For first time International travelers landing in a foreign country can be intimidating. You have your books, tickets, hotel confirmations through Venere.com and you’re ready to be adventurous.
But what do you do when you land at an airport ?
Here is a formula, a sort of « shock therapy » that acclimates your mind to a the new land: If you are arriving and meeting a friend, don’t have the friend meet you at the airport. Make it your goal to find the way to your friend. If you are arriving and going straight to the hotel, try to use public transportation to get there. Right away you will need to use many skills to navigate the airport, people and language to arrive at your destination. And in the end you may feel quite satisfied or become incredibly lost. But, either way, it will be your first international adventure.
Some tips to ease your mind :
1. Maps and signs
Maps and signs will guide your way to exits, baggage claims and ticket booths. All of the transportation information you will need will be in the baggage claim area.
2. Follow the flow of the other passengers
If you find yourself alone in a hallway, you probably went the wrong way.
3. « Where is the bus/train for… ? » If you have to take the bus or the train make sure you know how to ask « Where is the bus/train for… ? » in the native language. Attempt to ask a question in the native language before asking if the person speaks your language.
4. Get cash in the country’s currency as soon as you arrive (if you dont have it before you land).
Most U.S.A debit cards are accepted at foreign ATMs (check your bank’s website before you travel). The ATM fee may be high but about equal to the commission that a currency exchange company will charge you.
5. Be observent and listen to people talk
You might hear someone speaking English. You can ask them for help and even make a friend- that’s the joy of traveling.
Photo of Madrid Airport by Eole
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
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Tags: airports, solo travel
About the author
Morgan is a recent graduate of journalism and dance. She is writing and traveling until she runs out of ideas.
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