Collaborative post: Travelling overseas can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires some preparation and planning. While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of buying new bikinis and planning your itinerary, don’t neglect to take care of all the travel admin before you set off for the airport. Here are 10 important things to check before your next international trip.
Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and has enough empty pages for any visa stamps you may need. If you rock up at the check-in desk with less than six months on your passport, you won’t be flying anywhere. Also, check the date of issue – many countries require your passport to have been issued within the last 10 years. Renew your passport if needed – you can renew Canadian passport online to save time and effort.
Do You Need a Visa?
Depending on your destination, you may need to obtain a tourist or transit visa before travelling. Research the visa requirements and application processes well in advance. Basic tourist visas like ESTA for travel to the US can be applied for online.
Immunisations
Visit your doctor and check if you need any vaccinations or medications for the country you’re visiting. Some immunisations need to be administered weeks before travel. Your doctor will check your medical record so that you only have the immunisations you need.
Travel insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any emergencies like flight cancellations, lost baggage, medical issues, etc. Ensure it includes medical evacuation if you are travelling to remote areas. Print off the details so you have them handy in case of problems. Store the emergency phone number in your contacts.
Flights and Accommodation
Confirm your flights and hotel/hostel bookings and print out reservations and boarding passes – some budget airlines charge if you need to print out a boarding pass at the airport and electronic boarding passes stored on a phone are useless if your battery dies. Also, be sure to check baggage allowances and rules.
Save Important Phone Numbers
Save contact details for things like your hotel, the local embassy/consulate and anyone you know locally in your phone. Have their address handy as well.
Let Your Bank Know
Inform your bank about your overseas travel and set daily ATM withdrawal limits. Also, keep some local currency handy for your arrival, to pay for taxis and tip hotel staff.
Electronics
Check electrical socket types and voltage used in your destination country and carry adapters/converters as required. Update your phone plan for international roaming or buy a local SIM.
Luggage
Make sure your cases are durable and can be locked securely. Weigh and check baggage size/weight allowances. Put fragile items in a carry-on and check you’re not carrying anything banned, such as nail scissors.
Bonus Tip
Check travel advisories and laws of the country you’re visiting to avoid any risks or illegal activities. Get guidebooks or download offline maps to stay prepared and safe. Google Maps can be downloaded and then used offline, which is handy if you don’t have a clue where you are going when you arrive.
Following these tips will give you greater peace of mind for a smooth, well-planned trip overseas. Safe travels!
