Now that the world is beginning to open up and the pandemic restrictions are beginning to ease, we are now able to travel abroad once again.
After two years of being stuck at home, you might be desperate to plan your next vacation. Whether you plan to travel just a few hours away from your hometown or take a long-haul flight to an exotic country, you’ll want to make the journey as smooth as possible.
It’s not just the hotel or accommodation that you need to consider. To get the most out of your trip from the second you set off, you need to think about every step of the journey, and this includes traveling there and back.
Without proper research and planning, your traveling can become stressful and overwhelming. This can start your trip off on a negative note and put a damper on the whole vacation.
To ensure that your next vacation is a comfortable and enjoyable as possible, here are some important things you need to know before going abroad.
Arrange Your Insurance Early On
Getting International Travel Medical Insurance is key to ensuring that you have a safe and happy trip. You can enjoy your time away knowing that you are covered in case you fall ill or get into an accident.
Medical bills and treatments can be extremely expensive when you’re in a foreign country. Your travel insurer will be able to cover some, if not most of your medical expenses. This allows you to get the necessary treatments for your injuries without worrying about the extortionate payments.
Getting international travel medical insurance enables you to seek treatment at a hospital of your choice and has extensive coverage. Your medical bills may be covered up to $50,000 or $2,000,000.
Arrange your travel insurance early on, before you’ve even begun to plan the rest of your vacation. This way, you can move on to planning the more exciting parts of your trip. You will usually need to renew your travel insurance every 24 months.
Pack Smartly
Packing can be tedious and fine-consuming but it’s important to get it right.
Efficient packing can save you a lot of hassle. It means less for you to carry and it’s easy to unpack when you arrive at your travel destination. Most airlines charge you for extra luggage, so being smart with your packing can also save you money when you are traveling by plane.
Get the Required Vaccinations
Different countries require you to get a unique set of vaccinations before entering. Make sure that you check which vaccinations are required to enter your desired country before you book your accommodation and travel.
You must give yourself enough time to go to your doctor and get the necessary vaccinations if you don’t already have them. Usually, getting your medical check-up 8-12 weeks prior to your vacation gives you sufficient time to organize any vaccinations.
Remember to check which travel vaccinations your children need if they are traveling with you.
Organize Your Documentation
There is a variety of different legal documentation that you need when traveling abroad.
Firstly, you’ll need your passport as proof of identity and proof of citizenship. Your passport is essential when you’re traveling across borders. Without it, you will be turned away at the airport. Make sure that your passport is valid and in-date and pack your ID card as a second proof of identity. If you don’t have your passport or it is outdated apply on documentuniverse as soon as possible.
You will also need to keep physical copies of your travel insurance documentation. Digital copies might also be helpful just in case you lose your physical copies. These documents will be required if you need treatment while you’re away.
Depending on the country you are traveling to, you might also need a Visa. For instance, in places like Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most popular places to go for Umrah and where millions of Muslims from all over the world make the pilgrimage every year, if you are a US citizen you’ll need to obtain your Saudi Arabia Umrah visa before you go. It’s important that you carry all of your Visa-associated documentation with you on your travels.
If you don’t have the necessary valid legal documents, you can apply for an emergency passport. This will only be granted if you can prove that you can’t delay your visit and you’ve been unable to get valid documentation at that present time.
Double-Check Your Medications
Your medications might not be the first thing on your mind when you are traveling abroad. However, the medications that are legal in your country may not be legal where you’re vacationing. To avoid getting into any legal trouble, make sure to double-check these legalities before you set off.
Carry your prescriptions and any doctor’s notes with you to make things easier if you need to top-up your medications. But remember that buying your daily medication abroad might be difficult and could cost you a lot of money.
Try to pack an adequate supply of your medications in your luggage so you don’t run out while you are away.
