If you’re a student who is planning on attending school abroad as part of your studies or you’re being relocated by your company, it can seem daunting to visit a new country for the first time. Looking for some tips and tricks to mastering international travel? We have them, courtesy of Travel + Leisure.

Here’s a comprehensive Ultimate Travel Cheat Sheet to help you plan and enjoy your trips with ease.

✈️ Pre-Trip Planning

📍 Choosing a Destination

  • Consider budget, season, safety, and visa requirements.
  • Check travel restrictions and vaccination requirements.
  • Look for travel deals and discount periods.

🛂 Documents & Essentials

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond return date).
  • Visa (if required) – check processing times.
  • Travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, theft).
  • Copies of all important documents (digital & paper).

💰 Budget & Money Tips

  • Estimate daily expenses (accommodation, food, transport, activities).
  • Use budget apps like Trail Wallet, TravelSpend.
  • Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
  • Carry a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards.
  • Use a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

🏠 Accommodation Booking

  • Compare prices on Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, Hostelworld.
  • Check reviews on TripAdvisor and look for safety ratings.
  • Consider location (near public transport, attractions, safe area).

🛫 Flights & Transportation

  • Book flights 3-6 months in advance for the best deals.
  • Use flight comparison tools: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak.
  • Fly mid-week for cheaper fares.
  • Consider budget airlines (but watch out for baggage fees!).
  • Download offline maps for public transport navigation.

🎒 Packing Tips

🧳 Packing List

  • 🩳 Clothes: Pack light, versatile, weather-appropriate outfits.
  • 🏥 Essentials: First aid kit, prescribed meds, toiletries.
  • 🔋 Tech: Universal adapter, power bank, headphones.
  • 🏨 Comfort: Travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs.
  • 🎟 Extras: Reusable water bottle, snacks, small backpack.

🎯 Packing Hacks

  • Roll clothes instead of folding to save space.
  • Use packing cubes for organization.
  • Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane.
  • Bring a scarf/jacket for layering in changing climates.

🌍 On the Road

📶 Stay Connected

  • Get a local SIM card or eSIM (Airalo, Holafly).
  • Use offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me).
  • Download language translation apps (Google Translate).

🍽 Food & Dining

  • Try local street food but eat where locals go.
  • Look up Google reviews, Yelp, HappyCow (for vegetarians).
  • Avoid tap water in countries where it’s not safe.

🚕 Transport & Navigation

  • Use rideshare apps: Uber, Bolt, Grab, DiDi.
  • Rent bikes or scooters for budget-friendly local transport.
  • Always negotiate taxi fares or use metered taxis.

🏛 Sightseeing & Activities

  • Buy attraction tickets online to skip queues.
  • Check free walking tours in major cities.
  • Use City Passes for bundled discounts.

🛡 Safety & Common Scams

  • Keep valuables in anti-theft bags or hidden money belts.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions (use a VPN).
  • Learn basic local phrases (especially for emergencies).
  • Be wary of fake taxis, overpriced tours, “friendship bracelets” scams.
  • Trust your gut and stay aware of your surroundings.

🎉 Bonus Travel Tips

  • Take photos of important documents & addresses.
  • Always have a backup plan for transportation delays.
  • Bring a journal or use a travel app to document your trip.
  • Be flexible & open-minded—some of the best experiences happen spontaneously.

🏆 Top Websites & Apps for Travelers

✅ Flights: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak
✅ Accommodation: Booking.com, Airbnb, Hostelworld
✅ Transport: Uber, Rome2Rio, Omio
✅ Navigation: Google Maps, Maps.me
✅ Language: Google Translate, Duolingo
✅ Money: XE Currency, Revolut, Wise