First Time Travelling Overseas? Don't Stress You've Got This

If you’ve never travelled overseas but dream of doing so, I get it. Anxiety and nerves can make the whole thing feel overwhelming. Honestly, I reckon most people feel a bit apprehensive before their first international trip. But by the end of this, I hope you’ll feel more confident about taking that leap.

International travel can be truly life-changing with new cultures, amazing food and breathtaking scenery. There’s something magical about standing in front of the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, places you’ve only ever seen in books or on telly. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure, whether you’re travelling solo or with others. Stepping out of your comfort zone into the unknown can be daunting, but I can almost guarantee it’ll be worth it.

I remember my first trip overseas like it was yesterday. Saying goodbye to my parents at the airport was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Thankfully, I was travelling with a close friend, which made it a bit easier, but I was still consumed by fear. What if I got lost? What about the language barrier? What if my flight was delayed or I missed it? What if I got sick or lost my passport? My anxious brain went into overdrive with all the “what ifs.”

But you know what? It was the best thing I ever did. I came home with unforgettable memories, a newfound sense of confidence and independence. Looking back, I’m so proud of myself for taking that leap. Even though I had no idea how to plan an international holiday, I figured it out. And if you’re an anxious person like me, there are definitely ways to make it all feel a lot less stressful.

One of the best things you can do is research your destination. Get familiar with the culture, customs and what’s expected. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way and will help you feel more prepared. If you’re feeling particularly nervous and don’t feel ready for a country that’s vastly different from what you know, you might like to start with somewhere more familiar, maybe a place that shares your language, uses a similar currency, or has comparable cultural norms. It’s a gentler way to ease into international travel and can help build your confidence to explore further afield later.

Another option is joining a group tour. That’s what I did on my first international trip when I went on what many Aussies consider a rite of passage: a European Contiki tour. My friend and I loved it. We met so many like-minded travellers, and it honestly made the experience even more memorable. The social side of a tour like that is huge. You make friends, share experiences and feel supported, especially when you’re 18 and navigating your very first time overseas. It gave us the structure and safety net we needed, while still letting us explore and have fun.

If you don’t already have a passport, get onto it early, ideally five to six months before you travel. Processing times can vary, and you’ll need your passport in hand if you’re applying for a visa. Speaking from experience, I had to renew my passport earlier this year just a few months before flying to Dublin. I’d mistakenly thought it expired in 2026 instead of 2025. Talk about stressful! I had to pay an extra $100 to get it processed quicker. And to make things more chaotic, the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) came into effect during that time too, so suddenly I had one more thing to tick off before leaving. Lesson learned: always double-check your passport’s expiry and visa requirements well ahead of time, and keep checking visa rules right up until your departure because they can change at any time.

Budgeting also makes a huge difference. Work out how much the trip will cost and what your daily expenses might be. It’s always better to round up than down. Learn about the local currency and exchange rates, and use a currency converter app to help. I also recommend carrying around $400–$500 worth of the local currency in a mix of notes and coins. Not everywhere accepts cards, and in some countries, especially parts of Europe, you’ll need coins for public toilets and other small purchases.

Something that really helps ease my travel anxiety is having a plan. Of course, your itinerary will depend on your travel style, but having at least a rough outline can make a big difference. Try to pre-book as much as you can before you leave—accommodation, transport and tickets to popular attractions. Knowing where you’ll be staying and how you’re getting from place to place takes a lot of the guesswork out of your trip. For each day, I like to jot down a loose plan—just the key places I want to visit, attractions to check out and, very importantly, the restaurants I want to try. I also make sure I’ve saved directions and opening hours so I’m not caught off guard. Another big reason to book ahead is that popular attractions and tours often sell out. I learned this the hard way when I missed out on the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam because I didn’t realise it needed to be booked months in advance. I was devastated. I’d read that book multiple times as a teenager and seeing the house in person was something I’d always dreamed of. On my next trip to Amsterdam, I booked tickets three months in advance and it was absolutely worth it.

Part of feeling prepared is knowing you’ve got your health covered. Check if you need any vaccinations, health checks or recommended medications before you leave. Better safe than sorry. And don’t skip travel insurance—it’s a must. You never know when you’ll need it. Make sure your policy covers everything you plan to do, and always read the fine print.

There are also so many apps that can help reduce travel stress. Some of my favourites include Google Maps for getting around, Google Translate or SayHi for overcoming language barriers, XE Currency for quick conversions, Flighty or TripIt for flight updates, Wanderlog for planning and organising everything, and Splitwise for tracking shared expenses with friends.

Wanderlog is my go-to. You can add flights, accommodation, activities and even upload booking confirmations. It maps out travel times between places and keeps your whole itinerary tidy and easy to access.

On my most recent trip, there were four of us travelling together and I connected everyone to my Wanderlog just by sending them a link. They were able to add their own flights and bookings directly, which made the whole process feel seamless. It came in especially handy when we were waiting at Dublin Airport for our last friend to arrive—we could track her flight in real time and didn’t have to constantly check messages or airline apps.

We also used Splitwise throughout the trip, and honestly, it was a game changer. It completely removed the stress of keeping track of who owed who what. Everyone just entered what they’d paid for—meals, taxis, accommodation—and the app automatically split everything and showed exactly who owed what at the end. No awkward maths or guesswork, just smooth and fair. There are heaps of other helpful tools out there too, whether you need to book tours, track expenses or brush up on local etiquette.

Taking that first overseas trip can be scary, but it can also be one of the most empowering things you ever do. Trust yourself, prepare well and know that it’s okay to feel nervous. You’re not alone, and you can do this.

xx