International Travel Tips

My great concerns about travelers around the globe motivates writing of this new topic. I believe you will find one or two points useful for your trip.  Here are important tips you need in preparing for a safe trip to anywhere outside your home Country.

1. Passports and visas

When travelling internationally make sure you have a valid passport and all other documentation required to satisfy the entry requirements of all the countries you will be visiting including transit countries and for returning home. Depending on your passport nationality and destination, additional requirements may include a minimum period of passport validity, visas, the need for a return or onward ticket, a returning resident visa, and sufficient funds for your stay. Note! Any signs of damage on your passport may make it invalid for travel.

                                                                                                               

2.  Documentation

Endeavor to check your document before living and make two photocopies of all your travel documents in case of emergency or if your documents are lost or stolen. Leave one copy with a friend or relative at home. It is always a great idea to let at least one person know exactly where you will be staying and how to contact you in an emergency. Keep other copy separately from the originals. To avoid any inconvenience and possible additional costs, please check that you meet the requirements for your destination(s) as well as any countries you will pass through in transit.                   

3. Travel insurance

It's always recommend that you do travel insurance for the entire time you plan to be overseas. Make sure the policy covers emergency medical situations, baggage loss or damage, and expenses incurred from disrupted travel plans.

                                                                                                               

4. Vaccinations

Vaccinations and other medical precautions are recommended and in some cases required for travel to some countries, and are easily obtained through your doctor. Have them well before you leave to allow time for them to become effective and to recover from any possible side effects.

                                                                                                              

5. Spending

Make sure you learn the exchange rate of the country you are going before you travel and notify your bank, credit card company, or other financial institutions that you are going overseas.

Carry lite cash and consider using Debit cards with ATM, traveler's checks or major Credit cards instead (but make sure they are accepted at your destination before departing on your trip).                                                          

6. Your Luggage

Carry a minimum number of valuables items and covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity and nationality.

Please do not pack IDs, tickets and other vital documents in backpacks or other locations you won't be able to see at all times.                                                                   

                                                                                                               

7. Changes -in-your plan

If your travel plans change, no matter how late, please notify the airline immediately. Someone else may need a seat, and your call could make the difference! Sometimes changes to your travel plans are unavoidable. Depending on when such changes are made and your ticket type, associated cancellation or change penalties may or may not pack light so you can move more quickly and have a free hand when you need it.

8. In case of special medications

If you are on prescribed medication before traveling; pack enough to last your entire trip, including some extra in case you are unexpectedly delayed. Put your medications in their original labeled containers, and pack them in your carry-on bag since checked baggage is occasionally lost or delayed.  Also request your pharmacy or physician for the generic equivalent name of your prescriptions in case you need to purchase additional medication abroad.                                             

9. Communication

Explore alternative low cost options to communicate with home – email, Instant Messaging Apps (BBM, VOiP, Skype, Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat) on Wi-Fi or from an internet café, prepaid local or international SIM cards.      On your arrival at the airport make enquiry on how to get a SIM Card, from my personal experience is always ease to get a SIM and register it at the airport by using your international passport.                       

10. Arriving at your destination:

Always aim to arrive in a new town during the daylight hours. It is more difficult to get your bearings at night. It will assist you to avoid difficulties of transport services to take to your final destination, and other things you may need to do.                                  .                                                   

Dear readers! What do you think about traveling abroad? Stressful? Enjoyable ? .. ......we appreciate your response!

Hope this is useful.
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Migrate safe!