For the first time I'm flying (going) abroad, I'm afraid. The first time I fly by plane, what to do, what you need to know? What you need to know for those who are traveling for the first time abroad? What to do at the airport, how not to miss a plane, how to go through registration, customs and passport control at the airport?

Are you going abroad, on vacation abroad or on a business trip for the first time? This article is the whole way, the algorithm, starting from the purchase of the tour, to collecting the necessary things on a trip, what to do if you are traveling with children, arriving at the airport, checking in for the flight, customs and passport control, arriving, transferring, checking into the hotel and etc. before leaving the hotel. Have a comfortable trip abroad!

We buy a tour

The very first thing to do is to choose a good tour. Travel agency staff will help you with this. They will pick up and book rooms in a suitable hotel. As a rule, booking takes from several minutes to several hours. After the contract is signed.

If you have chosen a tour to the country with which you entered into an agreement with visa-free entry, then you do not need to prepare additional documents.

If you need a visa, you must pass on to travel agents: passport, photo 3x4, medical certificates, income statements, as well as money to pay for a visa.

Keep in mind that if you travel to the "visa" state, you may be denied entry into the country even if the ticket has already been purchased. Therefore, get "travel insurance", in this case, in an unforeseen situation, you will return your money.

The agreement with the travel agency must contain the following information:

country of visit;
how many people the tour is designed for;
the price includes meals (breakfast, breakfast and dinner, all inclusive) or not;
detailed hotel information;
duration of stay;
possibly other data.

After the conclusion of the contract, the travel agent must inform you about the time of departure, the flight number. As a rule, all the necessary documents will be handed over a few days or a few hours before departure - it all depends on the accepted practice of the company.

Of course, if it is agreed that the documents will be issued several hours before departure, there are natural concerns. What if the employee does not come? What if something is wrong with the documents? Do not worry! This is a well-established practice; everyone in the company carefully checks and takes care that you receive documents in a timely manner - any overlays are excluded. All documents are waiting at the operator's desk at the airport three hours before departure. You just have to pick it up.

If children go on a trip with you, who have not yet reached the age of 18, they must have a birth certificate with them. If a child leaves with only one parent or with an accompanying non-parent, it is necessary to have a notarized permission to export the minor.

After receiving, it does not matter, at the office of a travel company, or at the airport, be sure to check the documents.

The package must contain for each traveler:

a set of tickets (round trip, as well as for intermediate flights, if provided). The ticket may be provided electronically on plain paper;
voucher (three copies), providing the right to stay at the hotel;
individual health insurance with detailed conditions.

Be sure to learn about the traditions adopted in the country, religious rites, history, important monuments and shrines. Check out some laws that may affect you. For example, is it forbidden to drink alcohol or smoke in public places and more. It’s good if you can learn a few phrases that will help in the future.

Be sure to make copies of all the documents that you take with you on the trip. Also take care of making and keeping an electronic copy of your passport in your inbox. In an unforeseen situation, you can print documents anywhere in the world.

Upon arrival at the hotel, immediately resolve the issue with a safe. All documents, jewelry, bank cards should be stored only in a safe. Take copies with you, as well as the money and cards that you intend to use.

Stock up with a first-aid kit, which should contain a set of the most commonly used medicines:

antipyretic;
painkillers;
drugs used for food poisoning and gastrointestinal disorders;
drugs to avoid burns and minimize their consequences;
adhesive plaster;
medicines that you have to constantly take, as well as anti-allergy drugs.

Remember, some drugs may be banned from being imported into a particular country. Therefore, you must have a prescription certified by the seal of a doctor.

Separately write down, it is better in several places, all the phones that you may need: a bank, a tour operator, an embassy, \u200b\u200bnumbers of relatives and close friends. So you save a lot of nerves and time in case of unforeseen circumstances.

When leaving the hotel, do not take all the money at once, but only a certain amount and only one card that you plan to use.

Before the trip, check the validity of payment cards, write down the PIN codes separately. It would be useful to clarify the conditions for using bank cards abroad. Perhaps your card is valid only within the country or in other states a commission will be deducted.

If there are restrictions, get another card with favorable conditions.

When you will calculate the travel budget, proceed from the fact that you need to spend 50 dollars or euros per day. So you will avoid trouble and be able to relax normally, visit tours and purchase souvenirs.

In many countries, for example in Egypt, Turkey, traders can accept both local currency, and dollars, euros. Often they offer their course, which is much worse than the official one, and the purchase price will increase. It is better to change the currency in one of the points, for example, at a hotel, airport or directly in Kazakhstan. Do not use special exchange machines - they usually have an overvalued exchange rate.

When paying for a purchase, try to minimize the use of a credit card, it is better to pay in cash. Just in case, it’s good to have “money in plastic” with you.

When going on a trip, remember that the total baggage per person should not exceed 20 kg (for economy class) or 30 kg (for first and business class). You will have to pay extra for an advantage. The weight of each individual bag may exceed 30 kg.

To protect your luggage from possible damage, and especially from theft, wrap the bag with stretch film, wrapping it many times. You can find out more about the rules for carrying luggage at the airport.

Do not take parcels, packages, bags from strangers or even acquaintances for distribution to friends, relatives, etc., who are meeting in a foreign country, there are international delivery services for this. If something forbidden is hidden inside the package, you will sit down.

How to pack a lot of things in one suitcase? How to pack a suitcase competently compactly on the road? In general, if you do not want to know how to put all things in a suitcase so that everything fits - watch the video "How to pack 100 things in one suitcase."

If traveling with a child. Minimize the risk of illness

One week before going on a tour, minimize all contact with other children. Consult with a pediatrician, it may not hurt to prescribe immunity strengthening drugs to your baby.

If you go to a place where there are many children, the risk of catching an infection increases sharply. It is better to plan a vacation for June, September, or in the winter (excluding the period of winter holidays). If it does not work out, then it is better to pay attention to tourist destinations with less popularity among vacationers.

In the medicine cabinet always keep means to lower the temperature, drugs for food poisoning and allergies.

Departure

So, after you have received the documents, check their completeness. Must be:

round-trip air tickets. Please note that seats are stamped on tickets immediately upon check-in before departure;
a voucher giving the right to check into a hotel. Check the hotel, duration of stay, whether food is included in the price;
passports must have visas (in the form of a seal or a pasted hologram). Usually they are put on any free page of a passport, not necessarily in a row, for example, in the middle of a document. After you have received and checked the documents, you have to: - pass the customs check, check in your luggage, check in for the flight and pass passport control.

If this is your first time at the airport, you can catch up with one of the passengers on your flight and follow him through all the necessary procedures.

Below you will learn in detail about the passage of each stage prior to boarding the plane.

customs control

At this stage, customs officers check whether you are carrying with you prohibited items for export or import: antiques, etc. Be sure to declare the amount in any currency equivalent to 10,000 US dollars or more.

There are two zones at the customs:

"Green corridor" Passengers who do not carry prohibited items, such as tourists, usually pass by;
"Red channel Designed for passengers who need to file a declaration.

Remember, customs officers, after passing control, can selectively inspect the luggage of any of the passengers. Usually pay attention to those who are in a hurry or nervous. Therefore, do not try to hide anything in order to avoid serious problems.

After passing through customs control, it is no longer possible to return to the hall.

check-in

It is recommended to arrive at the airport no later than two hours before departure. The flight number is indicated on the ticket. Upon arrival, look for information on the desired flight on special displays. On the screen you will see the numbers of the racks (up to five racks can be highlighted), on which registration for the flight you need is underway.

When registering, you can politely ask for the most convenient places, for example, by the window or vice versa, closer to the aisle if you are flying with a small child.

At the check-in counter, you drop off your luggage, get boarding passes (they will act as a pass when entering the plane), which will contain information that is very important to you, namely the exit number, in English, “Gate”, flight number and departure time .
For example, GATE 11, means the 11th exit - there you will need to look for your plane. 40 minutes before departure, they will announce by speakerphone that the boarding on your flight begins, the exit number is that - come.

At the check-in desk, you also check in your luggage, leaving your carry-on baggage with you(marked with a special sticker, but a similar sticker is issued to you), the airport employee marks with a sticker the manual baggage - "Into the cab".

Passing along a special corridor, you get on a plane. Here, the flight attendants will help to sit down in their seats, during the flight they will carry drinks and food. If you fly with children, bring food to the airport and plane.

Passport control

Passport control needs one at a time. Minors pass with their parents or an accompanying person.

Present your passport and boarding pass to the airport employee - he will make a note in the passport about crossing the state border. From now on, you are in neutral territory.

If you intend to fly abroad as a large company, it is best to immediately distribute passports to everyone and put a boarding pass in them to speed up the process.

In the process of passport control, you need to go through a metal detector, hand luggage is checked separately. Do not worry, this is a standard procedure designed to ensure your safety and flight safety.

After going through all the procedures, you find yourself in a waiting room. Here you can buy souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, clothing and other goods in the duty free zone (Duty free). You can pay for the goods in tenge, US dollars or euros.

In the waiting room, carefully monitor the information on the screens. The start of a drawdown on your flight (usually 30-40 minutes before departure) will be reported via a loudspeaker. To get on the desired plane, proceed to the exit (Gate) indicated on the boarding pass.

Before landing, you can be checked again on a metal detector. To get on the plane, present the coupon and passport to the airport employee.

After arrival at the airport of destination

Upon arrival at your destination at the airport, you go through all the procedures, but in the reverse order. The exception is a personal search. It will not have to go through again.

To passport control after arrival, prepare the following documents:

international passport;
immigration card. It is necessary to enter personal information in it: first name, surname, citizenship, arrival flight number, the period for which you arrived in the country, the name of the hotel in which the rooms are booked. If children went on a tour with you, then you need to enter information about them. When filling out the card, do not hesitate to seek help from passengers who can read and write in English.
in countries such as Egypt, Thailand, Turkey and in other countries with a facilitated visa regime for Kazakhstan, a visa can be obtained directly at the airport. It is presented in the form of a sticker-stamp with a hologram. For each passport you need to purchase only one sticker. If your children are inscribed in the passport, you do not need to purchase a visa separately.

The border guard officer in the passport puts the appropriate stamp on entry into the country. He may also ask for a voucher to confirm the hotel reservation.

When leaving at the airport, do not be alarmed, it just seems like a big and inhospitable maze. Follow the crowd, pouring into the general stream. There is nowhere else to go, no matter what country you are in. In fact, everything is very simple, you just stumble your nose first at passport control, from there to the tape with luggage. Next, look for a representative of the tour operator among the crowd of greeters. You can recognize it by a special plate or T-shirt with the inscription. Here you are noted, the representative will show which bus should go to. Do not be afraid, everyone speaks Russian, you will not have any problems.

We get luggage

To get luggage, find the transport tape that matches the flight. Here you can pick up your luggage. Do not confuse your luggage with a stranger. To make sure that your bag is not printing, compare the number of the sticker on hand and available on hand.

Then, hand over your luggage to the bus driver and take one of the empty seats.

If you could not find the luggage, contact the baggage tracing service by providing the sticker on hand. If you do not speak other languages, look for the representative of the tour operator who is meeting you on the plate and tell us your situation.

Transfer

Transfer is a transfer from the airport to the hotel. Do not be afraid to be late for the bus, the guides will not send it until they collect the whole group. But do not make others wait.

During the transfer, you can find out the most important information from the guide: features of the country, the most favorable and closest currency exchange points, he will also indicate where you can meet with another guide who will oversee your stay in the country throughout the entire period.

If for some reason you are forced to linger, you can also get to the hotel by taxi. Just show the driver the voucher that shows the hotel information and it will take you to the right place. Remember, you pay for this trip at your own expense.

Hotel

Upon arrival at the hotel, your luggage can be left in a special place. Do not be afraid to contact employees, they will help in everything. Now you need to contact the administrator at the reception, provide a voucher and passport. To check in, fill out a special form (one per number).

It is common practice abroad to ask visitors for a deposit - This is a certain amount (usually 100 US dollars) that you leave for using the phone, the Internet, and the bar in the room. Do not worry. If you do not use paid services, the money will be returned in full or in part, minus the payment for the services provided.

Unfortunately, often keys cannot be received before two in the afternoon in local time. Therefore, if you have arrived earlier, you can relax in a designated place or check out the hotel infrastructure.

After checking into the room, examine it. Check if everything works (TV, air conditioning, hot shower, if the light is on). Wait for the evening. Perhaps the music that interferes with sleep is playing too loudly from the window. If something does not suit you, ask for a different number, arguing for the problems identified.

Be sure to keep all documents, money, jewelry in a safe. In some hotels, this service is provided for a fee.

We leave the hotel

Departure from the hotel in most countries of the world is carried out before 12 noon local time. By this time you should collect all things and hand over keys to the administrator on Reception. If you fly out in the evening, you can check your luggage in the luggage room.

Porters (Laggage boy) help carry heavy luggage - Call Reception to call them. Prior to transfer to the airport, you will be able to freely use the hotel infrastructure (in some hotels only a paid part of the services), luggage is stored for free.

Upon arrival at the airport, you need to go through familiar procedures.

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Holidays in Thailand. Memo for tourists

Where can I relax inexpensively abroad by the sea?

Where better to go to relax in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Table

For the first trip, it is better to choose the most popular resorts among Russians - the coasts of the Red and Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Black Sea in Bulgaria. These countries have many advantages for those traveling for the first time. Firstly, in hotels there are always compatriots who you can turn to for advice. Secondly, the locals living in tourist areas, for the most part, speak the basic phrases in Russian, and they can always explain what is required. Thirdly, package tours are organized in these countries, the cost of which already includes transfer from the airport to the hotel, guide support, insurance, etc. This is very convenient for those who decide to go somewhere for the first time, and so far have no orientation in a foreign country. An inexperienced tourist will be met, put on a bus, help check into a hotel, etc.

To save on a ticket, you can buy a tour through the early booking system. Then the cost of living in the hotel will be lower by 25-30 percent.

Which country to choose

Which one depends on the time of year. From February to the end of May and from September to the beginning of November, comfortable and warm weather is in Egypt. The sea warms up enough, and the air temperature is 29-33oC. In winter (from late November to mid-February), even in this African country it is quite cool, a strong wind blows, the temperature of the water in the sea drops to 20-23 ° C.

It is better to go to Turkey from the middle of May until the fifteenth or twentieth of September. It was then that the Mediterranean Sea warms up enough for a comfortable swim. In Bulgaria, the season is from the first of July to mid-September.

The advantage of popular resorts is that from Moscow there are charter and regular direct flights there almost all year round. That is, six to ten hours after leaving the house, you can be near the warm sea.

By the level of hotels and services, these countries popular among Russian tourists are almost equal. The only thing Bulgaria loses in is that there are practically no closed beaches owned by hotels. The coast is open to all, land is leased to entrepreneurs who install sunbeds and umbrellas there and take money for their rent. But there are hotels in which the use of beach amenities is already included in the price. All this should be clarified when buying a tour.

Another minus when choosing Bulgaria as a place to stay is the need to apply for a visa. This increases the cost of the permit. In addition, when obtaining a visa yourself you need to provide some documents - a salary certificate, account statement, hotel reservation and tickets. For inexperienced travelers, this can be overwhelming. Therefore, if the choice fell on Bulgaria, a visa is best done through an agency. Then you only need a foreign passport, and the employee will receive the coveted stamp on his own.

Probably the fastest way to get anywhere in the world is air travel. Even if your work is in no way connected with constant movements around the globe, then you are definitely going somewhere on vacation.

Sooner or later, everyone will face the need to fly an airplane. Even to such already ordinary tourist countries like Turkey or Egypt, this is the shortest way. Therefore, the question of what to put in a suitcase concerns every adult.

It’s best to start picking things up a few days before departure. And then on the last day, as it turns out suddenly, you will need to finish something urgent, and the fees will be held in an emergency. So go in for parking for three days and it is advisable to write before this a list of necessary things.

Fees

It is clear that the number of things depends on how many days you go. The longer the period, the more things are needed. If you fly for 2-3 days, you can limit yourself to a standard minimum. This applies to clothing, cosmetics, shoes and what accessories (charging, umbrellas, extra bags / packages).

In addition, there are also mandatory things that you must have with you, regardless of the length of your stay outside the home. First: a ticket (if it is not electronic), documents (passport, insurance, hotel voucher) and money. Without this, you will not fly anywhere, so put these things first and check again before leaving the house. In addition, it is better to change money in advance, if doing it in your home country will be much cheaper. And it’s easier, you don’t have to run around and look for an exchanger.

Second: medicines. Here you need to remember your chronic sores (and suddenly an exacerbation?) And try to predict possible problems. Sunburns, cuts and food poisoning are the most common disasters for tourists.

All big things need to be placed in a suitcase. Its weight should not exceed 20-23 kg, otherwise you will pay extra for an advantage. All the things you need to sing, such as documents, medicine, a reader, headphones, a player, a laptop and a pillow, put in a small bag for hand luggage, which you will take to the cabin.

And remember, there’s no reason to pack your suitcase to the eyeballs. Leave room for items purchased during the trip.

Flight

The microclimate in the cockpit is special. The air is very air-conditioned with low humidity. This can cause passengers to dry out the mucous membranes (eyes, nose) and even the skin itself. So grab a nose spray, eye drops, moisturizer and bactericidal gel in your hand luggage.

If you are expecting a 10-hour flight, it is better to bring a pillow for your neck. Inflatable or plush, it does not matter. The main thing is to be comfortable.

Shoes should be worn without heels. Maybe it’s not so beautiful, but it’s convenient! And this is the most important. You can take a jacket with you to the salon. What if it’s cool there, but blankets are not provided? In extreme cases, a jacket can be used instead of a pillow under the back.

You can also grab your favorite cookies, snacks, protein bars, candies. Of course, during long flights they feed. But if you are flying for the first time and don’t know how your body will perceive airplane food, you need to have a backup option.

Luggage. Weight and quantity

Let's start with where to start. First of all, you need to find out (if you did not find out when buying a ticket or ticket), what weight of hand luggage and baggage is allowed by your airline for transportation. Although no, this is secondarily. And first you need to know what happens main baggage (unless you bought a budget ticket, where only hand luggage is allowed), which you check in at the airport, and hand luggagethat you take with you to the salon.

The average weight of the main baggage varies within 20 kg per person, hand luggage - about 5 kg (sometimes 7-10 kg, but it’s better not to risk it). Some carriers allow you to carry only one bag / suitcase / backpack with you in your hand luggage. In this case, the camera on your neck is already considered the second item for which you will have to pay extra, even if the total weight of two units is included in the set limit for hand luggage. Therefore, it is better to find out everything in advance so as not to look for a way out of a difficult situation later.

Short: there are two types of baggage - the main one, which is handed over to the luggage compartment of the aircraft (weighing about 20 kg) and hand luggage, which is taken with you on the plane (weighing about 5 kg).

Carry-on baggage. What is forbidden to take with you

It is not allowed to carry deodorants and other gas-forming substances with you in hand luggage. spray cansgels cosmetics (mascara, gloss, etc.) medications (if there is an urgent need for this, then you need a prescription and an extract from the doctor), any liquids more than 100 ml. That is, water, perfumes, and in some cases creams may be asked to be transferred to the main baggage or left completely. Therefore, it is better to immediately pack such things in a suitcase.

Also, in no case should you take manicure (and especially sewing) in your hand luggage scissors, sharp nail files and generally everything that can be used as a weapon in one way or another. Well, of course, it is forbidden to take compact folding knives and weapons.

By the way, if your keys rather sharp, it is better to immediately send them into a suitcase. Personally, they did not try to take the keys from me, but there were cases. Think about it when you close your apartment or house. Particular attention to such items may arise at the checking airports of those countries where the likelihood of terrorist attacks and attempts is increased. People and their luggage are checked there especially carefully. This is worth considering. (In my case, the super-hard check at the Egyptian airport was very unbalanced and made me nervous.)

Sometimes it is not allowed to take hand luggage scotch and cling film. Again, this is my personal experience. In Ukraine and Turkey they missed it, but in Egypt they took it.

Doubts can cause autonomous charging device (power bank), standalone speakers. We were detained in Egypt, because the square stand-alone speaker seemed suspicious until I showed that it plays music. In the main baggage, such an item will cause no less suspicion. Therefore, decide whether you really need this thing in another country or if there will be enough headphones.

Short: in hand luggage, it is forbidden to carry weapons, sharp cutting and thrusting objects (needles, corkscrews, knives), adhesive tape, cling film, water, any gel, gas, cream or aqueous liquid with a volume of more than 100 ml (allowed maximum 5 containers of 100 ml).

If you are flying for the first time abroad, then you definitely take it with you money, passport, phone,perhaps, camera and laptop. All this should be packed in hand luggage, because no one is responsible for the perfect safety and “non-breakdown” of your belongings in the luggage compartment of the plane (and at the airport too).

Also, if you take with you some fragile items (but oversized), it is better to carry them in hand luggage. Including jewelry, valuables, medical certificates and extracts.

If your trip is business, important and valuable paperOf course, it is also recommended to pack in hand luggage.

Even if you are flying on vacation, you should have vouchers transfer to the hotel and check-in at the hotel. They must be taken with you, so as not to look in the luggage.

Also, if the flight is long (and it can be considered long for two hours, especially for the first time), then you should take a little of productsto satisfy hunger (you can buy something edible even after passing the control). It is advisable that your supplies not have too bright a smell - people will be sitting next to you, and the windows on the plane will not open. And it is better to dwell on the snacks you have tested that will satisfy your hunger, but will not lead to digestive problems.

We should also say about batteries for cameras. Frankly, I still couldn’t find out exactly where they can be transported. The experience that I had says that it is possible both in hand luggage and in checked baggage. Although, according to the experience of acquaintances, in China the batteries were forced to be put out of hand luggage. It may be easier to pack the batteries, but they should not touch each other so as not to cause a fire or explosion. Since I was not 100% sure what to do, the part packed one set in the main baggage, and I took the second with me (in the camera itself). I decided that in this case they won’t take everything away :) As a result, both sets remained intact. But if I got to the Egyptian airport with them, then, most likely, they would have been taken from me from my hand luggage. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consult in addition how things are with this issue at the airports of the country where you fly.

Also for convenience, especially if you fly at night, an inflatable will not hurt pillow. This is a great way to sleep alone, and not fall asleep on the shoulder of an unfamiliar neighbor.

There are times (more often when these are flights with transfers) when the main baggage is lost or is late for your flight. Do not worry, they will certainly find him in a day or two, and he will come to you. But so that it does not become a disaster for you and does not spoil the first days of your stay in a new country, take the most necessary things with you in hand luggage. It can be glasses, a hat, a swimsuit (if you go to the seaside). Or a clean shirt and sweater if it's a business trip. Such things will not take up much space, but you will be calm.

Short: it is recommended that you take valuables and papers (money, passports, documents, phone numbers, medical certificates), vital medicines, food, wet wipes, an air bag, a minimum of essentials (linen, swimsuit, shirt, etc.) with you in your hand luggage. .P.).

Packing the main baggage

Mostly luggage should not carry perishable products, fragile items and valuables. You have already read the explanations above. That is, checked baggage should not contain all that is recommended to be carried in hand luggage. Everything is simple.

It is also forbidden to transport caustic substances that can cause corrosion (mercury, all types of alkalis, etc.), all types of gases in cans, substances and objects that can cause a fire (matches, lighters, varnishes, paints, etc. .), and of course, no weapons should be transported. And once acquaintances had a chance to sit in a chair next to a climber holding an ice ax in his hands. Carefree were the times ...

And so you packed your suitcase. Now be sure to weigh it so as not to get a surprise at the airport itself. I must say that 20 kg is quite a lot, an ordinary girl can hardly pick up such a suitcase. This is in case you do not have weights.

If everything is in order with the weight of the luggage, then it's time to pack the suitcase itself. Some do this at the airport (the service is paid, in November 2016 the cost was UAH 70 at the Boryspil airport, terminal D), and some do not do this at all.

Personally, my opinion is that you still need to wrap the suitcase with plastic wrap. Firstly, this will protect it from the intervention of intruders, and secondly, it will retain its appearance during loading and unloading. For this, an ordinary cling film or one sold in construction stores is suitable. One roll per 100 meters is enough for several trips.

A long roll can be cut in half. It will be more convenient to wind, and you can take the second part with you to pack your suitcase on the way back. It’s only possible that they will eventually take him out of hand luggage, but it will still be cheaper than packing a suitcase there.

On top of the film, you can paste the suitcase with colored tape. This will help not to tear the film during transportation and immediately find out your luggage upon receipt at the airport.

Yes, by the way, when checking into a hotel it is better to immediately ask for scissors so as not to spoil your beautiful manicure and get hurt, tearing the film manually.

Short: it is forbidden to pack any checked items and substances into the checked baggage that could explode, catch fire, break. As well as especially valuable items and papers. Weapons and perishable products must not be transported.

Make sure you get what you need for your trip. If it’s the sea, then a swimsuit, sunglasses, hat / cap, beach slippers and a bag, sunblock. Due to the fact that I was driving almost in winter and was already preparing to “hibernate”, I took only a swimsuit. Well, thanks for that.
If your trip is business and involves evening dresses, then make sure that you have taken enough of them. It is implied - with a margin. It’s worth taking a couple of extra ones just in case.
The same goes for shoes. One pair of shoes or sandals may not be enough. Especially when the heel breaks at the most inopportune moment, and the shoe-maker of the hotel has already left. I speak as a victim - the situation was not the most pleasant.
Also find out about the ironing facilities at the hotel. Will he be there, whether this service is paid. And if you have a business meeting, then keep in mind that, most likely, you will need to pay from 5 to 20 dollars for ironing. Or (if the weather permits) the night before, you can thoroughly wet a thing, align it with your hands and hang it on a hanger. If this is a summer chiffon dress, or a T-shirt that does not require strict "smoothness", then this option will help to save a little. If the meeting is important, and the outfit should be perfect, you should seek help. Or you can take a travel iron with you if you have one. Great option.
If you are traveling to hot countries, bring hair protection with you. This is especially true for girls with braids. The hot sun burns the hair quite enough, after which you remember a couple of months rest "not an evil, quiet word."
To prevent mosquitoes, flies and other insects from spoiling your trip, stock up on protective equipment. In my trip there were many different “flying” on the beach - I was saved by a spray from mosquitoes and insects.
Be sure to pack a first-aid kit (you need to pack it in the main baggage). First of all, focus on your weaknesses. But the following list can serve as the basis:
- painkiller (be sure to see contraindications, because my bitter experience shows that it is better to buy the drug more expensive than the whole vacation to hide in the shade due to the reaction of the drug to the sun);
- a remedy for diarrhea (even if you don’t eat anything like this, it can simply be acclimatization, so it’s better to protect yourself);
- sorbent (activated carbon, sorbex, white coal - at your discretion);
- allergy remedy (for food, water, sun, insects);
- heart medications (weather changes and a change in climatic zone can have an effect on well-being);
- cotton wool or cotton sponges;
- patch;
- bandage;
- hygiene products.
Before leaving the house, check the plane tickets, hotel vouchers and insurance (you should have issued it when buying a ticket).
Also, it will not be amiss to take cash with you, which will be an untouchable reserve and in case of force majeure will help you get home or pay for the necessary help. Usually they remain unclaimed, but it is always better when there is a "airbag".

Well and most importantly - stock up on a good mood and free memory on your gadgets, because you have new discoveries ahead!

Have a good flight (by the way, you should not drink alcohol before the flight - it still will not relieve anxiety, but it will spoil your well-being).

I think more experienced travelers can supplement this list of tips for those who are traveling for the first time abroad, much better, so I suggest sharing life hacks in the comments.

Alina Derkach

Not sure where to go to Greece for the first time? We have selected for you the 4 most popular and favorite destinations for travelers from around the world, talked about their features and shared tips on how to spend time, where to stay and what to see. Read and make your choice!

For the first time, where to go to Greece?

In Greece you can get acquainted with ancient culture and mythology, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean Sea, bask in the Greek sun on white sandy beaches of Greece , walk in the mountains with the cleanest air, admire the white buildings and taste delicious greek cuisine.

If this is your first trip to Greece and you don’t know where to go, this article is for you. Here I picked up 4 of the most popular destinations:

First time in Greece: Mykonos

Mykonos is the most famous and cosmopolitan island of Greece. It is here that the notorious white buildings are located, so unusual for the Russian eye. But keep in mind, Mykonos is a rather expensive island compared to the rest of Greece. The capital of the island is the city of Chora, here you can get acquainted with the famous Greek architecture.

Where to go and what to see

church of Panagia Paraportiani;
"Little Venice";
an area with 18th-century buildings where the mansions of the great captains with colorful balconies and stylish windows are everywhere;
strange windmills impressively located on a slope;
snow-white sandy beaches stretching along the perimeter of the island.

Where to stay

Mykonos is a tourist island, and therefore you will not have problems finding housing. - From luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels, you can also search for hotels through the form on the left. For the very frugal, there's Couchsurfing.

Things to do

In the summertime, many holidays and festivals are held on Mykonos, all of which are accompanied by rivers of delicious wine and mountains of delicious food.
Also, this “Island of the Winds” is a paradise for lovers of water sports, surfers and sailors gather here from all over the world. On mykonos wide selection of beaches for windsurfing. The best isolated beaches are: Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis. Almost all beaches are taught surfing.
On Mykonos you can play tennis or mini-golf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Ánna, parachute jump or jet ski in Eliá or Kalafátis. Even diving enthusiasts will not stand aside and will be able to explore the beauty of the underwater life of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is the standard choice where you can hang out, look like interesting excursions, and enjoy a beach holiday. Therefore, if you are going to visit Greece for the first time and your budget allows, visit Mykonos, you will not be disappointed.

First time to Greece: Paros

Paros is one of the most popular holiday destinations for young people. Unlike Mykonos, this island is a budget option. Unbeatable natural beauty, developed tourist infrastructure, beaches with clear waters, Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional Greek villages, breathtaking landscapes and pulsating nightlife - all this awaits you on the island of Paros.

Parikia is the capital of the island; here, too, the famous whitewashed rectangular buildings and impressive neoclassical mansions are everywhere.

Where to go and what to see

naousa village, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress stand at the entrance to its small port;
Lefkes is also a village, it is built in a mountain and surrounded on all sides by greenery, located at the highest point of the island of Paros, from here a breathtaking view of the island opens;
Márpissa - a traditional village with a vivid medieval character, existing already from the 15th century;
marble quarries in Maráthi, where the famous Paros marble was mined.

Where to stay

It all depends on how much you plan to spend. There are options for every taste and budget.

Things to do

Visit a religious festival - this is a great occasion to taste the sweet wines produced in the vineyards of Monemvassiá and Mantilariá. On August 15, one of these events is traditionally organized near the Panayia Ekatontapyliani church.
Explore the island on horseback. There are two "horse rentals", one near the sea in Ambelás and the other in Ystérni. Such a walk around the island is a great way to see the most beautiful places of Paros with your own eyes.
The sunlit beaches of Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria, Poúnda and the crystal clear waters of the sea will conquer all lovers of beach holidays. You can also surf here.
Kalóyeros Beach, surrounded by red and green clay cliffs, will provide you with an effective and natural spa completely free. Cover the body with clay and let it dry in the sun, after a while, wash the clay into the sea - your skin will be soft and velvety.

Price statistics for tours to Greece

If you are not yet ready to travel on your own, then the statistics of prices for tours to Greece will help you. Here you can find the lowest prices for holidays in Greece from leading tour operators.

First time in Greece: Skiathos

Skiathos is the most popular resort island in Northern Sporades. Despite the rapid growth of the tourism sector, there is still picturesque and unspoiled nature. The island is decorated with more than 60 beaches with absolutely clear waters, the most famous of which is Koukounariés beach, which is rightfully considered the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Add to this the vibrant nightlife, and you will understand why thousands of travelers annually go to this island.

Where to go and what to see

the capital of the island is the city of Skiathos with its cobblestone, cozy streets and white buildings;
a picturesque harbor surrounded by 4 islets;
the small island of Boúrtzi, where among the dense vegetation sheltered the ruins of the Venetian fortress;
the house, and now the museum of the famous author Alexendros Papadiamantis (Alexandros Papadiamantis);
annunciation of the Virgin Mary Church, which houses 4 museums.

Where to stay

Skiathos has many hotels, hostels and rooms at affordable prices. You can also stay at Koukounariés Camping.

Things to do

Every summer, the island hosts colorful cultural events, concerts and art exhibitions.
Take a breathtaking route starting from Asélinos, past the Kounistra Monastery, the small Asélinos Beach and Alygariés Beach, and ending at Kehriá Beach.
The whole night life of the island is concentrated on the street near Old Harbor. Bars and nightclubs work here all night until morning and are always full of fun young people. Ammoudiá often hosts open-air parties (finding them is easy, you just need to follow the road leading to the airport).

First time to Greece: Chios

The island of Bos is practically in no way inferior to the famous and sometimes overvalued Mykonos and Santorini . Walk along the streets that look like from a picture, enjoy the elegance of buildings, swim in the warm clear waters of the world famous beaches of Mylopótamos and Maganári, try indecently delicious Greek delicacies.

Where to go and what to see

Be sure to visit Hóra, sit on the famous hill with its snow-white cubic buildings and covered alleys.
Take a look at 12 windmills.
Panayia Gremiótissa (Madonna of the Cliffs) is located in the highest point of Hòra, with amazing views of the bay and the neighboring island of Sikinos.
The Byzantine castle of Paleókastro, built at the very top of the hill.
The summer theater “Odysseas Elytis”, built in one of the favorite places of the poet Odiseas Elytis and is well preserved from 2800 BC

Where to stay

Many wonderful hotels and hostels, near the beaches there are cozy family pensions. There are also several camping areas on the island. Keep in mind that in Chios there is not that luxury that on Mykonos and Santorini, but there are many great places for walking.

Things to do

I think you already understood that August 15th is a special day for the Greeks, Ios confirms this. On this day, one of the most impressive celebrations of the Panagia Gremiotissa is held here, when the procession carries the famous icon of the Virgin Mary around Hóra, all this is accompanied by a banquet, playing national instruments and dancing.
Walk along the ancient trails of Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá, which are still used by the local shepherds, so you will see the most beautiful islands.
The Ios Mountains are ideal for climbing, mountain climbing or cycling. At the peaks you will have an unforgettable view of the island and the endless expanse of the Aegean Sea.
On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári you can rent equipment for water sports, all the same surfing, water skiing, diving. Here you can be trained in surfing and canoeing.
There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants on this island. Every day, crowds of young people enjoy colorful cocktails, dancing until dawn and night bathing.

That's all, if you are going to Greece for the first time and do not yet know where to go, listen to our advice. IN