As you may already know, I left Amsterdam to travel the world and I’ve already started preparing for my first trip. Since good travel is the result of good preparation and planning is the base of your travels, I am making sure I’m well-prepared for it.
Once you have everything planned, rarely anything can surprise or scare you and you’ll definitely feel more comfortable and confident to travel. That is very important if you are going to travel to a foreign country and aim for the stress-free experience.
1: CHECK YOUR PASSPORT
Those who don’t travel much, rarely check their passport. However, if you are planning to travel internationally, you need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after entering a foreign country. Otherwise, you may get into trouble while on the road and put yourself in a risk of getting a new one abroad. It could cost you more time, more money and more hassle. Don’t forget your passport’s expiration date and if it’s less than 6 months, get a new one as soon as possible. Renewing it before your next overseas trip is crucial!
Additionally, you should also make a copy of your passport for extra backup, leave it at home or with someone you trust. Perhaps you could also consider making an electronic copy you can store in your e-mail account as well.
2: APPLY FOR NECESSARY VISAS
Once you make sure your passport is valid, it’s time to take care of necessary visas. Make a list of all countries you’re planning to travel to and start reading about each country’s visa requirements. Depending on your nationality and the visited country, applying for a visa is often costly and time-consuming. Thus it’s important to start doing it as soon as possible! If you are not sure about anything, you can always call the embassy and ask any questions you may have to get rid of your doubts. Some countries allow visitors to apply for electronic visa online and save time and hassle this way.
3: BUY HEATH & TRAVEL INSURANCE
The next important thing to do before you go traveling is buying health and travel insurance. Does your current health insurance include international coverage?
That’s one of the questions you should be asking yourself in order to protect your trip and make sure you will not pay extra in case of any emergency situations when abroad. If not, make sure you get one before you hit the road.
4: GET VACCINATIONS
Another very important thing are vaccinations that differ in every country. In order to make sure your travels will be safe, make a list of all necessary vaccinations and get them sorted at least 1 month before your departure. What is more, you should be also stocking up on basic medicines such as painkillers that can help you during the duration of your travels! Trust us, being sick on the road with no medicines really can spoil your experience!
5: PREPARE YOUR FINANCES
Making sure you have enough money is pretty important so don’t forget to check your bank account before you leave! Secondly, don’t forget to withdraw some cash and then exchange it into a local currency you’re going to use once you arrive at your final destination. In this case you will save on ATM fees at machines run by someone other than your own bank. Furthermore, inform your bank that you will be traveling for some time and get their emergency number in case your card gets lost or stolen.
6: GET NEEDED GEAR FOR ELECTRONICS
There are different electrical outlets in almost every country. Thus getting a travel adapter with different settings that adjust to most outlets is a must-do thing before you leave. Moreover, try to get portable phone chargers and some spare batteries you can always use on the road to charge your phone, laptop, cameras and mp3/4 players.
7: PLAN YOUR FIRST FEW DAYS OF TRAVELS
Even if you want your travels to be spontaneous and unexpected, it’s always good to plan your first 24 hours, if not 48. In this way, you will not get tired or annoyed by not knowing where to go and what to do. I assume that you will be knackered after a flight so looking for accommodation or WIFI spot is not that much fun. In this case booking your accommodation for the first night and knowing exactly how to get there from the airport sounds like a good plan!
What else would you add to this list?
