If there is one common thing on everybody’s bucket list, then it should be international travel. No matter whether you are planning to visit a neighboring country or planning a trip somewhere else- there are so many things to see, and you do not want to miss out on anything. Undoubtedly, overseas travel is exciting, but at the same time, it includes a lot of preparation also.
There are a lot of international travel tricks and an important to-do list that stands between you and your destination. There are a lot of things that need to be sorted before heading over to your “dreamy” international trip. Here are a few important international travel tricks that will help you to make the most of your international vacation. So, let us get started.
Important International Travel Tricks
Check your passport- This is one of the most significant international travel tricks for newbies traveling internationally for the first time. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, ensure you apply for it at least 2 months before going on the trip. This is important because the normal processing time for getting a passport is between 4 to 6 weeks. Also, by chance your passport gets rejected for any reason, you will have enough time to arrange the documents and reapply for the passport.
On the contrary, if you have a passport, make sure you check the expiration date before boarding the flight. There are a few countries that have the rule which says the expiration date should not be less than 6 months.
Choosing your destination- This is one of the significant international travel tricks that one should never ignore. You must choose a travel destination that excites you as well as meets your budget. Usually, the main motto of going for a trip is to take a break from the busy schedule and spend some quality time with loved ones. However, city breaks can be a perfect option if you want to discover a new place. Make sure you do the reservations in advance, book tickets for seeing tourist attractions, plan day trips, rent a vehicle if required, and lastly, most importantly, carry printed copies of all your bookings. Believe us, it will just make your life simpler.
Understand the Visa Requirements- Visa is yet another significant document that you must take care of while traveling internationally because there are a few countries that offer visas on arrival. Moreover, based on your nationality, every country might require specific requirements too. The processing time for getting a visa can take one month or more, so make sure you submit your visa application prior and ensure that your visa is valid for a foreign country.
Ensure that you can access your money abroad- Gone are those days when you need to carry money or cheques while traveling overseas. However, these days things are quite easy. Thanks to the internet. Now you can manage and access money no matter in which part of the world you are.
Check with your bank to find out if you need to set up a travel alert while you are traveling abroad so that your bank knows where you are traveling. You must also inquire about international charges and whether they have partner banks in the country where you are traveling. This will help you to save money on “Foreign transactions”. You can avoid all these by opening a free checking account too. Few banks do not have any foreign transaction fees and reimburse ATM charges- even when traveling!
Though your debit card can always save you, it is always important to have a backup plan. Try to take about $100, your debit card, and a credit card with you while going on an international trip. It is better to keep one of your cards in your hotel room so that in case your wallet gets stolen, you have something in your hand.
Get proper vaccinations- This is one of the most important international travel tricks that most people miss out on. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to find health information and vaccinations required for your destination. This includes vaccines for other illnesses like yellow fever, cholera, and the Zika virus. For maximum protection, you must get any required shots 6 weeks before the departure. If you are traveling to a place where the disease is widespread, consult a travel medicine expert for seeking personalized guidance.
The CDC website is a great source of information on the health risks of consuming the food and water at your destination, any non-prescription elements to pack, and other health tips. Be sure to check the foreign embassy of the country where you are traveling, to find out which prescription medicines are permitted or are illegal in the country.
Carry the photocopies of your prescriptions and note the medicine’s generic name. Always pack your medicine, in the prescription bottles and keep it in your carry-on bag. If you use syringes, make sure you carry a letter from your doctor. Always declare about the syringes before you check-in through security. Pack more medicine than you need so that it lasts for your whole trip, as sometimes it may be difficult to get the medicine abroad.
Book things in advance- How much prior should you start booking your trip? This is a question that most of us have in our minds. Experts say that booking airfare between 56 to 62 days before the departure date is the best way to find a good deal. Usually, booking on a Tuesday yields the best rates- and flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday will generally be the lowest price.
If you are below 26 years old, you can get flight discounts. There are several flight search engines where you can look for youth discounts. No matter what, the best time to do the booking is whenever you have the money, and you are ready to go for your first international trip. Ensure you have exit flights for every country as many airlines will not allow you to board the aircraft on a one-way flight.
Always stay connected- Who does not want to remain in touch while traveling internationally? If you have not taken your phone abroad before, call your mobile provider to ensure that it will work in the country where you are heading to. Also, enquire about international phone plans available there. If your mobile plan is costly, a mobile hotspot can be a cost-effective choice.
Pack these Essentials- While the contents in your checked bag will mainly depend on the climate of the place you are visiting; you will want most of your trip’s essentials in your carry-on bag. Start with this international travel checklist of the items to pack:
- Medicines
- Passport and visa
- Debit cards, cash, and credit cards
- Portable charger
- Headphones
- Eye mask, earplugs, and sleeping pills.
- Pen
- Antibacterial wipes
- Sweater/scarf
Look out for the places to Eat & Drink- It is the most interesting part of traveling? What do you say? You can learn a lot of things about a new destination through its cuisine. So, ensure you do thorough research on the family-friendly places to eat nearby like coffee shops, snacks bar, street food, etc. Doing this will help you to not only enjoy the famous delicacies of that place, but it will help you to plan your expenses too.
Pack smartly- One of the most stressful tasks while planning an international trip is packing. The best thing you can do to avoid stress is to pack minimum luggage. It is better if all your family members pack their things as this will avoid any kind of confusion. Also, do not forget to check the weather to carry clothes accordingly.
So, next time whenever you plan an international trip, make sure you follow these international travel tricks. These will make your trip stress-free and enjoyable. Give them a try and let us know in the comment section how was your experience.