You have finally made up your mind to see the world and bought that ticket for your first trip abroad. But just as soon as you got your flight confirmation number, you panic! You start questioning yourself if you just made the biggest mistake of your life.

This happens to most of us. Our first trip abroad, much like all the firsts in our lives, can be daunting. Don't worry though. Nothing but a good planning can make you at ease.

Why you need a trip plan
I am not one to plan things, but I did before I embarked on my first trip abroad. Why? It is because I didn't want to risk going around looking like a complete newbie traveller and become a prey to a swindler or spending the last days or weeks of my vacation without much money left. Not to mention, my inability to speak the language in my travel destination doesn't help.

I am not saying you need to have an itinerary detailed to a T (but it wouldn't hurt if you can come up with one), however, at least book your hotel in advance especially during peak season. Nothing can be more annoying than being in an unfamiliar country, wasting time walking on foot to find a hotel that is not fully-booked. Also, pick the places you want to visit so you can decide on the attractions and restaurants that you will check out. You don't want to think you wasted your time by the end of your first trip abroad just because you missed a lot of good restaurants, museums, and activities.

Your passport, your life
Okay, so now you know the importance of trip planning. Now we go into a more important thing- your passport. Before you leave your country, make photocopies of your passport and photo ID to bring with you. Also, sign up for a new email address where you will send a scanned copy of the said documents. Do not access this email unless you need a copy of your passport when you happen to lose yours. This will make it easier with the embassy.

When you are traveling, keep your passport with you at ALL times. You'll never know when your identity will be checked by authorities.

Travel from A to B
Now that you have sorted out your travel destinations and documents, it is time to find out the best ways to get around. Since transport systems vary from one country to another, you may get confused on your first trip. A vacation guide and maps can be very useful. It also pays to check websites of buses and trains for schedules and prices. Usually weekly, global, student passes are available at discounted prices. Also be familiar with the different airlines that fly your route.

Pack up well
By this time, you already have your expectations about your first trip abroad. This will help you decide whether airline carry ons are practical or not. Maybe a rucksack is more appropriate. This goes with everything else that you will bring. You can't be wearing a pair of stilettos if you are going mountain hiking or a pair of shorts if you are traveling in the winter.

You will find more information on your travel destination and some tips from seasoned travellers from travel reviews, free online travel guides, and travel blog sites.

That's about it! There's really no reason to panic. Just go ahead, put on your most comfortable shoes, have fun, and travel safe!