Planning for your first international trip is a big deal, even for spontaneous souls like me. I usually do a little groundwork and then let things flow, but this time, being my first time abroad and traveling solo, I knew I had to up my game. After all, basic research always has helped me dodge the “uh-oh” moments and keep things on track. So, I started planning a month in advance. Buckle up, and I’ll walk you through how I did it all!

Finalizing the Travel Agency – GT Holidays Review

First things first: choosing a travel agency. This was also the moment I locked in Thailand as my first international destination. The idea of landing in a new place, feeling the humidity of the air as soon as you step off the plane, taking in the unfamiliar scent of the soil after a light rain, was enough to make my curiosity skyrocket. At the same time, the overwhelming “where do I even start” feeling crept in.

I decided to go with a travel agency for the added safety net. Being a solo traveler in a new country even though it might sound exciting I know for the first time I should learn how to maneuver through the process and learn how things work. I also wanted to learn the ropes of how international travel works—without being left stranded in a foreign country.

Here’s the tea on the travel agencies I contacted:

• Pickyourtrail: They don’t cater to group tours or solo travelers. Hard pass.
• Wander On, Wandertrust, and others: The prices were way too high, and that too without airfare. Nope!

Then, I landed on GT Holidays. They have been doing alot of promotions through influencers. So, I kind of found them reliable and I am pretty sure they have lot at stake so they don’t cheat me or abandon me at any point. So, the package they offered me was – 50K INR package that included airfare, food, accommodation, transportation, and 4–5 activities over 4 days and 3 nights (which eventually extended to 5 days and 4 nights). The departure was from Chennai, which made things super convenient for me. Since it was a group trip, I travelled with a group of 26 people. Most of them are retired. Including me only 3 people are below the age 27. Rest are above 45 years old.

What to look for in a travel agency:

• Commitment: Are they responsive and reliable?
• Flow of Organization: How seamless is the itinerary?
• Budget Justification: Does the package justify the cost?
• Communication: Is there a clear channel for queries and support?

GT Holidays – The Good and The Could-Be-Better

GT Holidays did a fair job with organizing the trip, especially with airport support and accommodations. And most importantly the pre booking process But… there were some issues.

• The trip was supposed to be on 27th Sep, but they suddenly, a week before changed the departure date to 30th. For me luckily it doesn’t matter as I don’t have any commitments but imagine for others. Not a good move.
• The hotels in Pattaya and Bangkok (Season’s Properties) were just okay. Amenities were meh, nothing to write home about.
• I was paired with two women over 55 years old. So in a room for two they squeezed an extra steel cot with a rigid bed in the room, which was fine, but not ideal. Not very comfortable, I paid the same amount as everyone, so I wasn’t ashamed to pester the housekeeping team to give me extra layers in bed and blanket to make myself comfortable.
• Food – Tooooo repetitive menu even though they take to different Indian restaurants. Its understandable considering how some Indians don’t entertain trying Thai food. For me… Its a no no. It would be nice if they have an opt out option.
• Key issues: In Pattaya, my room key went missing, and I had to pay a fine of 200 Baht. In Bangkok, there was only one key, which the staff often held onto, leaving me locked out way too often.
• And then there was the itinerary. Too basic. Seems like it wasn’t a well researched itinerary. Since I majored in Tourism Management. I wanna say that, its worse. It felt outdated for someone my age, but thanks to my “trippy mindset,” I snuck out and made my own fun! Lesson learned: never rely solely on a pre-planned itinerary.

Pro-tip: Always do your own research before heading out — it’s your trip, not theirs!

Prior Research on Thailand: How I Did It

Yes, I went into full research mode! I initially wanted to visit Chiang Mai, but packages didn’t quite fit my budget. So, I focused on Bangkok and Pattaya to make the most of my time.

Here’s how I researched:

1. Google: The OG resource for travel articles.
2. Instagram: Perfect for finding popular spots and hidden gems.
3. Netflix: Specifically, the Street Food Asia documentary — gave me serious Michelin star restaurant goals. From there I went to Michelin official page looked in to their Thailand guide to explore some of the restaurants.
4. Microsoft Bing Travel: Handy tools for must-visit spots.
5. ChatGPT & Microsoft Copilot: My personal assistant for budgeting and planning. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver!

Budgeting: Pre-Travel vs. Travel Expenses

It’s no secret that budgeting is crucial, especially for a first international trip. Let me break it down for you:

Pre-Travel Expenses:

• Travel booking: Around 50K INR for the package.
• Pre-travel purchases: I spent about 10–15K INR. 

I’ll confess: I might’ve spent a little too much on clothes, considering my career break situation. But with Myntra Fashion sales and travel kits from Miniso, I managed to make things inside my suitcase fashionably affordable.

Travel Expenses:

• Foreign Currency Exchange: I exchanged around 25K INR for 10,000 Baht.

I recommend carrying at least 10,000 baht in cash if you’re going through a travel agency. Although the package covers most meals and stays, you’ll still need extra for fun activities (like sneaking out of the itinerary, wink wink) and street food. Here’s a breakdown:

• Local transport: 500-1,000 baht for cabs and bike taxis
• Thai food: 1,500-2,000 baht (which I sadly couldn’t spend enough on)
• Additional activities: 1,000-2,000 baht (because who doesn’t want more experiences?)

I carried 9500 Baht and saved around 4500 Baht on my return.

Packing Tips: Travel Light but Right

Packing is an art—an art I perfected with a lot of trial and error.

1. Trolley with international travel lock: I got one from Skybag for 3.5K INR. Not the best purchase — the wheels squeaked after one trip. Lesson learned.
2. Organizers and pouches: Keep things tidy.
3. Proper footwear: Slippers for the beach are a must.
4. Outfits and accessories: Flaunt-worthy, of course!
5. Sunglasses: A must-have — I used my prescription glasses with UV protection. Carry umbrella for safer side. You can also get raincoats at 7 Eleven. So, no issues.

Here is a template from Canva which you can use its a bit close to what I do usually: https://www.canva.com/templates/EAFfvYYHwA4-beige-pale-green-aesthetic-travel-checklist/

SIM Card vs. International Roaming: What’s Better?

Here’s my take: I opted for an international roaming package before the trip, and I’m glad I did. If you’re on a short trip like mine, it’s better than buying a local SIM. Plus, you stay connected with family without the hassle of switching numbers. I have recharged with 899 INR package which is for 10Days… Yeah sounds absurd but that is the only package with 1GB data, 100min call, and 50 SMS.

Visa Process: A Breeze (For Now!)

Currently, Thailand doesn’t require a visa for travel until November, so I lucked out. But if you’re traveling after November, you’ll need one. Make sure to use your travel agent’s support to get it sorted smoothly.

Dos and Don’ts Before Going to Thailand

When visiting Thailand, being respectful of their culture and traditions is essential for a smooth trip. Here are a few dos and don’ts I kept in mind:

• Negotiate prices with a smile: Haggling is common, but always do it with a smile and respect. Bargaining should be friendly, not aggressive.
• Avoid drinking tap water: Stick to bottled water. Tap water is not potable for foreigners, and it’s best to play it safe.
• Avoid littering: Thai people value cleanliness, so always dispose of your trash properly. It’s not just about courtesy but also about keeping the environment clean.
• Respect the Royal Family: Thailand takes its monarchy seriously. Avoid making jokes or comments about the royal family in any context, whether in conversation or on social media.
• Dress modestly in temples: Always cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples. It’s a sign of respect in sacred places.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving something: Whether it’s a business card or a gift, using both hands shows respect and politeness.
• Don’t point with your feet or touch anyone’s head: Feet are considered the lowest part of the body in Thai culture. Never point your feet at people, religious objects, or images of the royal family. 
• Be cautious with gestures: Avoid touching someone’s head. In Thai culture, the head is sacred.
• Download Thai Commute Apps: Bolt & Grab were my lifesavers

Few Thai Terms and Phrases to Know

Knowing a few basic Thai phrases can make your trip smoother and show your respect for the local culture. Here are some essential ones:

• Sawadee ka/krub – Hello (ka for women, krub for men)
• Khob khun ka/krub – Thank you
• Mai pen rai – It’s okay / No problem
• Chai – Yes
• Mai chai – No
• Tao rai? – How much?
• Nam  – Water
• Hong nam – Bathroom
• Ting tong – Crazy (use this sparingly and only in fun contexts!)
• Sabai sabai – Relax / Take it easy
  

So, yes, that’s how much effort goes into planning your first international trip, especially when you’re as detail-oriented (and sometimes overthinking) as me! From choosing the right travel agency to researching every little thing, I wanted to make sure my first international adventure went as smoothly as possible.

In the next post of this series, I’ll take you through my time in Pattaya like what I saw, what I experienced, and the little moments that made it unforgettable. Trust me, there’s so much to look forward to, so stay tuned!

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