How difficult is it to travel overseas for the first time?

Specifically, here is my situation:



I have never been outside the U.S. before, and want to take my mom to Milan next April (she has never left the U.S. either). It seems like it鈥檚 not very difficult to plan a trip overseas, so I鈥檓 wondering what exactly I鈥檒l need to do (maybe in the form of a checklist or something).



I have researched travel packages through Yahoo that will give me a flight and a hotel, and they seem reasonable. We both have passports already, and have done some very basic research on how to get around the city using the public transportation system. Exchanging money shouldn鈥檛 be too difficult, either. Is it really that simple? Keep in mind, we鈥檙e both new to this sort of thing and are just winging it at the moment.



I just planned my wedding, which was a huge commitment that practically took over my life towards the end, so maybe I鈥檓 just assuming planning a trip to Milan is harder than it actually is. What things do I need to plan for???How difficult is it to travel overseas for the first time?There are a lot of little things people tend to forget while traveling, but make such a difference when you have them.



Toothbrush and toothpaste, seriously people forget them but it helps alot of have your own.



Pads/tampons. Don't expect to find your favourite brand at the local store.



Food, you never know when having your own food just might save your life.



Book/music, there are often dull moments while traveling, especially on long trips. Having a good book around can keep you from going insane.



Travel log. Number one thing people forget, then they get home and forget all those lovely details. Have a camera, a diary, so you can remember your trip forever.



Have fun :)How difficult is it to travel overseas for the first time?The best thing to do is not to have a specific timeline. Traveling in Europe takes a bit of getting used to but it isn't to hard to get the swing of things. If you are a checklist sort of person, then based on your research you should have a good idea of what you want to see and experience (the Medditeranean or the running of the bulls etc.) I have only traveled by train and it was a wonderful way to meet new people. All in all, be FLEXIBLE. If you have goals, don't expect to accomplish them all because the experience is the most important part of your trip. Allow yourself at certain sites to stay longer or leave sooner because you want to not because of what your itenerary determine but because of how you feel.

You will find many helpful and wonderful peoples in your travels, enjoy the moments.How difficult is it to travel overseas for the first time?its easier then you think. english is the international language but you should strive to learn the local language and culture. you never backpacked in college?!?