The adventure of travelling overseas can bring many happy memories as well as some challenges that must be addressed before departure on an international journey! It is also important to plan with expenses – such as bringing appropriate foreign currency (in USD) at all times when visiting overseas destinations so they won’t have to exchange money upon arrival back home. Remember to also leave copies of your travel itinerary with friends or family back home so that they can contact local authorities in case a crisis occurs while you are abroad and ensure uninterrupted trips as well as peace of mind!
Travelling abroad can be a wonderful experience, but it does have some challenges. We all travel with different needs and travel circumstances, so here are the top things to remember before you travel abroad:
- Know your passport requirements for the travel destination.
- Bring any required visas or vaccination records.
- Plan ahead for travel expenses.
- Pack clothing that is appropriate for the weather in your destination country.
- Check if travelling internationally will require extra documentation such as an ESTA (for the United States), and try to minimize mistakes on your application, or Visa Waiver (for Canada).
- Establish travel insurance.
- Learn about the customs and culture of your destination country before arriving there.
Lost documents
Take precautions to protect yourself in case you lose your passport or travel documents, such as photocopying all-important personal information from these items for safekeeping at home.
It is also a good idea to bring extra copies with you on your trip – one copy should be stored securely under triple lock, while another can be kept in an easily accessible place like your wallet or purse.
The last copy should stay back at home so that if something does happen, it will not interfere with travel arrangements and other priorities.
NB: Make travel arrangements for your children in case of an emergency.
Packing
Pack clothing that is appropriate for the weather in your destination country. Consider packing everything in a lightweight travel backpack for more freedom of movement and to avoid incurring baggage fees.
Medication
Bring any required medication (in its original container) into the country where it was purchased without excessive importation costs.
Driving overseas
Find out what the country’s driving laws are and how to drive on their side of the road, if applicable. If you plan to rent a car, be sure that it is insured with travel insurance and has been checked for any mechanical issues such as alignment or tires before renting.
Foreign exchange
Plan ahead for travel expenses by bringing appropriate foreign currency (in USD) while abroad – this way there will be no need to exchange money at unfavourable rates upon arrival back home. Bring only what you plan on spending so that there is less chance of theft from unattended bags when travelling.
Furry loved ones
If leaving behind pets during travel, make necessary preparations before travelling including pet care coverage, finding a pet sitter, and making travel arrangements for them.
Digital detox
When it comes down to the wire, there is nothing wrong with taking a hiatus from social media when you explore the world abroad. It can be exhilarating to explore new cultures without worrying about what people are doing back home in your absence. Don’t let technology control or define how you experience life and adventure!
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