Many people are increasingly considering traveling as a hobby – it is an excellent way to spend your holidays. To get the most out of your trips proper planning is needed and if your plans include international travel, the requirements are no different. However, to prepare for international travel can be overwhelming considering what you have to take into account. But not to worry, this guide will help you get ready for your tropical holiday this winter to have a stress-free trip.
The following is a breakdown to help you prepare for international travel to make your travel overseas smooth and fun.
Documents
Like it or not, having the right documents is very important. Whether you’re organized or not, you need to not only confirm these documents, but make a plan for keeping them close during your travels.
Confirm your passport- With one in 10 holiday makers admitting they have forgotten their passports on the way to the airport his is no joke! Among the first things to do before you begin your preparations is confirming that you have your passport. If you don’t, make plans to apply for one immediately. It may take longer to be processed which can inconvenience you in one way or another. If you have a passport already, make sure that it is in date as many countries will not allow you entry if you have less than six months before your passport expires.
Acquire the necessary visas- You will not need a visa to stay in some countries, but this will depend on your nationality. On the other hand, other countries will require that you have visas prior to your landing and in fact many airlines verify this before you are even allowed to board. If you need one, be sure to apply on time since they may take up to a month to be ready.
The flight requirements- It is worth noting that there are many deals to be found when traveling abroad that can help you pay cheaper airfares. You may want to consider other factors like booking early, making reservations during the off-peak seasons and booking on the less busy days. Also, confirm the delayed flight policy of your airline – you may be liable for compensation in case of delayed or canceled flights.
Medical Considerations
Whether you suffer from chronic illness or are deadly allergic to peanuts, you need to make sure that you have a plan for your medications while traveling.
Your medications- If you are currently on medication, make sure that you have stocked enough medicine to last you the entire time you will be away. Ask your doctor to provide you with the diagnosis and the prescription for enhanced security in case you need to renew your prescription while traveling for any reason.
Consult your health insurance carrier- Inquire from your health insurance provider whether the policy currently in force is applicable overseas when emergencies occur. If their cover does not provide for your treatment abroad, be sure to get extra coverage or purchase an alternative cover. You want to make sure that whenever a medical emergency occurs in the foreign country, you will get the medication you need whenever you need.
Check the vaccination requirements- Some countries have strict requirements when it comes to vaccinations against certain diseases such as yellow fever, hepatitis B, and malaria. Your word of mouth will most certainly not be enough, so, ensure that you have the record of vaccination when you travel. The first thing here would be to confirm the requirements before leaving the country.
Finances
Planning a huge trip to that remote island? You’ll want to make sure that your credit card is accepted there. More importantly, you’ll want to make sure your finances are in order before embarking on international adventures.
Ensure your credit card is acceptable- Many people prefer traveling with a credit card instead of cash, mainly due to security concerns, and when you do, you need to make sure that it will be acceptable in the country that you will be visiting. It goes without saying that chip and pin technology is now widely used across the globe, and the traditional magnetic strip cards may not be accepted in many centers. Make sure that you carry the right card.
Inform your bank of your departure- To prepare for international travel you will need to get in touch with your bank. Most banks will close your account or block additional transactions if they notice something fishy like a withdrawal done abroad. This explains the need to inform your bank to make the necessary alterations in your file to allow for withdrawals from the country you will be traveling to. It can be devastating to learn that you cannot access your account because the bank took security measures against ‘fraud.’
Plan for your upcoming bills- There is no doubt your bills will still stream in even while you are away. If not well taken care of, you will come back to find everything in shambles. So, you want to have a plan for all your upcoming bills. If possible, pay them online from abroad or leave signed cheques with a reliable and trustworthy friend. Most banks have the Bill Pay feature which can come in handy especially when you are away.
Have a secret stash of cash- Emergencies cannot be predicted, and having a secret stash of money can help you out when you lose your credit card for example. Have it somewhere in your suitcase for emergencies only. It would be even better if it was converted into the local currency.
Your Security
From your home to your hotel, you need to have your security covered.
Find the embassy- The first place you should visit is the embassy. Register, giving details of your stay to ensure that your government knows about your whereabouts in case of any issues. It is also prudent to have the contacts of your embassy in print so that you can reach them easily if the need arises.
Make copies of your documents- If you lose your wallet or purse with your ID and passport, you want to ensure that you have a backup plan. So make color copies of the relevant documents for your stay in the foreign country. It will also help to identify you at your embassy.
Security back home- If you are leaving no one behind, it is crucial that you put measures in place to ensure the security of your home. It would be ideal to have someone that you trust house sit your property. Prepare for your international travel by notifying the neighbors of your absence.
Stay in touch with loved ones
After touching down, it is good to find ways of keeping in touch with the loved ones you left behind. Find out about the phone networks and internet connectivity. You can also use social media to contact your friends and relatives back at home.
And Remember…Successful Travel is Easy
Like most things in life, a little bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring success. Prepare for international travel and you’ll find it was no different. You’ll have a great trip whether that is for business or pleasure.