Top Planning Tips For Your Next Trip Abroad

Nov 2, 2023

Last Updated on: Feb 13, 2025

Travel Guides

Traveling is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things we can do with our time. However, without proper planning, it can quickly become one of the most stressful events I our calendars too.

In particular, takes a lot of thought and preparation if you want every step of the journey to run smoothly. If you have an overseas trip coming up, there are a few key things you’ll want to start getting in order long before you hop on the plane.

Here’s what you need to start thinking about the moment you decide to go on holiday.

Research Your Destination Thoroughly

First things first – you need to know a little about where you’re going. Where in the world is it? What are the travel documentation requirements? What’s it like there and what do you plan to do while you’re there?

Once you know the essentials, it’s also good to do a little bit of reading up on the culture, the cuisine, the tourist attractions, what the weather’s like, and all the other little details that will impact your experience. Find out what the people are like, what the “must try” foods are, and if there are any tourist traps you should be avoiding like the plague.

Also, don’t forget to check whether you need an international driving permit if you plan on renting a car during your travels – this often overlooked document can be essential for hassle-free road trips in many countries.

Prep Your Travel Documents Early

One of the most stressful aspects of travel is all the admin that comes along with it. When you’re traveling abroad, there’s a whole lot of documentation that needs to be in place to avoid hiccups, so make sure you start getting it all in order well in advance to avoid last-minute panic sessions.

Sort out your visas and flight tickets pronto. You’ll also want to make sure you know how you’ll be paying for things in your destination country, that you get any required vaccinations, and that you’re covered for any emergencies. Opting for a comprehensive travel insurance plan like Blue Cross Travel Insurance will wrap everything into one.

Overshoot Your Budget

There’s no worse feeling than realizing you’ve gone way, way over budget on something you were sure of – and yet this is pretty common. This is why when you’re budgeting for a big trip, it’s always a good idea to prepare yourself to go a little over.

We all know that saving money while travelling is a priority for most people, so if you have hard limits, set them. However, then you need to make sure you’re strict with your daily spending! If you know that you’re the spontaneous type who might vanish into a nearby pub when you were meant to be out for a leisurely (and free) park stroll, you might want to leave some wiggle room in your budget.

Look To Locals For Recommendations

If you’re looking for accommodation, restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, museums, theatres, activities, or even just a really good coffee, the best people to ask are the locals.

Locals have done all the hard work of experiencing the not-so-great options that inevitably exist in every city, so getting their advice on where to go and where not to go simply makes sense. If you like to plan ahead, try to find an online community group (such as on Facebook) where you can ask for recommendations from the locals of whatever cities you’ll be visiting.

Create A Flexible Itinerary

When traveling abroad, there are inevitably going to be countless things you want to do and see and experience. It’s not unlikely that you’ll be able to fill up every moment of your trip in a pre-planned schedule to make sure you get to everything.

However, a lot of the magic of travel lies in spontaneity – stumbling across hidden gems or losing track of time at some natural beauty you discovered. It’s a great idea to plan your trip and make a list of the must-do moments. However, making your itinerary flexible and adaptable will ensure that you don’t pressure yourself out of the things you’re really enjoying.

Learn The Local Lingo

If you’re traveling to a foreign country that speaks an unfamiliar language, it’s always a good idea to get a little clued up before you go. Of course, you can rely on translation apps while you’re there to help you read signs and order your meals, but knowing some of the basics will help make communication a lot easier.

In this case, language learning apps are almost always the way to go. They might not be an ideal option for someone looking to seriously study a language, but they provide an excellent platform for some quick, basic learning. Try to pick up some basic phrases you might be using on a regular basis on your trip. Learn to ask for the restroom, directions, and where to find a cold beer!

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Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.

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Top 12+ Block Island Restaurants For You – Travel & Food Guide

BY  Shahnawaz Nov 26, 2022

When it comes to a summer destination, Block Island is a name loved and favored among many US citizens. You can make it your destination for hiking, sailing, fishing, beaches, and bicycling in the summer. But what about food? Do they have good restaurants on Block Island?  I thought you would ask this question. That is why I have taken my time to pick up the best block island restaurants. It is no easy task to hunt down the best restaurants in a place. It is even more difficult to tell how each one differs from the other. But you know us.  In this article, I have listed some of the best restaurants on Block Island. If you are looking for something similar, then this article should help.  1. Dead Eye Dick's 📉Location218 Ocean Ave, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807-7710📞Phone +1 401-466-2654💻Websitewww.deadeyedicksbi.com⌚Open & closed Everyday Time: - 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM How’s The Food! Be it a lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal, Dead Eye Dick’s is a great place with varieties of seafood awaiting you. Different American dishes and coastal New England cuisines are also ready for takeout. Book a reservation if you want, or have fun at Dead Eye Dick’s with your friends and family. Dead Eye Dick’s is among the best Block Island restaurants as well as a recommended one.  2. Poor People's Pub 📉Location33 Ocean Avenue, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807📞Phone +1 401-466-8533💻Websitehttps://www.pppbi.com/⌚Open & closed Everyday (11:30 AM - 01:00 AM) How’s The Food! A wide range of American dishes is available for you to order. If you have time, you should come and enjoy the food as well as drinks here at Poor People’s Pub. Block Island restaurants have a reputation for their great atmosphere. You will love the staff working at Poor People’s Pub. They have good humor.   3. 1661 Inn Brunch 📉Location43 Spring StreetBlock Island, RI 02807📞Phone 401-466-2421💻Websitehttps://blockislandresorts.com/restaurants-dining/⌚Open & closed Everyday (08:00 AM - 11:00 PM) How’s The Food! Block Island restaurants are known for their food. Here, you will find vegan as well as gluten-free food. Here, you can taste fresh food and eat salmon and fish, as well as a wide range of American dishes. If you are looking for a relaxing brunch and good food, you should visit this place. 4. Aldo's Restaurant 📉Location130 Weldon's WayBlock Island, RI 02807📞Phone +14014665871💻Websitehttps://www.aldos-ristorante.com/⌚Open & closed Sunday, Saturday (12–9:30 pm) Monday to Tuesday ( 2–9:30)  How’s The Food! Aldo’s is always ready for reservation. You can also eat there or order in. It is a great spot for families to eat good food and enjoy some pizza together. Block Island restaurants are great for serving Italian and American dishes. You should check out Italian and American dishes here at Aldo’s restaurant. 5. Beachhead 📉Location598 Corn Neck Rd, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807📞Phone +14014662249💻Websitehttp://beacheadbi.com/⌚Open & closed Unknown  How’s The Food! You can taste the tasty menu of the Beachhead restaurant on Block Island, Thai Calamari, Seafood Nachos, Crab Cakes, or Chicken Wings. For your information, they also have gluten-free and vegan options ready. So, should you be worried about your preferences? No.  Read More: 5 Best Places To Visit In North America’s Pacific Northwest 6. Calaveras 📉Location30 Water St, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807-7713📞Phone +1 401-466-2495💻Websitehttps://www.hellocalaveras.com/⌚Open & closed Everyday (11:00 AM - 9:00 PM)  How’s The Food! Not everyone looks for a cute place. But, if you are looking for restaurants on Block Island with cute decorations, then Calaveras is the one you should choose. They make and preserve their hibiscus iced tea. I will suggest trying that out. Also, you won't find better Mexican food anywhere else on Block Island.  7. Winfield's Restaurant 📉Location214 Corn Neck Rd, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807📞Phone +14014665856💻Websitehttp://winfieldsbi.com/⌚Open & closed 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM ( Everyday)  How’s The Food! Block Island restaurants are known for their quality food. You will love the salad, the rolls served with roasted garlic, and the seafood. American foods are common. So you won't miss what your taste buds crave.  Read More: Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try 8. Block Island Islands Oyster Bar & Grill 📉Location251 Spring St Hotel Manisses, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807-7704📞Phone +1 401-402-9225💻Websitehttps://www.blockislandoysterbarandgrill.com/⌚Open & closed Unknown  How’s The Food! Most customers at Oyster Bar & Grill praise their Watermelon champagne mignonette with oysters. People love the meal here, whether it is lunch, dinner, or brunch. Also, you will love the drinks at the bars here. They keep it coming.  9. The Oar 📉Location221 Jobs Hill Rd, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807📞Phone +1 401-466-8820💻Websitehttps://blockislandresorts.com/restaurants-dining/⌚Open & closed Everyday (11:30 AM - 9:00 PM) How’s The Food! If you are waiting to enjoy a good time, then Block island restaurants are great places. Some good reasons for checking out this restaurant are the New England lobster rolls, burgers, as well as a full sushi bar. 10. Eli’s Restaurant 📉Location456 Chapel St, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807-7890📞Phone +1 401-466-5230💻Websitehttps://www.elisblockisland.com/⌚Open & closed Everyday  (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) How’s The Food! You might find it quite hard to get into Eli’s because this place always swarms with people. Whether you are taking chicken fries in starters or fried chickpea cakes in desserts, you will find this place unbelievably well.  11. The Mohegan Restaurant And Bar 📉Location213 Water St Below the Water Street Inn, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807-7711📞Phone +1 401-466-5911💻Websitehttps://www.moheganblockisland.com/⌚Open & closed Every day from 11:30 a.m.  How’s The Food? Mohegan is among the most known Block Island restaurants. Moreover you can order both veg and nonveg food here. Moreover, the palace is comfy, and you will have fun eating their dishes.  12. Persephone’s Kitchen 📉Location235 Dodge Street, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807📞Phone +1 401-466-5070💻WebsiteFacebook⌚Open & closed Everyday (07:00 AM - 5:00 PM) How’s The Food! If you are done riding your bike around Block Island and are hungry for lunch, then this is the place where you should be. The funny thing is– you don't have to wait for long for your order to be ready.   Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): When it comes to good food, most Block Island restaurants try to keep a good profile. However, here are some popular questions and answers you might want to read.  1. Where Do The Locals Eat On Block Island? Ans: Here are some great places to have lunch at Block Island –1. Kimberly's.2. Winfield's Restaurant.3. The Beachhead Restaurant.4. Dead Eye Dick's5. 1661 Inn Restaurant6. Poor People's Pub 2. What Food Is Block Island Known For? Ans: Block Island is a great place to spend your summer vacation in. One of many attractions here is the seafood available in the Block islands. You can check the different seafood available in different restaurants. 3. Is There a Starbucks On Block Island? Ans: Yes, there is Starbucks on the block island. 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READ MORE Disney Vacation Club

Find Your Dream Membership With A Cost-Saving DVC Resale

BY  Barsha Aug 10, 2023

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READ MORE Beijing

A Magical Journey Through Beijing: Unveiling The Heart Of China

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 8, 2023

Nestled in the heart of China and the Middle Kingdom, Beijing, the capital city, is where ancient traditions seamlessly merge with modern innovations. As you embark on this enchanting journey, you'll find yourself immersed in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant urban life. Before you pack your bags, let's delve into the essential details, starting with the visa requirements for a seamless entry into this fascinating city. Visa to China: To unlock the door to Beijing's wonders, a valid visa to China is a must. Whether you're planning a short stay or a more extended exploration, the process is relatively straightforward. 1. **Tourist Visa (L Visa):** This is the most common visa for travelers. It's suitable for those planning leisure trips, family visits, or short-term business engagements. 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Explore The Heart Of China: Beijing Now that the bureaucratic details are sorted, let’s embark on a journey through the heart of Beijing. The city is known for its history, beauty, and culture. So, if you are planning a tour to Beijing, check out the list given below:  Historical Marvels: Beijing's history spans three millennia, and the city is a living testament to China's imperial past. Start your exploration at the iconic Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the imperial palace for centuries. As you wander through its labyrinthine courtyards and majestic halls, you'll sense the echoes of emperors and concubines from a bygone era. From there, venture to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture. This spiritual sanctuary was where emperors once conducted rituals to ensure a good harvest, and today, it offers a serene escape from the urban bustle. The Great Wall of China, an hour's drive from the city, is a must-visit. 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The intricate costumes, stylized movements, and distinctive music create a mesmerizing experience that bridges the gap between past and present. Culinary Delights: No journey to Beijing is complete without savoring its diverse culinary offerings. Begin your gastronomic adventure with Peking Duck, a world-renowned dish that originated in the imperial kitchens. Crispy skin, succulent meat, and thin pancakes create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Wander through the Wangfujing Snack Street for a feast of local delicacies. From scorpion skewers to traditional baozi (steamed buns), this bustling market is a food lover's paradise. Modern Marvels: As night falls, witness Beijing's transformation into a modern metropolis. The city's skyline is adorned with architectural marvels like the CCTV Headquarters and the National Stadium. Fondly popular as the Bird's Nest. 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