When planning an international trip, it may be hard to step back and take the time to be prepared, but you should never forget that the key to a good trip is good planning and preparation. You do not want to get to your destination and find out that you forgot your medical papers that the area requires.
Of course, this may be a little dramatic, but it is based on truth. If you don’t want to end up realizing that you forgot to pack your underwear after you are on the plane, follow these 7 things that you must do before your next international trip.
1. Documentation:
You need to check your Passport and get any Visa’s that you may need. When you book your vacation ask what you need to be able to visit the country. Verify the information that you have gotten by doing some research on the internet or call the embassy in the place that you are headed to. Do not ever assume that you have everything that you need.
2. Vaccinations and Medications:
Some areas of the world will require vaccinations against specific diseases or viruses, and they will require that you have proof when you land. If you have any medications that you take make sure that you have enough with you for the trip, plus a little extra just in case. This includes allergy meds, aspirin, vitamins, and anything else that you take. There is no guarantee that your destination country will have what you need.
3. Travel Insurance:
You will want to get your travel insurance up to date and ready to go. If you have never heard of it, or considered it, you should know that it will save your bacon if something should go wrong. Check around for a good policy that works for you at the cheapest price possible. Use an online comparison site, such as iSelect travel insurance, that will do all the leg work for you.
4. Finances:
Get your finances in order before you leave. Have all your bills set to automatic withdrawal from your account so you do not have to stress about them. Call the banks that you have cards for and let them know where you are going, that way they will not lock your account down.
5. Electronics:
We all have electronics that we rely upon to get through our days. You should realize that your mobile phone charger may not work in the country that you are traveling to. Make sure that you are prepared for it by having the correct adapters or cords.
6. Pack Your Bags:
Do not wait until you are leaving to start packing your bag. You need to have it organized, packed, and ready to go. You will want to make sure that you have packed for the weather. If you are going to an area that can be cold, take a coat. If you are going to go to a beach resort, have some bathing suits. You get the point.
7. Check For Health or Civil Notices:
You will need to check for any health or civil notices that may be going on. There are many websites that you can go to that give you the opportunity to type in your location and check, otherwise you can call the embassy or even the hotel that you are going to be staying at. No point in going to the airport if your destination country is on lockdown or in the middle of a war.
That is about all that there is to plan for your next international trip. These 7 tips will help you get prepared for it, that way you can worry less about the world around you and start preparing for the world that you are going to.
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Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Pinstripe Magazine. Creative thinker and menswear designer who has been writing articles dedicated to men’s fashion, lifestyle, luxury items, home design, gear, grooming and gadgets since 1998. For info on PinstripeMag, any editorial needs or to contact me please email at marv@pinstripemag.com.
