First Tour Abroad Checklist: From Months Ahead to Departure Day

The way to make your first tour abroad easier is to spread your preparation over time: documents months ahead, money and phone settings a few weeks before, and packing in the last few days. On a group tour, transport, hotels and guiding are organised for you, so your responsibility is mostly personal preparation. The list below sets this out as a timeline.

Months ahead

The tasks in this period are the hardest to make up for if they're delayed.

1. Check your passport. Do you have a passport, when does it expire, and does it have enough blank pages? Many countries require your passport to remain valid for a certain period after your return date. Check this period with the official sources of the country you're visiting. For details, see our article on passport preparation for travel abroad.
2. Find out whether you need a visa. Visa requirements vary by country, passport type and date. Before travelling, check the current situation with the official sources of the country concerned and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Application and appointment times can be long, so don't put this step off.
3. Confirm the tour and dates. At the quote stage, get in writing which route you're joining, the day-by-day programme and what's included. Knowing in advance what isn't included (such as some museum entries, optional excursions and meals during free time) lets you plan your budget properly.
4. Review your health. If you take regular medication or have chronic conditions or special needs, talk to your doctor. Check with official sources whether any health measures are recommended or required for the country you're visiting.

One month ahead

1. Take out travel health insurance. Some visa applications require it; even if not, it makes things easier if something unexpected happens abroad. Read what the policy covers.
2. Check your booking details. Make sure your first name and surname are spelled on the tour booking exactly as in your passport. Flight tickets are sensitive to name differences.
3. Tell us about special requirements. Send matters such as food allergies, special diets, mobility restrictions or room preferences in writing to the team organising the tour.
4. Give your family or friends the programme. Leave the tour programme, hotel details (when given in the quote) and emergency contact numbers with someone staying at home.

Two weeks ahead

1. Make a money plan. Find out the currency of the country you're visiting. Confirm with your bank that your card is enabled for use abroad, and carry some local currency or a widely used foreign currency. Keep your card and cash in different places.
2. Get your phone ready. Look into roaming packages or alternatives in advance. Save important numbers on your phone and write them down on paper.
3. Copy your documents. Take photos of your passport, visa and insurance policy, email a copy to yourself and keep a paper copy too.
4. Don't forget the plugs. Some countries use a different socket type. If needed, buy a plug adaptor.

The final week

1. Pack your suitcase. Choose clothes based on the weather and the programme (archaeological sites, mountains, city walks). For tips specific to group tours, see our article on packing for a group tour.
2. Check the airline rules. Baggage allowance and the items allowed in the cabin vary by airline and ticket. Go by the information in your quote or on your ticket.
3. Put your medication in your cabin bag. Carry the medication you need, enough for slightly longer than the trip, in its original packaging.
4. Confirm the meeting details. Note the meeting time and place at the airport or departure point.

Departure morning

• Are your passport, ID, tickets and insurance document in your hand luggage?
• Is your phone fully charged, and do you have your charger and power bank?
• Are your cards, cash and a small amount of local currency ready?
• Have you checked the house keys, cooker, taps and plugs?

Small habits during the tour

A group tour is more enjoyable when everyone sticks to the shared routine. Arrive at meeting times a few minutes early, note down the information the guide gives you, and keep the hotel's name and address with you during free time. If you're not feeling well or run into a problem, tell your guide straight away.

Which tour should you start with?

For a first experience abroad, most people find short routes close to home comfortable. You can see the options on our international tours page. For example, the Balkan Trio Tour is a short route of 2 nights, 3 days, while the Athens and Delphi Tour and the Georgia Tour last 3 nights, 4 days. If you can't decide, you can write to us via our contact page.

The most common first-tour mistakes

Most of the problems people have when travelling abroad for the first time are small and preventable. Top of the list are checking your passport's validity at the last minute, discovering at the till that your card is blocked for use abroad, and setting off on a long walk on the first day in brand-new shoes. Overpacking is also common: there's no room left for souvenirs on the way back. Another mistake is setting off without reading the programme: knowing where you'll be on which day lets you prepare your clothes and day bag properly.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I prepare for my first tour abroad?

For documents such as your passport and visa, we recommend starting months ahead, as application times can be long. Money, phone and insurance can be sorted a few weeks before, and packing in the final week.

How much money should I have with me when travelling abroad?

That depends on the country you're visiting, what's included in the programme and your personal spending. It's best to find out what isn't included at the quote stage and plan your budget accordingly.

Is my passport valid for long enough?

Countries may require different periods of passport validity. Before travelling, check the current requirement with the official sources of the country concerned and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Some countries require travel health insurance for visa applications. Even where it isn't compulsory, we recommend taking it out to cover unexpected health problems; check the current requirements with official sources.