overseas travel definition

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• For Travelers

Travel Overseas

This section provides information for international travelers about planning for your trip, returning home, navigating passenger processing. You can also find brochures about traveling overseas.

Travel Alerts

Travel Alerts are issued when short-term conditions that pose risks to the security of U.S. citizens.

Travel Warnings

Travel Warnings are issued when long-term conditions make a country dangerous or unstable and U.S. citizens should avoid or consider the risk of traveling to that country.

Preparing for your Trip

A passport is required for overseas travel. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport - do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

Find out if you need to get a visa. United States citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. If you have a visa, we recommend you make a copy and put it in a separate place. Carry your visa with you — do not pack it in your checked luggage.

Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP ) provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings at ports of entry.

Learn about the types of identification that are required for travel in the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America). There are six types of acceptable documents for crossing US borders.

All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children.

• If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
• If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent. For example, "I acknowledge that my wife/ husband is traveling out of the country with my son/ daughter. He/She/ has my permission to do so."
• If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent.

If bringing a dog, have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccinations from a veterinarian in your country of residence. Prior to your trip, check with your airline for its rules on transporting animals – many airlines require a health certificate.

Returning Home

Find out what is prohibited or restricted before you pack for your trip. Products that would harm community health, public safety and domestic plant and animal life are restricted from entering the United States and are subject to seizure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency .

Other considerations for packing:

• Carry only medication needed for the trip in its original container. Do not pack it.
• Carry only the jewelry needed for the trip. Do not pack it.

Navigating Passenger Processing

When planning connecting flights to or from the United States, allow at least two hours between flights. Allow time for CBP processing that must be completed at your first port of entry.

If entering the United States by air or sea, you will receive en route a CBP Declaration Form 6059B and, if you are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, a CBP Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record . Complete all sections of the forms.

Review the CBP Inspection Process before your travel. Listed below are general steps for the inspection process.

• On your U.S. arrival, go to the primary CBP passport control area. The CBP officer will ask to see all of your travel documents and the completed CBP forms. The officer may refer you for a secondary screening.
• Proceed to baggage claim to pick up luggage.
• Go to the CBP customs inspection checkpoint and show your declaration to the CBP officer, who may examine your bags and refer you for a secondary inspection.
• Pay duty, if applicable.

Traveling Overseas Resources

These resources can help navigate traveling overseas. 

• Know Before You Go – Regulations for International Travel
• International Travel Tips – Online resources for common questions about international travel
• Welcome to the United States – A Guide for International Visitors
• Import/Export Forms – Travel documents and forms
• Ports of Entry (Air, Land, Sea) – Locate the ports of entry into the United States
• How Do I - For Travelers

What is international tourism and why is it important?

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The International tourism industry is stronger than ever before. Destinations around the world have developed their economies around international tourism and they are thriving (minus the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, but I am confident that tourism will return so I am going to put that to one side for now). But what does it all mean?

In this article I am going to introduce you to the exciting world of international tourism- the industry that I have lived and breathed for so many years. The industry that I love. So here goes…

What is international tourism?

International tourism definitions, foreign exchange earnings, contribution to government revenues, employment generation, contribution to local economies, overall economy boost, preserving local culture, strengthening communities, provision of social services, commercialisation of culture and art, revitalisation of culture and art, preservation of heritage, empowering communities, protecting nature, international tourism statistics, international tourism: conclusion, further reading.

Tourism is the generic term used to cover both demand and supply that has been adopted in a variety of forms and used throughout the world.

International tourism essentially refers to the activities undertaken by visitors, also known as the visitor economy. The tourism industry encompasses all activity that takes place within the visitor economy.

This includes activities that are directly related to the tourist, such as staying in a hotel, ordering a meal or visiting a tourist attraction. It also includes indirect activities, such as the transport company which delivers the food to the restaurant in which the tourist eats or the laundry company that has a contract with the hotel for cleaning bed sheets.

It is largely due to the indirect contributions to tourism, that defining and measuring the tourism industry is so difficult!

Tourism is a phenomenon with no universally accepted definition, owing to the complexity and individualism of the travellers themselves and the activities that they choose to undertake.

The most widely utilised definition of tourism, proposed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and United States (UN) Nations Statistics Division (1994), prescribes that in order to qualify as a tourist one must travel and remain in a place outside of their usual residential environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes.

Matheison and Wall (1982) on the other hand, do not impose a timeframe, simply stating that one must travel to a destination temporarily.

Leiper (1979) believed that defining tourism is more complex than this, proposing that there are three approaches that can be taken. The economic stance focuses on tourism as a business, the technical stance focusses on the tourist in order to provide a common basis by which to collect data and the holistic stance attempts to include the entire essence of the subject.

The Cambridge Dictionary define tourism quite simply as; ‘the business of providing services such as transport, places to stay or entertainment for people who are on holiday’.

As there is no universal definition for the term ‘international tourism’, for the purposes of this article I will define it as follows:

‘International tourism is the act of travelling to another country other than where you live for no more than one year for purposes of leisure or business’.

Why is international tourism important?

International tourism is hugely important. There are a number of key reasons for this that I will outline below.

Value to the economy

International tourism can help economies to bring in money in a number of different ways. Below I have provided some examples of the positive economic impacts of tourism .

The importance of international tourism is demonstrated through foreign exchange earnings. 

Tourism expenditures generate income to the host economy. The money that the country makes from tourism can then be reinvested in the economy.

How a destination manages their finances differs around the world; some destinations may spend this money on growing their tourism industry further, some may spend this money on public services such as education or healthcare and some destinations suffer extreme corruption so nobody really knows where the money ends up!

Some currencies are worth more than others and so some countries will target tourists from particular areas. Currencies that are strong are generally the most desirable currencies. This typically includes the British Pound, American, Australian and Singapore Dollar and the Euro . 

Tourism is one of the top five export categories for as many as 83% of countries and is a main source of foreign exchange earnings for at least 38% of countries.

The importance of international tourism is also demonstrated through the money that is raised and contributed to government revenues. Tourism can help to raise money that it then invested elsewhere by the Government. There are two main ways that this money is accumulated. 

Direct contributions  are generated by taxes on incomes from tourism employment and tourism businesses and things such as departure taxes. 

According to the World Tourism Organisation, the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP in 2018 was $2,750.7billion (3.2% of GDP). This is forecast to rise by 3.6% to $2,849.2billion in 2019.

Indirect contributions  come from goods and services supplied to tourists which are not directly related to the tourism industry. 

There is also the income that is generated through  induced contributions . This accounts for money spent by the people who are employed in the tourism industry. This might include costs for housing, food, clothing and leisure Activities amongst others. This will all contribute to an increase in economic activity in the area where tourism is being developed. 

The importance of international tourism can be demonstrated through employment generation.

The rapid expansion of international tourism has led to significant employment creation. From hotel managers to theme park operatives to cleaners, tourism creates many employment opportunities. Tourism supports some 7% of the world’s workers. 

There are two types of employment in the tourism industry: direct and indirect. 

Direct employment  includes jobs that are immediately associated with the tourism industry. This might include hotel staff, restaurant staff or taxi drivers, to name a few.

Indirect employment includes jobs which are not technically based in the tourism industry, but are related to the tourism industry.

It is because of these indirect relationships, that it is very difficult to accurately measure the precise economic value of tourism, and some suggest that the actual economic benefits of tourism may be as high as double that of the recorded figures!

The importance of international tourism can be further seen through the contributions to local economies.

All of the money raised, whether through formal or informal means, has the potential to contribute to the local economy. 

If  sustainable tourism  is demonstrated, money will be directed to areas that will benefit the local community most. There may be pro-poor tourism initiatives (tourism which is intended to help the poor) or  volunteer tourism  projects. The government may reinvest money towards public services and money earned by tourism employees will be spent in the local community. This is known as the multiplier effect. 

International tourism boosts the economy exponentially.

This is partly because of the aforementioned jobs that tourism creates, but also because of the temporary addition to the consumer population that occurs when someone travels to a new place.

Just think: when you travel, you’re spending money. You’re paying to stay in a hotel or hostel in a certain area – then you’re eating in local restaurants, using local public transport, buying souvenirs and ice cream and new flip flops. As a tourist, you are contributing to the global economy every time you book and take a trip.

For some towns, cities and even whole countries, the importance of international tourism is greater than for others. In some cases, it is the main source of income.

For example, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism accounts for almost 40% of the Maldives’ total GDP. In comparison, it’s less than 4% in the UK and even lower in the US! In the Seychelles the number is just over 26% while in the British Virgin Islands it is over 35% – so tourism is vastly important in these nations.

Other posts that you might be interested in: – What is tourism? A definition of tourism – The history of tourism – The structure of the tourism industry – Stakeholders in tourism – Inbound tourism explained: What, why and where – What is ABTA and how does it work? – Outbound tourism | Understanding the basics

Value to society

The importance of international tourism is not only recognised through economic factors, but there are also many positive social impacts of tourism that play an important part. Below I will outline some of the social gains from tourism.

It is the local culture that the tourists are often coming to visit and this is another way to demonstrate the importance of international tourism.

Tourists visit Beijing to learn more about the Chinese Dynasties. Tourists visit Thailand to taste authentic Thai food. Tourists travel to Brazil to go to the Rio Carnival, to mention a few…

Many destinations will make a conserved effort to preserve and protect the local culture. This often contributes to the conservation and  sustainable management  of natural resources, the protection of local heritage, and a renaissance of indigenous cultures, cultural arts and crafts. 

The importance of international tourism can also be demonstrated through the strengthening of communities.

Events and festivals of which local residents have been the primary participants and spectators are often rejuvenated and developed in response to tourist interest.

The jobs created by international tourism can also be a great boost for the local community. Aside from the  economic impacts  created by enhanced employment prospects, people with jobs are happier and more social than those without a disposable income. 

Local people can also increase their influence on tourism development, as well as improve their job and earnings prospects, through tourism-related professional training and development of business and organisational skills.

The importance of international tourism is shown through the provision of social services in the host community.

The international tourism industry requires many facilities/ infrastructure to meet the needs of the tourist. This often means that many developments in an area as a result of tourism will be available for use by the locals also. 

Local people often gained new roads, new sewage systems, new playgrounds, bus services etc as a result of tourism. This can provide a great boost to their quality of life and is a great example of a positive social impact of tourism. 

International tourism can see rise to many commercial business, which can be a positive social impact of tourism. This helps to enhance the community spirit as people tend to have more disposable income as a result. 

These businesses may also promote the local cultures and arts. Museums, shows and galleries are fantastic way to showcase the local customs and traditions of a destination. This can help to promote/ preserve local traditions.

Some destinations will encourage local cultures and arts to be revitalised. This may be in the form of museum exhibitions, in the way that restaurants and shops are decorated and in the entertainment on offer, for example. 

This may help promote traditions that may have become distant. 

Another reason for the importance of international tourism is the preservation of heritage. Many tourists will visit the destination especially to see its local heritage. It is for this reason that many destinations will make every effort to preserve its heritage. 

This could include putting restrictions in place or limiting tourist numbers, if necessary. This is often an example of careful  tourism planning  and sustainable tourism management. 

International tourism can, if managed well, empower communities. While it is important to consider the authenticity in tourism and take some things with a pinch of salt, know that tourism can empower communities.

Small villages in far off lands are able to profit from selling their handmade goods. This, in turn, puts food on the table. This leads to healthier families and more productivity and a happier population .

Value to the environment

Whilst most media coverage involving international tourism and the environment tends to be negative, there are some positives that can come from it: demonstrating the importance of tourism once again.

Some people think that international tourism is what kills nature. And while this could so easily be true, it is important to note that the tourism industry is and always has been a big voice when it comes to conservation and the protection of animals and nature. Tourism organisations and travel operators often run (and donate to) fundraisers. 

As well as this, visitors to certain areas can take part in activities that aim to sustain the local scenery. It’s something a bit different, too! You and your family can go on a beach clean up walk in Spain or do something similar in the UAE . There are a lot of ways in which tourism actually helps the environment, rather than hindering it!

Tourism brings with it huge economic potential for a destination that wishes to develop their tourism industry. Employment, currency exchange, imports and taxes are just a few of the ways that tourism can bring money into a destination.

In recent years, tourism numbers have increased globally at exponential rates, as shown in the World Tourism Organisation data below. There are a number of reasons for this growth including improvements in technology, increases in disposable income, the growth of budget airlines and consumer desires to travel further, to new destinations and more often.

Here are a few statistics providing by the UN and Statistica:

Here are a few facts about the economic importance of the tourism industry globally:

• The tourism economy represents 5 percent of world GDP
• Tourism contributes to 6-7 percent of total employment
• International tourism ranks fourth (after fuels, chemicals and automotive products) in global exports
• The tourism industry is valued at US$1trillion a year
• Tourism accounts for 30 percent of the world’s exports of commercial services
• Tourism accounts for 6 percent of total exports
• 1.4billion international tourists were recorded in 2018 (UNWTO)
• In over 150 countries, tourism is one of five top export earners
• Tourism is the main source of foreign exchange for one-third of developing countries and one-half of less economically developed countries (LEDCs)

There is a wealth of data about the economic value of tourism worldwide, with lots of handy graphs and charts in the United Nations Economic Impact Report .

International tourism is arguably the largest industry in the world. There are many benefits of international tourism to local economies as well as society and the environment. The many components of tourism that make up the industry are integral to livelihoods the world over.

• An Introduction to Tourism : a comprehensive and authoritative introduction to all facets of tourism including: the history of tourism; factors influencing the tourism industry; tourism in developing countries; sustainable tourism; forecasting future trends.
• The Business of Tourism Management : an introduction to key aspects of tourism, and to the practice of managing a tourism business.
• Tourism Management: An Introduction : gives its reader a strong understanding of the dimensions of tourism, the industries of which it is comprised, the issues that affect its success, and the management of its impact on destination economies, environments and communities.

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What Does Travel Abroad Mean? (Trip, Diff, Jobs, FAQs)

• May 6, 2020

Traveling abroad offers a gateway to diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes. It challenges perceptions, broadens horizons, and provides a deeper understanding of the global community we share.

This article explains what it means to travel abroad and other related tips.

What is Considered Abroad?

“Abroad” is considered any country other than one’s home country.

When someone says they are going or studying “abroad,” they mean they are traveling to, living in, or studying in a country different from where they currently reside or are a citizen.

Essentially, it refers to foreign lands outside one’s national borders.

What is Travel Abroad?

Traveling abroad means leaving one’s home country to visit another country for purposes such as tourism, business, study, or other reasons.

It involves crossing international borders and experiencing different cultures, languages, foods, and environments.

Traveling abroad can offer opportunities to learn about new traditions, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and see landmarks and natural wonders that might be very different from what one is accustomed to.

This type of travel often requires preparations like obtaining a passport, visa (if necessary), and understanding the local customs and regulations of the destination country.

It provides a broader perspective on the world, challenges one’s comfort zones, and enriches personal experiences.

What Does Trip Abroad Mean?

A “trip abroad” refers to the journey one takes to a foreign land, different from their place of residence.

This could be for various reasons: sightseeing, exploring new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, business meetings, or attending events.

While on such trips, travelers often encounter new languages, cuisines, customs, and traditions. These experiences can provide a broader perspective on the world and enrich one’s understanding of global diversity.

What Does Travelling overseas Mean?

“Travelling overseas” entails venturing beyond your home country to explore regions separated typically by vast bodies of water, like oceans or seas.

When someone travels overseas, they step into a realm of new cultures, languages, cuisines, and landscapes.

This journey can offer a blend of adventure and learning, as travelers immerse themselves in unfamiliar environments, navigating different customs and traditions.

It’s an opportunity to broaden horizons, meet diverse people, and gather unique experiences.

What Does Fly Abroad Mean?

When someone says they are going to “fly abroad,” they mean they will board an airplane to leave their home country and land in a different nation.

This journey typically involves crossing international borders, and travelers will experience different cultures, time zones, and perhaps climates when they reach their destination.

It’s a way of traveling long distances quickly to explore or work in foreign lands.

What Does Going Abroad Mean?

“Going abroad” means leaving your home country to visit or stay in another country.

This could be for various reasons such as tourism, education, work, or any other personal or professional purpose.

When someone goes abroad, they experience new cultures, traditions, languages, and environments, providing a broader perspective of the world.

What Does Vacation Abroad mean?

“Vacation abroad” refers to traveling to a different country for leisure or relaxation.

During this time, individuals or families take a break from their routine life, explore new places, experience foreign cultures, taste different cuisines, and engage in recreational activities.

It’s a way to rejuvenate, learn, and create memories in a setting different from one’s usual surroundings.

What is the Difference between Abroad and Overseas?

“Abroad” and “Overseas” are both terms that refer to locations outside one’s home country, but their usage can vary based on context and nuance. Here’s a simplified explanation:

“Abroad” is a broad term that denotes any country other than one’s own. It doesn’t specify the geographical relationship between the countries; just that the location is foreign.

For example, if someone from the U.S. said they were studying abroad in Canada, it would be accurate even though Canada is the U.S.’s neighboring country and not separated by a sea or ocean.

“Overseas”, on the other hand, carries a slight geographical implication. The term often suggests that the location is across a sea or ocean.

For instance, for someone in the U.K., going to France could be considered traveling overseas because they have to cross the English Channel, even though both countries are part of the same continent.

However, in modern usage, “overseas” can be used similarly to “abroad” without a strict maritime context.

In essence, while both terms can often be used interchangeably, “overseas” has a maritime undertone, while “abroad” is a more general term for any foreign country.

Why Traveling is Important?

Traveling is something that can’t really be expressed in words; it’s a feeling, it’s joyful, and whenever you are getting into a new location or, more often, a new country, you feel fresh.

So, traveling is really important because it exposes you and makes you a better learner.

Here are the reasons traveling is important:

1. Traveling builds courage and confidence to be with other people:

As a traveler, you won’t feel too timid to ask someone for help or directions because you are already exposed, and know that people are always willing to help when you ask properly.

2. It helps you learn a new language:

If you are a constant traveler to China, I know you will learn to speak Chinese bit by bit. Yea, I know it won’t be as easy as it seems, but as time goes on, you will keep improving.

3. Traveling helps you to step out of your favorite location and try out new places and cultures:

You have been in your home and city and feel like it’s the best in the world; traveling will help open your eyes to new locations that are much better than where you are, even with more opportunities and networks.

Benefits of Domestic Traveling

Traveling domestically can be more cost-effective than venturing abroad. Shorter distances typically mean reduced expenses. Plus, there’s no need to navigate foreign exchange rates, which can further save money.

Journeying within your nation lets you delve deep into its roots and history, transforming you from an observer to a passionate narrator.

Choosing land travel, like by car or train, within your borders allows you to immerse in the surroundings, rather than just gazing at clouds from an airplane window when flying internationally.

Being in familiar territory, interactions become smoother. Sharing a language and cultural understanding ensures easier communication with fellow citizens.

Moreover, domestic travel can minimize health risks, sparing you potential exposure to illnesses prevalent in foreign lands.

Cultural Benefits of Traveling Abroad:

People travel for different reasons; some travel to some parts of the world for cultural purposes like seeing a discovery, watching a dance that happens at a certain time of the year, and many more…Here are the cultural benefits of traveling:

1. You get to understand the culture from Someone who lives in that country:

As you travel to another country for cultural purposes, you will get to ask questions and get answers from people who are already indigenes of that place and have first-class answers to your questions.

Also,, if you want to move to another location, you will be assisted by someone in that locality.

2. New Type of Food:

This is a really interesting fact about traveling. You get to taste their food and see the health benefits of some of the foods that are medicinal to health, which you can take back to your own country.

Read this: How to get an Excellent Bank Statement for Visa

Educational Benefits of Traveling Abroad:

Apart from the cultural benefits, there are still educational benefits. Though some were mentioned above, here is more on the Educational Benefits of Traveling abroad:

1. You will have stories to tell your people or your friends:

Sure, you know you will take pictures and make videos of your trip, which can be shared for educational purposes during presentations or quizzes in school and give you a higher edge over others in the school.

2. You will be Humble:

As you explore new places, you will get to be more humble and willing to learn because the people there are your instructors and are the ones who will direct you on what to do.

3. You will value your skills:

Sometimes, the skills you don’t value could be valuable when traveling abroad. Traveling will make you improve on what you have and become more valuable to others.

4. Practical Teaching:

When you travel abroad to a good college for studies, you get a more practical class or a more in-depth class on what you were taught in your own country, thus making you more knowledgeable in theory and practical.

Disadvantages of Traveling Abroad:

Sure, you know that for every advantage, there is a disadvantage, here are the disadvantages of traveling:

1. The Cost:

Most times, the money spent on a journey abroad is so much that when a family returns from a vacation, they tend to struggle to get back on track because of some unnecessary expenses made throughout the journey.

2. Language Barrier:

If you are traveling to China from the US; you will have an issue with the language barrier between English and Chinese. This sometimes leads to a loss of money due to poor understanding.

3. Inconvenience:

There can be inconveniences from not being comfortable in your destination, as in the type of food they eat, their lifestyle, and how they behave towards foreigners.

4. You will lose most of your friends:

Sometimes, you will travel abroad; you will lose most of your friends due to poor communication.

Another thing is the time differences in the different countries, such that the time you will be free might be when your friend is busy.

Read this: 10 Actionable Steps to make and keep friends in your 20s.

Jobs that Allows You to Travel Abroad

1. flight attendant:.

Working for global airlines, flight attendants ensure passenger safety and comfort, experiencing diverse cultures during layovers in various cities and countries.

2. Travel Blogger/YouTuber:

Documenting and sharing unique global travel experiences, these content creators monetize their passion, informing and inspiring audiences while exploring both popular and hidden destinations.

3. Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer:

Serving as a country’s representative overseas, diplomats foster international relationships, manage embassies, and assist citizens abroad, immersing in diverse cultures.

4. International Aid Worker:

With humanitarian missions worldwide, these compassionate individuals work in challenging settings, addressing crises, promoting health, and improving living standards in underserved regions.

5. Travel Nurse:

Addressing global healthcare shortages, these nurses temporarily relocate to areas in need, providing crucial medical services while gaining unique clinical experiences.

6. International Salesperson:

Building and maintaining global client relationships, these professionals travel extensively, understanding diverse markets, cultures, and business practices.

7. Cruise Ship Worker:

Living on sea vessels, these individuals offer varied services, from entertainment to dining, experiencing picturesque sea routes and exploring port cities during stops.

8. ESL Teacher (Teaching English as a Second Language):

By teaching English in schools or private institutions overseas, these educators immerse themselves in local cultures, making lasting impacts on students’ lives.

9. Travel Guide or Tour Operator:

With deep knowledge about destinations, they lead and educate groups, offering enriched experiences and insights into local history, culture, and attractions.

10. International Consultant:

Experts in specific domains, they advise companies globally, solving complex challenges, driving growth, and tailoring solutions to diverse cultural contexts.

11. Marine Biologist or Oceanographer:

Investigating marine life and oceanic phenomena, these scientists often embark on expeditions, diving into uncharted waters, and making groundbreaking discoveries.

12. Archaeologist:

Unearthing history from ancient civilizations, these researchers travel to excavation sites globally, decoding the past and shedding light on human evolution.

Steering aircrafts across continents, pilots experience different aerial views, climates, and cultures, ensuring safe transit for passengers and cargo.

14. Photojournalist:

Capturing global events through their lens, these journalists tell compelling stories, often venturing into conflict zones or remote areas, presenting unseen narratives.

15. Field Researcher:

Specialists in various academic fields, they undertake exhaustive studies in foreign environments, gathering vital data and insights, contributing to global knowledge pools.

Jobs that Allows You to Travel Abroad With No Experience

1. au pair:.

Living with a foreign host family and assisting with childcare tasks, au pairs deeply immerse themselves in a new cultural setting.

It not only offers insight into daily life but also facilitates language learning, local excursions, and forming lifelong bonds with host family members.

2. Hostel Worker:

Hostels around the world often hire enthusiastic travelers for short stints.

These roles, ranging from front desk operations to event planning, provide a unique opportunity to interact with global travelers, share stories, gain hospitality experience, and often live in a vibrant community setting, all while exploring the local area.

3. WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms):

By volunteering on organic farms, participants dive deep into sustainable living.

Beyond farming, it fosters understanding local agricultural practices, community living, and the rhythms of rural life, making it an enriching cultural exchange.

4. Travel Blogger/YouTuber:

While entering the world of travel content creation might seem daunting, passion and dedication are key.

Aspiring bloggers or vloggers document their journeys, grow their audience over time, and can eventually collaborate with tourism boards or brands, transforming their passion into a rewarding career.

5. Teaching English Abroad:

Countries with a high demand for English often welcome native speakers. Even without prior experience, securing a position can be relatively easy.

Beyond teaching, this role facilitates community engagement, local exploration, and a deeper understanding of regional educational systems.

6. Cruise Ship Worker:

A floating city, cruise ships offer myriad roles, from entertainment artists to spa therapists.

Working on board ensures not only a paycheck but also a chance to dock at multiple global ports, offering glimpses into varied cultures and landscapes.

7. Tour Guide:

For those with a knack for storytelling and a sociable nature, becoming a tour guide can be thrilling.

Guiding groups through historical sites or nature trails, this role requires imparting knowledge, ensuring safety, and often tailoring experiences to diverse group interests, making each day unique.

8. Freelance Travel Photographer:

Turning passion into a profession, budding photographers capture the essence of their travels.

By building a portfolio, networking, and selling their work, they can eventually collaborate with magazines, tourism boards, or digital platforms, sharing their visual stories with larger audiences.

9. Flight Attendant:

Beyond the allure of visiting multiple destinations, flight attendants are trained rigorously in safety protocols, customer service, and often languages.

The role demands adaptability, dealing with diverse passengers, and ensuring their comfort and well-being during flights.

10. Travel Agency Assistant:

Embedded in the world of travel planning, these assistants gain a comprehensive understanding of global tourism.

Researching destinations, liaising with providers, and sometimes embarking on familiarization trips, they play a crucial role in crafting memorable itineraries for clients.

FAQs on Travelling Abroad

Going abroad is visiting a country that is not your own and which is typically located across an ocean or sea from your home country.

There is no ideal age.

Traveling abroad will give you exposure to new experiences and new cultures. Try to travel out of your comfort zone and experience new lifestyles.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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Meaning of overseas in English

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• The company has been successful in penetrating overseas markets this year .
• If you were offered an overseas posting , would you take it?
• After he'd served his apprenticeship he found work overseas.
• The airline halved its overseas service because of a sharp reduction in traffic .
• Our firm does a lot of business with overseas customers .
• birthright citizenship
• body politic
• denaturalize
• domestically
• internationalism
• internationalize
• naturalization
• non-country
• non-domestic
• non-indigenous

overseas | Intermediate English

Overseas | business english, examples of overseas, translations of overseas.

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[ adverb noun oh-ver- seez ; adjective oh -ver- seez ]

to be sent overseas.

overseas travel.

overseas territories.

overseas military service; overseas commitments.

• (used with a singular verb) countries or territories across the sea or ocean.
• beyond the sea; abroad
• of, to, in, from, or situated in countries beyond the sea
• Alsooverseaˌəʊvəˈsiː of or relating to passage over the sea
• informal. functioning as singular a foreign country or foreign countries collectively

Discover More

Word history and origins.

Origin of overseas 1

Example Sentences

Corea toured constantly overseas and across America, using a tour bus once owned by country star Merle Haggard.

Meanwhile, players with no interest in attending school have had to find creative alternatives, mostly overseas, for their NBA-mandated gap years.

Since most US cruise ships are registered overseas, the Passenger Vessels Service Act means all cruises to Alaska include a stop at a Canadian port.

By the 1970s, population growth, coupled with rising inflation and competition from rebuilt overseas economies, led to budget problems for state governments.

Amazon might seem an unstoppable force in the US, but the picture has often looked different overseas.

At least 70 percent of the children were adopted from overseas, including Russia, China, Ethiopia and Ukraine.

Now Wisconsin is considering making it mandatory for parents who adopt overseas to have their children “re-adopted” in the state.

In the early 1900s, fashion forgers often sketched designs they saw in Paris shows and sold reproductions in France and overseas.

The bill also provided $64 billion in war funding through the Overseas Contingency Operations account.

It invites dictatorial and rogue regimes to use Americans serving overseas as bargaining chips.

A full General landing to inspect overseas is entitled to a salute of 17 guns—well, I got my dues.

Her flower in one hand and the umbrella making a bright halo round her, she looks like a little idol from overseas.

Some Americans and Canadians may not want to go overseas; they may be opposed to fighting; they may think they are not needed.

For every overseas soldier wounded on the western front there are six of the Imperial troops wounded.

The British have five million troops under arms, of which only one-fifth are overseas.

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Americans who have traveled internationally stand out in their views and knowledge of foreign affairs

Do people who travel think differently about the world? A new Pew Research Center survey suggests they do.

Americans who have traveled internationally are more interested in and knowledgeable about foreign affairs, feel closer to others around the world, and favor a more active foreign policy, according to the survey of 3,576 U.S. adults conducted in spring 2023. We also surveyed people in 23 other countries about their international travel habits.

This analysis examines international travel with a focus on Americans’ travel, including which Americans travel abroad and how their interest in the world and views of international affairs differ from others.

For this analysis, we surveyed 3,576 U.S. adults from March 20 to March 26, 2023; 3,581 U.S. adults from March 21 to March 27, 2022; and 10,606 U.S. adults from June 14 to June 27, 2021. Everyone who took part in these surveys is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

For non-U.S. data, this report draws on nationally representative surveys of 27,285 adults conducted from Feb. 20 to May 22, 2023. All surveys were conducted over the phone with adults in Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Surveys were conducted face-to-face in Hungary, Poland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. In Australia, we used a mixed-mode probability-based online panel.

Here are the June 2021 survey questions and responses used in this analysis. Those for the March 2022 survey may be found here , as well as those for the March 2023 survey .

How many Americans have traveled internationally?

Roughly three-quarters of Americans (76%) have visited at least one other country, including 26% who have been to five or more. About a quarter (23%) have not traveled internationally, though most in this group say they would if they had the opportunity.

Related:  How experience with international travel varies across 24 countries

To analyze how Americans’ travel experiences relate to their attitudes on other questions, we placed people into three categories:

• Globe-trotters have traveled to at least five other countries. About a quarter of the U.S. public (26%) falls into this category.
• Casual travelers have traveled to between one and four other countries. Half of Americans fall into this category.
• Nontravelers have never left the United States. This category includes 23% of Americans.

Compared with Americans, people in many European nations are more likely to have traveled to five or more other countries. For instance, 88% of Swedes have done so.

However, international travel is much less common in many middle-income nations. It is strongly correlated with a nation’s gross domestic product per capita. (For more on international travel and views about global engagement, read “Attitudes on an Interconnected World.” )

Who travels internationally?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, older people are more likely than younger people to have traveled internationally. Americans ages 65 and older are more than twice as likely as adults under 30 to fall into our globe-trotter category (37% vs. 17%).

Income is even more strongly related to travel than age. Two-thirds of upper-income Americans have traveled to at least five countries, compared with 9% of Americans with lower incomes.

Similarly, Americans with a postgraduate degree are far more likely to be globe-trotters than those with a high school education or less (59% vs. 10%).

Residents of suburban and urban areas generally have more international travel experience than people who live in rural areas.

There are no significant partisan differences when it comes to international travel: 26% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents qualify as globe-trotters, as do 28% of Republicans and GOP leaners.

Do travelers know more about the world?

Globe-trotters are especially likely to say they are interested in foreign affairs and follow international news. Casual travelers, in turn, are more likely than nontravelers to do so.

Globe-trotters are also the most knowledgeable about international affairs. In 2022, we conducted an international affairs quiz , asking Americans 12 questions related to international news. On average, globe-trotters got 8.2 of the 12 questions correct, compared with 6.4 for casual travelers and 4.2 for nontravelers.

Is international travel related to views of global engagement?

International travel experience is also linked to Americans’ views about international affairs and their feelings of connection to other people around the world.

When asked which comes closest to their view, 57% of globe-trotters say the U.S. should be active in world affairs, while 43% say the U.S. should pay less attention to problems in other countries and concentrate on problems at home. In contrast, most casual travelers and nontravelers say the U.S. should focus on problems at home.

In all three groups, at least half of respondents say that when the U.S. is making foreign policy, it should take other countries’ interests into account – even if that means making compromises. But globe-trotters are especially likely to hold that view.

Globe-trotters are also particularly likely to say they feel close to people around the world, with 42% saying so. By comparison, 34% of casual travelers and 30% of nontravelers say this.

• International Affairs

Richard Wike is director of global attitudes research at Pew Research Center

Janell Fetterolf is a senior researcher focusing on global attitudes at Pew Research Center

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International Travel

Where can i find more information about preparations for international travel.

The following resources can help:

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Does FAA provide safety oversight for international flights?

Under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers. Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft.

FAA conducts the  International Aviation Safety Assessment Program  (IASA), assessing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country that has carriers operating to the United States. Because of the provisions of the Chicago Convention and national sovereignty, FAA is not permitted to evaluate a foreign carrier within its own sovereign state.

An IASA assessment determines if the foreign CAA provides oversight to its carriers that operate to the United States according to international standards. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, and Annexes 1, 6, and 8 of the Chicago Convention develop those standards.

If the CAA meets standards, FAA gives that authority a Category 1 rating.

• Category 1 means the air carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the United States in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with U.S. carriers.
• IASA ratings  are released to the public.

What happens if a CAA does not meet ICAO standards?

If the CAA does not meet standards, FAA gives that CAA a Category 2 rating.

• Category 2 means the air carriers from the assessed state cannot initiate new service and are restricted to current levels of any existing service to the United States while corrective actions are underway.
• FAA does not support reciprocal code-share arrangements between air carriers for the assessed state and U.S. carriers when the CAA has been rated Category 2. During this time, the foreign air carrier serving the United States is subject to additional inspections at U.S. airports.

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Definition of overseas

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of overseas  (Entry 2 of 2)

Examples of overseas in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overseas.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1533, in the meaning defined above

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing overseas

overseas cap

Dictionary Entries Near overseas

Cite this entry.

“Overseas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overseas. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of overseas, more from merriam-webster on overseas.

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overseas

Nglish: Translation of overseas for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of overseas for Arabic Speakers

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Definition of overseas adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• The firm is expanding into overseas markets .
• overseas development/trade
• overseas visitors/students
• This was her first overseas trip as prime minister.
• The overseas aid budget has been cut.
• They have one overseas holiday a year.
• There are some scholarships for students from overseas countries.
• The company is backed by overseas investors.
• The hotel is popular with overseas visitors to London.

Want to learn more?

Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

Definition of 'overseas'

Video: pronunciation of overseas

overseas in British English

Overseas in american english, examples of 'overseas' in a sentence overseas, cobuild collocations overseas, trends of overseas.

View usage for: All Years Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

Browse alphabetically overseas

• overscrupulous
• overscutched
• overseas account
• overseas acquisitions
• overseas aid
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'O'

Related terms of overseas

• fly overseas
• head overseas
• live overseas
• move overseas
• View more related words

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• Per Diem Lookup

Foreign Travel Policy

1.  purpose.

To publish internal GSA guidance for official travel to foreign areas.                                                                                   

2.  Background

The Federal Travel Regulation (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 41, Chapters 300 through 304) (FTR) is the Government-wide regulation that implements statutory requirements and Executive Branch policies for travel by Federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at Government expense.  This directive provides internal agency policies and procedures regarding foreign travel as required by the FTR, Part 301-70. 

3.  Scope and applicability

     a.  This directive contains standards, instructions, and procedures governing the approval, authorization, coordination, performance, and vouchering of official travel to, from, and between foreign locations in connection with General Services Administration (GSA) programs and operations.  The instructions related to allowances for subsistence and transportation expenses conforms with the provisions of the FTR, Executive Orders, appropriate statutes, numerous decisions of the Comptroller General of the United States and Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and determinations of the Administrator of General Services.

     b.  The provisions of this directive apply to all GSA employees and for individuals authorized to travel to foreign areas at GSA expense.  This Order applies to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to the extent that the OIG determines it is consistent with the OIG’s independent authority under the Inspector General Act and does not conflict with other OIG policies or the OIG mission.  This Order applies to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and applicable Federal Court decisions and does not conflict with other CBCA policies or the CBCA mission.

     c.  This directive supplements the FTR and is issued under the authority of the FTR.  Supervisors, approval authorities, and employees must still consult the FTR to ensure compliance with the regulations related to all travel-related expenses not specifically addressed in this supplement.

     d.  Any regional directives containing instructions and/or procedures that differ from provisions herein must be cleared in advance through the Office of Travel and Charge Card Services, Office of Administrative Services (OAS).

4.  Revisions

This directive provides updated policies and procedures pertaining to foreign travel previously contained in PFM P 4290.1, Chapter 2, Paragraph 5, and Chapter 6.  It references relevant FTR citations rather than repeating FTR text.  Major revisions include requiring Event Tracker requests for travel to foreign locations to be attached or referenced on the travel authorization; amending the policy for actual expense subsistence reimbursements; and eliminating the requirement for the Administrator and Deputy Administrator to obtain foreign area clearance through the White House in accordance with White House Memorandum 003641, dated July 22, 2015.

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PER DIEM LOOK-UP

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Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports .

At airports, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes where processing technology will be used to expedite the members by capturing a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that you have successfully completed the process.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. If a traveler was unable to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center prior to their international travel, they have an option to complete their interview via Enrollment on Arrival upon their arrival to the United States.

Another upcoming processing technology option for travelers will be the Global Entry Mobile App. This app will enable members to validate their arrival to the U.S. on their iOS or Android device prior to entering the Federal Inspection Services area.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

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