Preparing for international travel requires extensive work. From applying for passports and purchasing travel insurance policies, many steps must be completed prior to departure.
Prioritizing quality over quantity when planning an international trip is paramount. Here are five tips for international travel preparation to ensure the most rewarding experiences.
1. Know Your Entrance Requirements
As your travel dates near, make sure that you understand all of the requirements needed to enter each country you will be visiting. This may include vaccinations, malaria pills, travel documents and/or visas. Ideally, take any necessary vaccinations and medicines as soon as possible so they have ample time to take effect before leaving home.
Make sure your bank knows you will be traveling abroad and research any international transaction fees associated with them. Also bring some cash with you as many countries operate exclusively cash economies.
If you plan to be away for some time, arrange to have your mail sent directly to the post office and inform loved ones how to reach you. Download any entertainment or reading apps you might need for the flight and taxi arlanda stockholm ; and if taking an extended journey, pack noise-canceling headphones as an extra precaution.
2. Know the Language
Avoiding international travel may seem intimidating for many who fear being unable to communicate effectively can lead to awkward and potentially humiliating experiences. Unfortunately, being unable to understand another language can create great frustration as well as embarrassing moments during international trips.
There are tools and resources that can help you navigate a foreign country without speaking its native tongue, such as learning a few simple phrases like "hello", "goodbye", "please", and "thank you". Even learning these could prove helpful.
With apps like Rosetta Stone, Babbel or Busuu on your phone, you can learn basic phrases on the go. Locals will appreciate you making an effort to speak their language - even if that means sounding silly sometimes! Just don't be alarmed if your accent slips.
3. Know Where You’re Going
Step one in planning a successful international trip is understanding where you're going. Knowing this information will allow you to ensure you bring all the items needed, reduce any unnecessary stress levels and have an amazing time!
Prioritise quality over quantity: it's far more rewarding to explore several destinations at leisurely pace rather than trying to pack multiple countries into an overly ambitious itinerary.
Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for health information and vaccination requirements related to your destination. Additionally, speak to your primary healthcare provider to see if they provide travel-related medical coverage or recommend adding extra coverage into your policy.
Do not forget to inform your credit card companies of your international travel plans so they won't block your account when making purchases abroad.
4. Know the Transportation
International travel can sometimes be unpredictable. There may be pandemics, weather-related events or protests which alter your plans; that is why it is critical that you register with your country's embassy ahead of time to receive key information and updates.
If your trip requires extensive travel, it is wise to research what the most efficient means of transportation will be prior to departure. Sites like Rio2Rome and 12Go provide useful tools for exploring route options and selecting an effective mode of transport to arrive at specific destinations.
Consider your finances carefully when traveling abroad. Each country has their own rules regarding bank and credit card accounts, so it is advisable to inform your bank in advance about your trip and find an international travel card that does not charge foreign transaction fees.
5. Know the Rules
Traveling overseas can be both exhilarating and educational; however, you should familiarize yourself with its rules and regulations in advance of making plans to visit another country. Before booking flights to your destination country, be sure to familiarise yourself with its passport/visa requirements, and always have copies of your itinerary, hotel/car rental confirmations or flight reservations on hand in case something unexpected comes up during your travels.
Be familiar with customary etiquette regarding tipping, greetings and dress in your destination country. Don't forget to inform your bank and credit card company that you plan to travel internationally so your cards won't be blocked in case of fraud or emergencies while away - don't forget travel insurance too - click here for Select's money saving tips for international travel!
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