How to Plan Your First International Trip from India
Congratulations! You are finally going on an international trip! But wait, there are a few things that you need to sort out first. For example, figuring out the budget, the ideal destination, the visa and other essential details. Moreover, plan your first international trip from India with ease and choose a perfect destination first.
Choose Best Destination for First Trip from India
There are numerous factors that come into play when choosing the best destination for a first-time trip. Firstly, sort out your budget (this is very crucial). Once you know how much you can spend, narrow down all the countries that fit that budget for the particular time frame that you want to travel. Secondly, choose a tourist visa for the country and check for countries that offer a visa on arrival for Indians.
Thirdly, check for proximity and language barriers. For your first time, prefer a country where there are English speakers. Lastly, which season you pick for travel also matters. Peak season means more footfall and more crowds, and off-peak season means low prices and unfavourable weather conditions with less footfall.
Top Beginner-Friendly Countries
Now, let us check some beginner friendly countries that will help you plan your first international trip from India.
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Dubai
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Sri Lanka
These countries are the best options as their basic packages start as low as ₹30,000. Thus, sort out your travel preferences and choose the best country according to adventure, shopping and sightseeing.
Visa on Arrival Destinations from India
In order to skip the hassles of visa processing, you should travel to those countries which offer visas on arrival for Indian citizens. Countries like the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, and Fiji, etc. have the visa on arrival facilities. These countries are rich in culture and diverse in their own ways.
So, note the fees, validity periods and eligibility requirements of your chosen country. Additionally, it is advisable that you do not stay beyond the validity period.
Shortest Flights from India
One more factor that you can consider is the shortest distance and flight duration from India, if you want a quick international getaway. Remember to book your tickets 2-3 months prior for best prices. Here are some key routes:
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Delhi to Dubai (3.5 hrs)
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Mumbai to Bangkok (4 hrs)
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Chennai to Colombo (1 hr)
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Mumbai to Muscat (2.5 hrs)
Step-by-Step Visa Application from India
Now, let us understand the visa application process from India. The best thing one can do is hire a travel agency or agent to apply for your visa to avoid any discrepancies, as it is an important document.
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Start applying for your visa 3 months ahead
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Choose the “travel” or “tourist” category on your visa
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Make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months
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The documents you upload should be original
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Book a visa appointment (if required)
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Submit your application form and submit the fee
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You can track your visa application by the number provided
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Make sure you have enough proof of funds and no malpractices in past to avoid visa rejection
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Receive your visa visa email (if online)
Create a Perfect Travel Itinerary from India
You do not have to worry about how to plan an international trip from India when you book with a travel agency. However, if you plan on making your own itinerary from starch then here are some tips on how to craft the perfect itinerary:
Firstly, emphasise balance on your trip; it should not be so adventurous that it leaves no room for rest or reviving. Thus, adjust how to rest, sightseeing, food, and free time. Secondly, make use of apps like Google Maps to navigate and watch YouTube videos before visiting any popular landmark.
Lastly, incorporate hidden gems in your itinerary so that you visit off the beaten paths too and not just the usual ones.
Packing List for First Trip from India
Another important factor to consider before going on an international trip is packing. Here is your essential international travel planning guide, to help you pack up!
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International flights usually allow 23 kgs total luggage to be carried on a flight
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It is advisable to roll the clothes to fit in more
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Pack only the essentials and not “just in case” clothes
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Pack comfortable walking shoes
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Pack a universal adapter and a power bank, too, as they come in handy
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Do not forget seasonal items such as hats, raincoats, etc.
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Always pack sunscreen! (very essential for every destination)
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Check drug permissions which are allowed in the country you are visiting, and keep your medications too
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Prioritise carry-on items wisely. Do you really require an eye mask to sleep? Ask that question to yourself.
Must-Have Apps for International Travel
There are some necessary apps that one needs before travelling internationally. Consequently, you should download them before departing and enable offline mode too. Apps like Google Maps for navigation, Google Translate, Wise for currency exchange, and Skyscanner for booking. Additionally, WhatsApp and Google Meet are for calling. And the newest edition to essential apps is AI apps like Gemini, ChatGPT, etc., which will indeed help you every step of the way.
Also, do not forget local transportation apps for example, Uber/Careem (Dubai), Grab (Thailand), Bolt (Europe and public transport apps like Citymapper.
Safety Tips for Indians Abroad
The main point of how to plan an international trip from India is being aware of the safety precautions that one needs to take.
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Share live location via WhatsApp; register on MADAD (MEA app)
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Avoid flashy jewellery and flashing cash
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Use hotel safes to keep essential documents
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Keep both digital and physical copies of important documents like passports, visas and other permissions
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Research in advance about the local laws and respect them
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Keep in mind before sharing personal information with vendors or people that you meet abroad
Refer to governments’ official website: How to Plan an International Trip from India
Common Mistakes to Avoid On First International Trip
Don’t worry, as it is your first time planning any trip abroad, making mistakes is natural. Nevertheless, keep in mind not to overbudgeted without a buffer, and don’t ignore the forex fees. On top of that, not getting insurance can lead to high medical costs. Do not ignore your passport validity, as mentioned above, it should be more than 6 months. Additionally, carrying and storing all cash in one place is always a bad idea.
Closure
To end, now you have an essential international travel planning guide. Travel Saga Holidays aims to make a traveller’s life easier. If you also wish to have a hassle free trip, then get in touch with our experts. Your first international trip should be meticulously planned and executed; thus, trusting a travel agency is the best choice. Finally, make sure that you choose the right destination, the perfect budget and get exploring!