Whether you have the wanderlust bug or you want to take advantage of your college’s cross cultural opportunities, the planning is the most crucial part of the process. However, it is difficult to know where to start for first-time flyers and seasoned travelers alike. As a first-time flyer visiting eight countries in three months for a semester abroad, here are ten tips to help you prepare for your trip.

1. Be smart about your banking.

Foreign ATM's will often charge a 3 to 5 dollar transaction fee to your debit card. It is best to either contact your bank about their foreign transaction policies, or find a card company with lower fees. Try a Capital One 360 with all-point ATM access. A debit card will be easier to use when exchanging currency. Check windows in stores and restaurants to see if they accept cards. Apply for a credit card to use for emergencies.

2. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and boots

No matter where you're jetting off to or what the weather is, a good pair of walking shoes is a necessity. I recommend a pair of lightweight sneakers for everyday walking. The Reebok Skyscape Runaround and Sketchers brands are perfect for walking all day long without sore feet. Sketchers and Columbia have a nice selection of all weather proof boots and shoes for rain and snow.

3. Only bring the clothes that you wear most often.

This will help cut down on space and weight in your suitcase. Chances are you will only choose to wear the clothing and accessories that are your favorites. Bring clothing that can easily be layered, does not wrinkle easily, and that can be mixed and matched easily.

4. Leave room for souvenirs.

You're going to want to commemorate your trip, and bring gifts home for family and friends. Leave room for souvenirs so you don't have to buy a bag on the way home. Find souvenirs that are light and cost-effective such as coasters from restaurants you visit that could be framed or decoupaged on a table.

5. Plan your classes accordingly

Find out which classes you need to take on your semester abroad early on, for easier scheduling. Even if you haven't signed up for the program yet, it's good to know early so you can wait to take those classes.

6. Find other ways to communicate

T-Mobile is one of the only phone companies with free international talk and text. If you have a different provider, use Facebook messenger, Google Hangouts, or Skype to message and video chat when you have wifi access. Or write postcards and letters from places you're visiting. Your loved ones will have a nice handwritten souvenir, and it's nice to send and receive mail while abroad.

7. Bring power converters

Some countries have outlets that aren't compatible with American plugs. If you're going to multiple countries, get a set with multiple plugs for each country, and a converter with multiple USB ports.

8. Keep copies of your passport in each bag

If your luggage or passport are stolen, you don't want to be stuck in the country without your belongings. It is recommended that you make copies of important documents like your passport and hide them in each piece of luggage in case of theft. If you know the places you will be staying, make copies of the address and put those in each bag as well so they can be sent to you if found.

9. Learn the language

No matter what country you are headed to, you will receive more respect if you try and speak their language first before using your language. Take a class before you go to learn the beginnings of the language, pick up a language dictionary, or download a language app on your phone such as Duolingo to practice survival phrases.

10. Study the culture

It is important to understand the culture you will be immersed in before you go, so as not to be offensive and unaware about how they operate. You will be able to get to know and empathize with the locals more intimately, and better understand what you are experiencing.

With these tips and more, you will be sure to have a successful, safe, and exciting trip of a lifetime.