A Beginner’s Guide to International Travel from India
“Everything you need to know before stepping out of the country for the first time”
Travelling abroad for the first time can feel exciting, overwhelming, and, at times, a bit intimidating. You’ve seen the Instagram photos, watched travel vlogs, and imagined walking through Paris streets, exploring Southeast Asian temples, or hiking the Swiss Alps. But when it’s finally your turn, questions start bubbling up: How do I apply for a visa? What should I pack? Do I need travel insurance?
This guide is written specifically for first-time Indian travelers. Whether you’re heading out for leisure, business, honeymoon, or even a solo soul-searching journey, this beginner’s guide will simplify the process so you can focus more on the experience—and less on the stress.
1. Choosing the Right Destination
Start by asking yourself: Why do I want to travel abroad?
Your answer will shape your ideal destination. If you’re looking for cultural exploration, countries like Japan or Italy are ideal. For relaxation and beaches, look to Thailand or Maldives. If you’re on a budget, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, or Turkey offer great value.
Also, consider these important factors:
- Visa requirements: Some countries offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Indians.
- Budget and currency exchange rates
- Climate and best time to visit
- Flight duration and layovers
- Language and cultural comfort
A good starter list for Indian travelers includes:
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Vietnam
- UAE (Dubai)
- Mauritius
- Turkey
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Sri Lanka
- Europe (via Schengen Visa)
2. Getting Your Passport Ready
Your passport is your most essential travel document. If you don’t have one, apply online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Make sure your passport has:
- At least 6 months validity from your travel date
- Two or more blank pages for visa stamps
- No major damage or wear
If your passport is older or damaged, renew it before you start your visa process. You’ll also need photocopies and scanned soft copies for visa and insurance applications.
3. Understanding Visas: What You Need to Know
The visa process can feel complex, but it becomes easier once you break it down. There are three common types for tourists:
- Visa-Free (rare but possible for some countries like Nepal or Bhutan)
- Visa on Arrival (e.g., Maldives, Thailand)
- Pre-approved visa (e.g., Schengen, USA, UK)
General steps for a tourist visa:
- Choose your destination
- Visit the country’s official visa website
- Prepare documents:
- Passport copy
- Photos (as per size requirement)
- Bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
- IT returns
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel bookings
- Return flight bookings
- Travel insurance
- Pay visa fees and book an appointment
- Attend biometric/interview if required
- Wait for approval (can take 3 to 15 working days or longer)
Tip: Use verified visa agents only or go through reputed travel companies like Globe Vistara who assist with documentation and applications.
4. Booking Flights Smartly
Once your visa is approved (or even during the process in some cases), it’s time to book your flights. Here’s how to do it wisely:
- Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip
- Book early for better fares (2-3 months in advance)
- Try flying mid-week (Tuesdays or Wednesdays)
- Choose flexible fare options if plans might change
Direct flights are convenient, but sometimes a short layover can save money. Always check total travel time before booking.
5. Accommodation: Where Should You Stay?
Your stay depends on your travel style and budget. Here are a few options:
- Hotels – Best for couples and families
- Hostels – Budget-friendly for solo or young travelers
- Airbnb – Ideal for groups or longer stays
- Homestays – Good for cultural immersion
Look for places with:
- Verified reviews
- Proximity to city centers or public transport
- Free cancellation options
- Indian meal availability if that’s important to you
Booking platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb are reliable. For budget trips, go for B&Bs or hostels with good ratings.
6. Packing Essentials for Your First International Trip
Packing smartly avoids a world of stress. Here’s a basic checklist:
Must-Carry Documents:
- Passport (original + 2 photocopies)
- Visa printout (if applicable)
- Travel insurance copy
- Hotel and flight confirmations
- Emergency contacts
- ID proofs (PAN, Aadhar – not always needed but helpful)
Travel Essentials:
- Clothes suited to the weather
- Power bank, phone, charger, travel adapter
- Basic medicines and prescriptions
- Toiletries (check airline liquid restrictions)
- Currency, cards, forex travel card
- Snacks, especially if you’re vegetarian
Travel Tip: Always keep one set of clothes, essentials, and documents in your cabin bag in case your check-in luggage is delayed.
7. Understanding Currency and Forex
Never wait till the airport to exchange currency—you’ll get the worst rates. Here’s how to manage money abroad:
- Forex travel cards: Safer than cash and accepted globally
- Cash: Always carry some, especially in local currency (₹10,000–₹25,000 equivalent)
- International debit/credit cards: Inform your bank before you travel
- Apps like Wise or Revolut: Good for online transfers and tracking
Pro tip: Don’t rely only on UPI or Indian wallets—they don’t work internationally.
8. Travel Insurance: Don’t Skip It
Many first-timers wonder, “Do I really need travel insurance?” The answer is yes—absolutely. It protects you from:
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Medical emergencies
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Passport loss or theft
Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen countries, and strongly recommended elsewhere. Plans start as low as ₹500–₹1500 for short trips and are available from ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, HDFC Ergo, etc.
9. Understanding Cultural Etiquette and Safety Abroad
Every country has its own set of social norms and laws. Before you travel:
- Read up on local etiquette (like tipping norms, dress codes, gestures to avoid)
- Learn a few local words (hello, thank you, excuse me)
- Respect local religions, customs, and quiet zones
- Follow rules—jaywalking, littering, or photography in sensitive areas can result in fines
Safety tips:
- Keep your passport safe and don’t carry it everywhere
- Avoid showing large sums of money in public
- Use apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, and Uber for navigation
- Store emergency contacts, embassy numbers, and hotel details offline
10. Mobile Connectivity and Internet Access
Having mobile data abroad makes life easier. Here are your options:
- International roaming packs (check with Airtel, Jio, Vi)
- Local SIM cards at the destination (more affordable for longer stays)
- Pocket Wi-Fi rental (especially in Japan, Korea, or Europe)
- Use free Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, and hotels—but avoid doing banking transactions over public networks.
11. Apps Every First-Time International Traveler Needs
Here’s a toolkit for smooth travel:
- Google Maps – For directions
- Google Translate – For signs and menus
- TripIt or Kayak – To manage bookings
- XE Currency – Real-time conversion
- Zomato or Yelp – Restaurant reviews
- Uber or local taxi apps – Safer than random cabs
- WhatsApp – For communication with family
12. Immigration & Airport Experience
Your first international airport experience might feel intense, but it’s straightforward if you’re prepared.
Departure from India:
- Reach 3–4 hours before flight time
- Keep passport, visa, and ticket handy
- Check in luggage, get boarding pass
- Clear immigration (you’ll be asked basic questions)
- Clear security check
- Proceed to your boarding gate
Arrival abroad:
- Go through immigration
- Collect baggage
- Declare goods if needed
- Find your transport or pickup
Be confident, calm, and polite during immigration. If asked, just clearly explain your travel plan, return ticket, and purpose of visit.
13. Embracing the Experience: The Emotional Journey
Your first international trip isn’t just a checklist of monuments and meals—it’s a personal transformation. You’ll realise how big the world is, how similar people are despite language differences, and how capable you really are.
You may feel homesick. You may miss Indian food. You might even get lost once or twice. But you’ll come back with a deeper understanding of the world, and yourself.
Take time to:
- Talk to locals
- Try a dish you’ve never had
- Sit in a park and observe life
- Write a travel journal
Final Thoughts: Just Start
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The perfect moment is now. Travelling abroad will push you out of your comfort zone, but it will also fill your life with stories, friends, and memories you’ll carry forever.
Every seasoned traveler was once a first-time traveler. You don’t need to know everything before you board that flight—you just need to be curious, prepared, and open to learning.
So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to experience the world. Because the journey of a thousand miles truly does begin with a single step.
