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A first trip abroad has more moving parts than a domestic holiday. Here is the order we recommend doing things in.

3 to 4 months out

• Passport: at least six months validity beyond your return date, and two or more blank pages. Renew now if it is close.
• Pick the destination and dates around your leave and the destination's best season.
• Decide package vs self-planned. A package fixes hotels, transfers, tours and tickets at a known price; you add flights, some meals and shopping.

2 to 3 months out

• Book the package, then flights once the itinerary and visa route are clear.
• Start the visa. Some are e-visas done in days; others need appointments. Your operator can tell you which applies and what documents (bank statements, hotel vouchers, return tickets) you need.
• Travel insurance — many visas require it, and you want medical cover regardless.

2 to 3 weeks out

• Forex: a mix of a small amount of local cash and a zero/low-markup card. Tell your bank you are travelling.
• Copies: digital and paper copies of passport, visa, insurance and vouchers, stored separately from the originals.
• Health: check if any vaccinations are advised; carry a basic medkit and any prescriptions in original packaging.

The week before

• Confirm airport transfer timings with your operator.
• Check baggage limits — they differ by airline and fare class.
• Download offline maps and your airline app.

What Trip Thirsty handles

For our packages: 4-star hotels with breakfast, airport and inter-city transfers, sightseeing and the tickets listed in the day plan, and on-trip assistance. We also guide you through the visa documents. You are left to book flights and cover meals outside breakfast, optional activities and shopping.