India, Sept. 15 -- Planning your first international trip feels like opening the first page of a brand-new adventure novel. Excitement, nerves, endless to-do lists; it's all part of the journey. But between the dream of sipping coffee in a new country and actually making it through immigration without panic, there are a few things you absolutely need to know. If you're a student, a solo traveller, or heading out with friends or family, these tips will help you travel smart, stress-free, and stylish.

The golden rule: your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. Many countries won't let you in otherwise. Visas, too, can be tricky, some require long processing times, while others offer visa-on-arrival or e-...