6 Important Things You Need to Travel Abroad
Traveling overseas can be the trip of a lifetime. You might be taking one trip, or perhaps you have several in mind (keeping track of them with platforms such as Humbo can be a great way to build on your inspiration), whichever you go for, it is something to be excited about. Whether you’re going to study abroad, going overseas on a work visa to backpack, or simply going on a long, luxurious vacation, there’s a lot you need to have in place before you jet off!
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of some of the most important things you need – physical and otherwise! – when you’re planning on traveling overseas for any period of time.
Keep reading to make sure you’re well-prepared for your next trip.
Passport and Visa
First and foremost, we’ll address the obvious. We all know that when traveling abroad, we need our passports, visas, and other travel-related documents. However, what many people don’t realize is that it can be a long-winded process to acquire them.
If your passport isn’t valid, make sure to get a new one ASAP. Next, spend time researching visa requirements and processes for your destination country the moment you decide to plan your trip. Getting a visa can take months, so it’s a process you’ll want to start as soon as possible.
Health Planning and Vaccinations
Next, you’ll want to make sure your health is in check and that you’re medically prepared for your trip. Keep in mind that your health insurance probably won’t cover you abroad, so you’ll need to look into alternative options for your trip. For example, Atlas Travel Insurance offers a great international policy for both ex-pats and long-term travelers.
You’ll also need to check up on any vaccination requirements for the country (or countries) you’ll be visiting and make sure you have them done in time.
Currency and Financial Planning
You also have to make sure you have your finances in check. We all know that traveling abroad can be expensive, but you can still plan a trip on a budget, and whether you have loads to blow or a tiny wallet, planning is crucial.
Make sure to account for every aspect of your trip – travel, accommodation, food, activities, insurance, emergencies, and more. You’ll also want to check beforehand how you’ll pay for things in another currency. You could get an international credit card, exchange your currency, or look into other options.
Language and Cultural Awareness
Being prepared for a whole new experience is important. While this is an exciting part of your trip, it can also be a little overwhelming to find yourself immersed in a completely new culture, lifestyle, and language environment.
Try to learn some of the basics of the local language before you go, and do some research on the culture and lifestyle you’ll be experiencing there. Learn about social norms and etiquette, and find out if there are any laws or regulations that are different from what you’re used to. Finally, research exciting and different things you want to experience while you’re there!
Packing Essentials
Of course, we can’t talk about planning for a big trip without considering the packing element. Knowing what and how much to pack can feel like one of the most stressful aspects of any adventure.
You can search online for packing guides, but keep in mind that your specific packing list will depend on where you’re going and for how long. Use these as a foundation, and then add on other more specific requirements. This is where research comes into play once again. Make sure you know what the weather will be like during your stay, and consider what kinds of activities you have planned so you can dress appropriately for them.
Communication and Connectivity
When you arrive, you’ll want to be connected. Your family and friends will want to know that you’ve arrived safely, and you’ll probably need to use the internet to help you navigate your way around, get in touch with your accommodation, find places to eat, etc.
This is why you need to make sure that you’ve done the research and know how to use your phone abroad. Do this ahead of time so you don’t touch down in a new country and find yourself hopelessly lost and disconnected!
Final Thoughts
There’s clearly a lot to plan and consider before heading off on a trip abroad, and this list doesn’t even cover everything you need to have and prepare for!
However, it’s crucial not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Planning ahead is meant to help you have a stress-free trip and enjoy yourself without worrying about what you might have forgotten or ending up in a disaster once you arrive safely. Use these tips and any other advice you find online to help you plan and prep yourself in a calm manner so you can make the most of the journey.
