What I Wish Someone Told Me Before Taking My First International Trip: Paris Edition
The first time I flew across the Atlantic and landed in Paris, I thought I was prepared. I'd made lists, looked-up where I wanted to eat the best pastries at, packed and repacked my suitcase twice. What I wasn't prepared for was everything nobody tells you until you're standing in it - the small logistics and mindset shifts that make or break your first trip abroad. If you're planning your first international trip, here's what I wish someone had told me before mine.
1. Check your passport expiration date now, not the week before you leave
Most countries (France included) require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. This trips up more first-time travelers than almost anything else, and passport renewals can take weeks to months depending on the season. If you haven't looked at that expiration date yet, go check it right now, I'll wait.
2. Notify your bank and check your phone plan before you land
Nothing ruins day one of a dream trip like a declined card because your bank flagged "suspicious activity" in a country you didn't tell them you'd be visiting. A quick call or app notification before you leave saves you a stressful conversation at a foreign ATM. Same goes for your phone, know whether you have international coverage, a local eSIM, or whether you're relying on Wi-Fi only, before you're standing in the airport trying to figure it out.
3. Jet lag is real, and fighting it your first day is a mistake
I learned this the hard way in Paris, I tried to power through on pure excitement and adrenaline, and by dinner I was running on fumes. Build in a slower first day if you can. A little rest early in the trip means you actually get to enjoy the rest of it.
4. Learn a handful of local phrases, even if you're not fluent
You don't need to be conversational, but a genuine "bonjour," "merci," and "excusez-moi" go a long way, not just for politeness but for how differently you're treated as a visitor making an effort. This was one of the most surprising lessons from my own trip: small gestures of respect for the local language and culture open doors.
5. Pack less than you think you need
Cobblestone streets, walk-up apartments, and train travel between cities all make a heavy suitcase your enemy. I overpacked on my first trip and regretted every extra pound by the second day of walking. Pack for versatility, not for every possible outfit combination.
6. Research etiquette and cultural norms ahead of time
Every destination has its own unspoken rules such as tipping customs, dining etiquette, how locals dress, and what's considered polite versus rude. A little research before you go helps you blend in instead of standing out as an unaware tourist, and it makes the whole experience feel more respectful and immersive.
7. Build buffer time into every day
This is advice I now give every client I work with: don't overschedule your days. Leave room between activities for delays, wrong turns, and the moments you'll want to linger longer than planned. Pacing is everything when it comes to actually experiencing a place instead of just checking boxes.
8. Travel insurance is worth it
International trips come with more variables than domestic ones. Things like lost luggage, flight delays, and unexpected medical needs. During my trip to Paris, I experienced awful vertigo for the first time in my life after venturing up the Arc de Triumph and had to find a local pharmacy! Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never need, but you'll be glad you have if something goes sideways.
Your first international trip doesn't have to be stressful, it just takes a little preparation and the right expectations going in.
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