Planning your first trip abroad can feel overwhelming. Break it into steps, and start early.
Three months or more before
- Passport: check that it is valid for at least six months beyond your return date and has blank pages. Apply or renew early. See Indian passport basics: applying, renewing and travelling with children.
- Destination: first-time travellers from South India often choose Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia or Dubai: short flights, familiar food and easy logistics.
- Visa: check current entry rules for Indian passport holders on the official government or embassy website. Some countries offer visa-free entry, visa on arrival or e-visas; others need an application weeks in advance.
Six to eight weeks before
- Book flights and hotels, or confirm your package.
- Buy travel insurance. See Travel insurance explained: what it covers and why it matters.
- Apply for any visa required.
- Check vaccination or health requirements for your destination.
Two to four weeks before
- Arrange money: forex card, credit card and some cash. See Money abroad: forex cards, credit cards and cash for Indian travellers.
- Plan your phone connection. See Staying connected abroad: roaming packs, eSIMs and local SIMs.
- Print or save offline copies of tickets, hotel vouchers, insurance and visas.
- Complete any online arrival cards required by the destination before you fly.
The week before
- Check baggage allowances for each flight.
- Pack medicines in your hand luggage with prescriptions.
- Check the plug type and carry an adapter.
- Share your itinerary with family.
At the airport
- Arrive at least three hours before international flights.
- Keep passport, boarding pass and visa documents handy for check-in, immigration and security.
- Liquids in hand baggage must follow the airport's size and bag rules.
On arrival
- Have your hotel address and return ticket ready for immigration.
- Withdraw or exchange a small amount of local currency.
- Use official taxis or pre-booked transfers.
We plan first international trips all the time; see Short breaks for easy first trips.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go