I’m Going Overseas for the First Time. What Should I Consider?

Ireland is a fantastic destination if you’re leaving the United States for the first time. It may feel intimidating to book your first trip abroad, but I promise it’s doable and exciting! Below are some things I recommend you think about, based on both my own travels and questions I often hear from first-time travelers.

How to Book Flights

There’s no single “best” way to find airfares, but my favorite tool is Google Flights because of the flexibility it offers when comparing dates and airports. Hopper and Skyscanner are also good options. One tip: once you find a flight you like, check the airline’s own website before booking. Sometimes you’ll get extra perks (like free seat selection or easier changes).

Passports and Visas

You’ll need a valid passport to enter both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for tourist visits under 90 days.

👉 If you don’t yet have a passport, I’ve written a step-by-step guide to getting your U.S. passport.

Travel Insurance

Do you need it? My advice: yes, at least consider it. Travel insurance generally covers two things: trip cancellation/interruption and health coverage abroad. A comprehensive policy usually runs about 5–7% of your total trip cost.

Also check whether your credit card offers built-in trip protection or whether your health insurance covers overseas care. If you do buy insurance, shop around and read the fine print. And bring a copy of your policy with you when you travel.

Customs and Immigration

When you arrive in Ireland, you’ll first meet immigration officers. They’ll stamp your passport and may ask the purpose of your trip and your length of stay. After picking up luggage, you’ll go through customs. Green channel = nothing to declare. Red channel = if you’re bringing in items above the duty-free allowance.

Certain items (like drugs, plants, and poultry) are banned; alcohol and tobacco are allowed but in limited amounts. The Irish Revenue website has details.

💡 Mary Lou’s Tip: If you’re flying back to the U.S.A. from Dublin or Shannon, you’ll go through U.S. Preclearance before boarding. That means when you arrive in the U.S., you’ll already be cleared as a domestic passenger - much less stress at arrival!

Packing

The best packing advice I’ve ever received: put everything you think you need on your bed or some other surface in your home. Then cut that pile in half. Pack half the pile and put the other half away. You’ll thank me later.

Bring a rain jacket, good walking shoes, sunglasses, and clothing you can layer. Ireland’s weather can change quickly. Don’t forget a universal adapter (Ireland uses Type G plugs). And leave a little space in your bag for souvenirs.

Currency

The Republic of Ireland uses the euro, while Northern Ireland uses pound sterling. I recommend using your debit card at an ATM upon arrival to get local currency. Local ATMs typically offer the best exchange rate.

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express and Discover work in some places, but not everywhere. Look for a card that has no foreign transaction fees before you travel.

👉 If a store asks if you want to pay in dollars or euros, always choose euros.

💡 Mary Lou’s Tip: Tap-to-pay is the norm. Even small shops and taxis use it. Make sure your card or phone wallet is enabled for contactless payments.

Budget

Your budget depends on when you go, how you get around, and your style of travel. A good rule of thumb is €125–150 per day per person, with about €30–40 of that on food. Sites like Budget Your Trip can help estimate costs.

Vaccinations

There are no vaccination requirements to enter Ireland. The CDC lists a few optional recommended vaccines, but nothing is mandatory.

Mobile Phone

Check with your U.S. carrier about international options. Some (like T-Mobile or Google Fi) already include data abroad. Others let you buy a daily international plan. Another option: buy a local SIM card once you arrive.

Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, hotels, and airports, so even if you don’t have a cell plan, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay connected.

Weather

Ireland is famous for rain, but you might luck out and only see a sprinkle or two. If that happens, every Irish person you meet will tell you how fortunate you are and that you “brought the good weather with you!” On the flip side, you could spend a summer there and only see the sun twice (true story).

The climate is moderate: summer highs are usually in the 60s and 70s°F (teens to low 20s°C).

💡 Mary Lou’s Tip: Pack layers. You may need sunglasses and a rain jacket in the same afternoon.

Final Thoughts

I hope these tips make your first overseas trip feel a little less intimidating. Ireland is a wonderful place to start exploring the world. It’s friendly, approachable, and full of charm.

If you’re ready to dive deeper, check out my Itinerary Builder.