Flying to a foreign country can be a fun experience if you do your homework and approach the trip right. From buying the best ticket to making the right decisions when it comes to preparing for the actual trip, flying internationally doesn’t have to mean a headache.
Learn if there are any restrictions or rules connected to the country you’re flying to. The FBI regularly publishes travel warnings explaining the social conditions of most countries, or you can simply do an online search for news about the country.
Make sure you get a visa in advance. Americans and Canadians don’t need a visa to most countries, including all of Europe, America and most of Asia. You do need a visa, however, if you’re visiting Russia, China or Vietnam. The same applies to certain countries in the Middle East or Africa. Most visas are easy to obtain and can be done with a quick trip to the embassy or by paying a travel agency to do it for you.
Pack light. The weight limit for international flights is lower than for domestic travel. Depending on your destination, you may also be limited as to how many bags you can take, both on the cabin or as check-in luggage. Your plane tickets should specify limitations, or you can check by calling the airline directly.
Take a small phrasebook or dictionary with you. This is especially important if you’re traveling somewhere where English is not widely spoken. You can also make your own list by searching the Internet and print it out. This works especially well if you need a series of very specific words that don’t show up in dictionaries, such as those regarding diet restrictions or medical terms.
