First Time Traveling Abroad: What You Need To Know

Congratulations! You have chosen to embark on a trip abroad! This is an exciting milestone for anyone. It’s an incredible opportunity to broaden your perspective, experience new adventures, and immerse yourself in different cultures.

For many of our athletes at Beyond Sports, their tour is the first time they’ve travelled internationally. With that comes a mix of emotions such as excitement and wanderlust, but also a bit of fear and uncertainty. These feelings are completely normal and nothing to shy away from. We encourage our athletes to embrace every part of the experience, including stepping outside of their comfort zones, and sometimes, that starts with simply getting on the plane.

Whether it’s your first time traveling internationally or you’ve done it many times before, there’s always a lot to keep in mind before and during your trip. That’s why we’ve put together five key things to remember to help set you up for success.

1. Important Documents

Before you even set foot in the airport, make sure all of your important documents are in order. This starts with your passport. If this is your first time traveling and you don’t have a passport yet, it’s recommended that you begin the application process at least six months in advance. If you already have a passport, double-check that it won’t expire before your trip.

It’s also important to have international health insurance. For Beyond Sports travelers, this is already taken care of. All of our participants are covered through CISI Travel Insurance, which provides extensive coverage, from clinic visits for minor illnesses to hospital care for sports-related injuries. While your Tour Coordinator will have a copy of your insurance information, it’s still best practice to carry your own copy as well.

Be sure to have your flight details and confirmation code easily accessible before departure, and always keep both digital and physical copies of your important documents on hand.

2. Money

Most countries do not accept U.S. dollars, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local currency and have some cash before you arrive. While many places accept credit cards, having cash on hand is always helpful for smaller purchases.

Currency exchange can typically be done at your local bank before departure. While airports also offer exchange services, they often come with higher fees.

For Beyond Sports Travelers, most of your expenses are taken care of before your trip. You won’t have to worry about hotels, transportation in-country, excursions, or meals depending on your program. For most programs, you will only need money in case you want extra souvenirs. In most cases, you’ll only need spending money for souvenirs or occasional extras.

3. Phone Coverage

Some phone plans include international coverage. Others do not. Before your trip, take the time to understand what your plan offers and what additional costs may apply.

If your plan doesn’t include international service, many providers offer short-term travel plans that cover you for the duration of your trip. Another popular option is purchasing a digital eSIM card, which can be downloaded directly to your phone and provides a set amount of data abroad.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, your Beyond Sports Tour Coordinator is always a great resource and can help point you in the right direction.

4. Packing

Packing for a new country can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about finding the right balance. You want to be prepared but not overpack. Start with the essentials and build from there.

Clothing is a great place to begin. Review your itinerary and research the weather at your destination. For example, if you’re heading to Costa Rica for the Girls Leadership Academy for Service & Sport (GLASS), you’ll want to pack a swimsuit or clothes you don’t mind getting wet as you will be at the beach for surf lessons. If you’re traveling to Northern Ireland for an internship, bringing a jacket is a smart choice, as evenings can be on the cooler side.

Make sure you also bring any necessary medications, including prescriptions in the correct quantities to last your entire trip. It’s best to keep these in your carry-on just in case your luggage gets lost.

For Beyond Sports athletes, don’t forget any sporting equipment or gear you may need for practices and games. This could include cleats, knee pads, shin guards, and your team uniform or Beyond Sports jersey.

5. Embrace Cultural Differences

Lastly, and arguably most importantly, prepare for your trip abroad by coming in with an open mind. Try local food. Learn a few key phrases like “hello” and “thank you” in the local language. Chat with the athletes you are playing with in your destination.

Traveling abroad, especially with Beyond Sports, is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and fully immersing yourself in a new culture. The world is vast, and there is so much to learn simply by being open and curious.

Choosing to travel abroad is a truly life-changing experience. For Beyond Sports athletes, it’s not only an opportunity to develop their skills and experience new styles of play, but also a chance to broaden their horizons and explore places they may have only dreamed of visiting.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned one, we want every athlete to feel confident, prepared, and excited for their journey. Keep these tips in mind as you get ready, and you’ll be well on your way to making the most of an unforgettable experience.