A trip to another country could be quite an exhilarating experience whether you are traveling on a business trip or for a vacation, and if it is the first international trip, the experience could be daunting. So how do you plan a trip that does not leave you unsatisfied and a feeling of missed experiences?
Here is a list of the main guidelines that you should follow if you are planning an international trip to make the best of your tour.
- Check in with your doctor and make sure that you have all the required vaccination and medical prescriptions. Contact your health insurance carrier to ensure that your medical insurance covers the overseas emergencies and if not then, you need extra coverage.
- Register with your embassy to make it easier for the government to contact you in case of a problem. Get copies of your passport and leave a copy at home in case your passport gets lost or stolen so that you are able to confirm about your citizenship for a safe return to your country.
- Look up the monetary conversion rate before you travel and check whether your credit and debit cards will work in the country you are visiting. Let your bank know about your trip so, they don’t find anything fishy about the international transactions and block your card as a security measure. Always carry local cash. Not every place takes credit/ debit cards. Various countries charge a particular amount to enter or exit which is not included in the airline tickets and you need to pay it separately. So, do check if the country you are visiting charge such fee and if so, how much!
- Do some local research in advance and make a list of all the things you want to do and places you want to travel. Get guidebooks beforehand that include all the maps and details about various sites so that you don’t have to purchase at the venue. You can also download the apps that will be required for your travel. Also, find out about the fun events like music festivals and carnivals happening in the city that you don’t want to miss. If possible, buy tickets for places that you want to visit to skip the long queues and avail discount deals. You can also make a list of local dishes that you want to try.
- Call rates are often exorbitant and making calls abroad can exhaust your balance or call limit. It is suggested to activate international roaming pack in case of a short visit. But if you are on an extended trip, it is far better to get a local sim or calling card. You can also make calls from the hotel reception where you plan to stay.
- Travel light but pack all the essential items you need during the trip. Find out about the weather during the time of the year when you are planning to go and pack only those clothes you need in the season. Pack an extra set of clothes in your handbag, in case the airline loses your bag. Ensure to check your airline’s guidelines about how many bags you can carry for free, to avoid extra charges.
- While it is fun to explore a different country, trying its varied cuisine can sometimes be a challenge. Pack some snacks to eat until you find the right restaurant or food joint of your taste. Be experimental and try local dishes. It is a great way to learn about the local food culture.
- Carry your own toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, soap etc. Although every hotel provides these essential items these might not suit your skin type. So it is always a better idea to carry your own essentials. Always carry a portable charger. Different countries have different sized plugs and voltage and you do not want to be left with low battery mobile, laptop, and iPod.
It is a great idea to mingle with other travelers if you are traveling alone. You get to meet a number of interesting people with different perspective and varied cultural backgrounds which will only add to your own experience.
Contributed by: Untravel