Wisdom is profitable to direct. Tourism is most enjoyed with guidance. Learn more on “Real Lessons I Learned on My First Time Traveling Abroad”.
It’s impossible to really describe the sensation of first-time international travel until you’ve been there yourself. You can read all the “things to know before your trip” articles, watch all the YouTube vlogs, and browse through countless Instagram travel reels, but nothing compares to actually leaving Nigeria for the first time, I promise.
I recall holding my passport in hand, clutching my little hand luggage, and wondering about everything as I stood at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Was it enough that I packed? Have I overlooked anything? What happens if I don’t understand a question that immigration asks me?
Now when I look back, I laugh. However, I was simultaneously terrified, excited, perplexed, and hopeful at the time. I was transformed by that first trip. And today, I want to share the honest, personal facts of the lessons I received from that experience—not the romanticized, travel influencer version.
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Real Lessons I Learned on My First Time Traveling Abroad
Your Nigerian passport will make you feel inferior.
This is where we should begin. Because as soon as I arrived at the foreign airport, this was the first unpleasant reality I discovered.
I was taken aside at check-in as other passengers went through immigration with ease. My return ticket was examined, my paperwork were double-checked, and I received more questions than I would have at a job interview. I had a green passport, not because I appeared suspicious.
I rapidly discovered that you will always need to prove yourself twice if you hold a Nigerian passport. And even if you think something is unfair, you have to learn to maintain your composure and respect.
I developed emotional self-control while traveling elsewhere. It taught me how to maintain my composure in the face of criticism.
Not All Nations Are as “Perfect” as We Believe
My romanticization of Nigeria began before I left the country. I anticipated immaculate roads, flawless systems, and countless happy people. A surprise was in store for me.
Yes, there was more organization. The city was clean, the power supply was reliable, and public transportation operated. However, I also witnessed racism, homelessness, and poverty. I witnessed people battling identity issues, loneliness, and depression—even in a location that appeared “perfect” from a distance.
It served as a reminder of reality. I came to see that every nation faces unique challenges. And that experiencing things as they are, not just how we picture them, is the main goal of traveling overseas.
Culture Shock Is Real, and It Silently Humbles You
I realized as soon as I touched down that I was no longer in Nigeria. People stayed to themselves, the weather was different, and everything felt strange, including how they ordered food and greeted one another.
No one replied when I tried to smile at strangers the way we do at home. Instead of offering to help, the person I requested for assistance directed me to a machine. I felt isolated for a while.
Slowly, rather than abruptly, culture shock manifested as a string of minor annoyances. However, I eventually adapted. I began to observe instead of comparing everything to Nigeria. I paid closer attention. I adjusted.
And that’s the key: you have to make some concessions to meet halfway; foreign countries won’t do it for you.
Managing Your Money Is a Survival Skill
I believed I had a solid budget before my vacation. I had budgeted for lodging, food, and transportation. The hidden expenses—tips, taxes, foreign transaction fees, last-minute Uber rides, and emergency toiletries—were not included in my calculations.
I found myself spending like a tourist during my first week overseas. I had to face the fact that I was running low by the second week.
I realized then what discipline and financial knowledge really meant. I began to keep note of every penny I spent. I learned the value of taking public transit and preparing my own meals.
Most significantly, I discovered that having money isn’t the only thing that makes traveling overseas possible; it’s also about managing it well.
You’ll miss home in unexpected ways.
I didn’t anticipate missing Nigeria. To be honest, I was eager to get out. However, after three days, I started to crave suya. I missed the craziness of NEPA absorbing light, the loud, the unpredictable nature, and the human connection.
It can be silent overseas. Too silent. People don’t care about anything. The streets are frigid yet well-organized. And occasionally, you’ll have a deep-seated homesickness that goes beyond food to include identity.
I learned to value things that I had taken for granted back home, such as the smell of mother cooked rice on a busy street or impromptu interactions with strangers.
It’s All About the Documentation
My return trip was nearly wrecked by a single minor error: I neglected to print out my hotel registration confirmation. I had it on my phone, but the Wi-Fi in the airport was awful, and my phone’s battery was running low.
Always keep hard copies of your important documents, including your passport bio page, visa approval, return ticket, hotel reservation, and proof of finances. You can’t predict when technology will let you down.
I became a more disciplined traveler as a result of that experience. It showed me that although excitement and good vibes are fantastic, you’ll be safer with paperwork and specifics.
Self-assurance is your best asset.
This one is large.
I had no idea how to purchase a ticket the first time I boarded a train overseas. As I stood at the machine, I observed individuals moving and tapping. I felt threatened. However, I inhaled deeply, approached someone, and inquired.
They gladly assisted me.
That’s when I started acting out of fear. requesting directions. establishing new friendships. participating on a walking tour. investigating new neighborhoods.
I discovered that having all the answers isn’t the key to confidence. It’s about choosing to attempt despite not knowing and accepting that fact.
Insightful Remarks
After leaving Nigeria, I discovered who I was.
My first international trip altered me in unexpected ways. I was challenged by it. I was stretched by it. However, it also gave me more power.
I returned with tales. with expansion. with a better understanding of my identity and my life goals.
Not every international travel is glamorous. It can be difficult, perplexing, and isolating. However, you will return stronger, more observant, and more self-aware if you allow the voyage to enter your heart.
Be open-minded when organizing your first trip. Put the flex away. Aim for the growth.
Additionally, keep in mind that you travel to meet new versions of yourself, not only to visit other countries.
