site machines, pricey concierge services, or a nearby laundromat.

• Breakfast availability: Is it included in the price or do you need to pay extra? Sometimes it’s worth venturing out in your neighborhood for what the locals eat  not only for the experience but also to save money.

• Bed types: King-size beds aren’t as common outside of the United States. You’ll want to double check whether beds are full size or queen. We’ve also booked family rooms with four twin beds to help our kids sleep better.

 

Bonus tip: The best room in a cheaper hotel can often be better than the standard room in a more expensive hotel. Suites in 3‑star hotels can be incredible for the price of a basic room in a 4‑star facility.

 

8. Reserve tours, tickets, & experiences

This is where you take your research and use it to find the best tours in your destination. Look for:

 

• Cultural tours

• Day trips

• Cooking classes

• Food tours

• Skip‑the‑line tickets for attractions

• City visitor passes (sometimes a huge money‑saver)

 

Our favorite sites to book tours online are:

• Viator: love its “Book now, pay later” service

• Get Your Guide: also allows travelers to book now and pay later

• Klook

• FreeTours.com

• City Wonders

• WithLocals

• Walks Tours

• EatWith: culinary experiences with locals

• Eating Europe: food tours and immersive culinary experiences

 

9. Figure out local transportation before you go

When you plan your first international trip, researching transportation for how to get around your destination can feel scary. New languages, unfamiliar systems, and coming from a drive‑everywhere hometown can make public transit feel overwhelming. We’ve been there. But once you realize most cities use familiar versions of the same systems, it all clicks. You might still ask a local which subway to take (we do), but the nerves fade fast.

 

Since airports are usually outside the city, taxis can be pricey. Check if Uber, Lyft, or a local ride‑share app operates where you’re going. Pre‑booking transfers can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re traveling with kids or lots of luggage. And when it’s available, suburban rail or metro lines are often the easiest and most affordable way to get downtown.

 

Before you go, try these public transportation tips for beginners:

 

• Study subway maps to get familiar with the area

• Purchase passes and tickets in advance when possible. We love Rome2Rio.com. 

• Learn local Uber or ride‑share equivalents

• Download city transportation apps ahead of time

• If public transport isn’t available between cities, try Daytrip (app or website). It can be surprisingly cost‑effective for families when you add tours to your private transfers versus buying day trip tours for 4 or more people..

 

One last tip: If digital transit passes are available, grab them early. Future you will be very thankful.

 

10. Plan your food strategy & make key reservations

You can watch food vlogs or search “best restaurants in [destination].” But we like to:

 

• Peruse TripAdvisor’s “Top Restaurants”

• Watch the “Somebody Feed Phil” episode for our destination on Netflix or visit its webpage

• Visit Time Out’s city food guide for our destination

 

Foodie travel tips: A couple weeks before your trip, you can make reservations for high‑demand spots, like Michelin-starred restaurants with tasting menus or rooftop locations known for their special views.

 

11. Prepare your electronics and travel apps

Get connected before you go. Ordering Pocket WiFi or a SIM helps you avoid surprise roaming charges. Pocket WiFi is especially great for families or groups who want to share one connection. If you have a newer phone, an eSIM for international travel is the easiest option — no swapping physical SIM cards required. Prefer a physical SIM? You’ll usually find kiosks at airports and major train stations.

 

Download Google Translate and save your destination’s language ahead of time. It’s a game‑changer, not just for chatting with locals, but for using the camera feature to instantly translate menus and signs.

 

Best travel apps tips for beginners: Download local apps before you land. Many countries use their own versions of ride‑shares and food delivery. A quick search like “Does [country] use Uber?” or “Does [country] use DoorDash?” will tell you exactly what to download, so you’re ready to roll the moment you arrive.

 

12. Order foreign currency before you fly

Watching vlogs can also give you an idea if you’ll mostly need cash vs. card abroad. Several countries are becoming more credit card reliant, but cash is still king in surprisingly tech-savvy locations.

 

You can wait until you land to grab local cash, but we’ve found how to get foreign currency is much easier when we order currency from our bank about two weeks before our trip. If you do, you’ll more likely avoid steep airport currency exchange fees and arrive ready to explore.

 

ATMs abroad often offer reasonable currency exchange rates, so don’t stress. But always keep a little cash on hand. It’s perfect for small purchases, tips, or those just‑in‑case moments when cards aren’t an option (like public toilets!).

 

13. Register your trip for safety

As you’re prepping, don’t forget international travel safety tips 101. If you’re a U.S. citizen, prepare for international emergencies by registering your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure you’ll receive safety alerts and embassy communication.

 

Also consider taking a crossbody purse or wallet pack to hide your valuables. Pick-pockets are especially rampant in popular tourist areas.

 

14. Final pre-trip prep checklist

Before you go, take a little time to prep with these last items on our international travel checklist:

 

• Brush up on cultural do’s and don’ts. One of our favorite resources is eDiplomat, which has an easy‑to‑search etiquette library for destinations around the world.

• Print your tickets and itinerary (paper backups still matter).

• Download all reservations for offline access.

• Save your embassy’s location offline just in case.

• Adjust your packing list for the weather and local customs.

 

Now you know what to do before an international trip. You’re not just packed, you’re prepared.

 

Ready to plan your first international trip?

Download this guide as a checklist and join our community to share where you’re headed. We’d love to dream with you.

​​

Photo: Carrie's 2024 trip to Rome, Italy.