Plan your trip
Beginner's guide
A first-timer's guide to planning international travel from scratch.
Beginner's guide
A first-timer's guide to planning international travel from scratch.
The guidance below is deliberately practical. It is the short list of things that change the outcome of a trip, rather than a general overview you could find anywhere. Read it once while planning and again the week before you travel.
What to know
The points that make the most difference, in rough order of importance.
- Check passport validity before anything else
- Choose the month before you choose the country
- Book flights six to ten weeks out for long haul
- Buy insurance the day you book, not the day you fly
Quick reference
- Plan thisThree to six weeks out for most trips
- Book aheadAnything capacity-limited or permit-based
- Verify locallyRules and prices change; confirm on arrival
- Budget impactVaries by region and season
Related guides
Other guides in the same section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to know about beginner's guide?
Check passport validity before anything else.
How far ahead should I plan this?
For most trips, research this three to six weeks before you travel, and sooner if anything involved has limited capacity or requires a permit.
Does this differ by country?
Yes. Rules, costs and norms vary, so treat this as a general framework and confirm the specifics for your destination before booking.