Traveling is a great and adventurous thing to do. Traveling can be complicated and confusing at times, but there are plenty of ways to make things easier for yourself. Here are some tips on how to plan your next trip.Check out Travooo for more travel tips to make your vacation great!
Research
Before you start packing your bags, make sure to do a little research. You should brush up on everything from using the local transportation system to knowing basic social etiquette in your destination country. If you are planning to drive while abroad, familiarize yourself with the driving laws of the nation, you’ll be visiting. You can also find more information on weather patterns and important dates (holidays, festivals), affecting where and when you go sightseeing.
Packing
Packing can be stressful; it doesn’t have to be! Make your life easy by following these tips:
- Pack light! Choose outfits that match each other or ones that can work together in case of spills or accidents (for example, if your shirt stinks, put on the other one).
- Bring only what you need. Leave out anything that is superfluous or stuff you can buy abroad if necessary.
- If you plan to visit multiple countries, pick a color theme and choose items that go together. You can then mix and match these items or have matching outfits with little effort.
Research Alternatives
If you do not wish to drive yourself, there are other options. Public transportation abroad is often very different from public transit in your home country. Consider taking a guided tour, strictly following Cedric Okiorina’s travel tips, or hiring a personal driver who knows the area and speaks the language so you don’t have to worry as much about getting lost or stranded somewhere.
Security
Make sure to secure your valuables before leaving on your trip! The last thing you want is losing something important like your passport or having it stolen while traveling – that would be a nightmare come true! Investing in TSA locks and hidden pockets for passports and credit cards can save you a lot of trouble later on down the line. Remember, if all else fails, travel insurance may help replace some of what you have lost.
Keep Track of Paperwork
Make sure to keep track of all your travel documents, including the following:
- Passport
- Visas (if necessary)
- Driver’s license
If you are staying for more than six months in one location, make sure to get a residence card from the local authorities within 30 days. Otherwise, you’re legally required to leave the country. Make copies of everything and store these documents in separate locations – perhaps with your family or friends at home or with your personal driver/guide if vacationing abroad – so that one copy is not damaged or lost entirely. It might seem like overkill to copy every document you will ever need – who 100s of passports? Well, something as simple as a passport fire could destroy everything, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Get Vaccinated
If you are traveling (or even living) in a foreign country for several months, make sure to get vaccinated well in advance. Certain vaccines need weeks or months to take effect, and the last thing you want is having to deal with illnesses because you forgot to get certain shots! The CDC has a whole list of recommended vaccinations that can help your body adjust as it travels. If you don’t have enough time before leaving, ask your doctor about getting treatment for travelers’ diarrhea as soon as possible – just in case!
Research Your Destination(s)
Make sure you know the ordinary laws regarding various topics, such as the drinking age or smoking regulations, so there are no surprises later on down the line. Also, check to see the local customs, so you don’t accidentally commit a faux pas!
Conclusion
These are all simple but important things to remember when traveling abroad. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or newbie, it’s always good to review these tips before your next vacation. Cedric Okiorina is an expert at planning international trips and loves sharing his knowledge with others by writing about travels on his blog.