ready for the next destination
Traveling to another country on vacation can be a wonderful experience. Travel broadens the mind and refreshes the spirit.
Choose an interesting place to go. Rather than settling on a well-known holiday destination, think outside the box. For instance, if you want a seaside vacation, consider an exotic location like Larnaca, a 6,000-year-old seaport in Cyprus. Next, determine how much money you will need, hunt for travel deals, and work and save for the trip.
Some things that you should take care of well before your intended trip include making sure that you stock your wallet, get your passport renewed, apply for any necessary visas, and get an International Driver’s License (if you intend to rent a car). You may also want to consider whether you should get Traveler’s Insurance, if you need to get any health shots and if you have enough prescriptions meds with you.
1. Decide how you’ll stock your wallet
Although traveler’s checks used to be a go-to solution when traveling, they can be problematic if you go to a less developed country. Getting cash in the foreign currency might be a problem, too, because you might have to take a large stack of notes, which increases the risk of theft. You might be better off taking a credit card and informing the issuer which country you’ll be visiting. This way, your card won’t be denied for suspicious activity when you make purchases from a foreign country.
Additionally, you have to consider what to do if your wallet is stolen. One simple solution is to have a family member send you money. If, for instance, you live in Australia, you can ask them to sign up for a Ria Money Transfer Australia account. They can then use this service to send you the amount you need in an emergency.
2. Renew your passport and apply for any necessary visas
Make sure your passport is up-to-date, valid for 6 months after your date of return. Renew it, if it’s set to expire. Next, see whether you will need a visa and find out where to get one. Make a photocopy of everything. If your passport is ever stolen, file a police report, go to the nearest embassy or consulate and fill out a statement about the theft and apply for a new passport. Carry your photocopies with you in your carry-all.
3. Apply for an International Driver’s License
If you are planning on renting a car, then also consider getting an International Driver’s License.
4. Decide on Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can provide protection should you have a medical emergency or trip interruption. But before you apply for this, make sure that there are no travel warnings and advisories about the country you’re planning on visiting. If they are, then you may not be able to get travel insurance.
5. Find out about Vaccinations
Find out about any required vaccination shots at least six weeks before you leave. These may be necessary if you’re traveling to a country where a disease is widespread. Also, find out about any dangers associated with drinking the local water.
6. Fill your Prescriptions
Take photocopies of your prescriptions and pack them separately from your non-prescription meds. You may also have to check to see these prescription drugs are legal in the destination country. Usually, this is not a problem, but it’s best to make sure that it’s not on a confiscation of prescription drugs list.
And if you need to use a syringe, then get a letter from your doctor about why you need to inject yourself. As you go through customs, be sure to declare your syringe.
Finally, get enough medicine to last your whole trip as it might be difficult to get a prescription refill when you’re abroad.
Plan Early
By planning ahead, you’ll enjoy a safe time abroad. The earlier you take these six steps the better. If there are any delays in getting the required paperwork, it won’t interfere with your flight plans.