Things to Do Before You Travel

Traveling becomes enjoyable and exciting adventure when planning has been made earlier before the due date of vacation. This will help alleviate stress and last minute running around. Planning before boarding usually have a great influence on your trip by  making  proper use of the time while abroad. Here are 12 things any traveler is supposed to embark before the actual day to make a travel.

1.     Get a passport.

Before traveling make sure you have a valid passport that will enable you to be allowed enter into another country. A passport acts as a validation of your eligibility as it contains your photo, name, birth date and other identifying details.

2.     Make copies of your passport.

Copies of your passport will serve as an alternative form of identification when you misplace your original passport. On engaging in activities such renting vehicles you be requested to provide identification of your passport and instead of carrying along your original passport which is risky, it’s better to provide the copy to fulfill the requirements.

3.     Buy travel insurance.

Choosing an insurance plan that suits your needs becomes very convenient by comparing the coverage benefits. Living in a digital era, most of the applications are made online so you have to visit the website of the chosen travel insurance provider. Once you get there, fill the required information such as personal information, trip dates, destination, travel details and coverage preferences.

4.     Charge your electronics before you leave.

Having gargets that are fully charged like Laptop, Smartphone or your tablet will keep you busy by watching movies, listening to music or even reading ebooks during your journey if the mode of transportation does not have entertainment. Your devices will keep you in-touch with your family and friends for an easy communication and share of updates. Charged devices will help you get rid of stress finding charging points and low battery warnings.

5.     Get an international driver’s license.

Although not every country requires you to have international driver’s license, it’s much advised to have one just in case of any issue that might occur. At times having IDL can help you overcome essence of language barrier when conversing with the law enforcements. Most of the car rental companies require international driving permit which will prepares you to drive legally.

6.     Make a precise budget for your travel.

Planning to stay for long in the place of visit will require you plan for a budget. Make a research of the cost of living in terms of accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment to avoid running out of cash while on the trip allowing you to carry extra cash for the case of any emergency that might arise. While it’s easier to used credit card for purchases also it’s advisable to carry cash for activities such as street bus fare, indie shops and tips.

7.     Research and learn about your area of destination.

By understanding the area you are to travel will give you ample time to explore and enjoy abroad instead of flipping through new guide books. In addition to that, do thorough research on the places you want to visit, festivals that happen during the time you will be there and also the activities that you might think of participating. Know more about culture of that country and this will help you to pack accordingly mainly in terms of clothing.

8.     Get a medical check-up.

Before traveling make sure that you visit the doctor particularly from your country to know about your health status. Early medical check-up will assure the personnel from the foreign country about your health status to be allowed to work and travel or not to in their country.  Vaccination is very crucial when travelling to the third-world countries where most pesky diseases such as bird flu, malaria, typhoid fever are common.

9.     Double-check your boarding passes and itinerary

Sometimes people purchase tickets for the wrong day that makes cancellation of the trip/journey for example, June 12 (6-12) instead of December 6 (12-6). Verifying such details as names, dates and time helps to avoid disruptions during due day of the journey. Always ensure you are well prepared like 10 days before the actual day of travel.

10.  Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrolment Program (STEP).

This is a program that is run by the U.S Department of State to help travelers have a reach by the local embassy once an emergency arise during the journey. In case your passport is lost STEM will help you recover it. They also give you alerts and updates so as to stay informed.

11.  Pack some snacks for the journey.

One day before travelling makes sure you have some food or snacks packed depending on the length of the trip and by this you will save money and moods when hunger strikes. Pack in a way that you will ensure that the food or snacks are safe during the mealtime.

12.  Alert your credit card company.

Creating awareness to the credit company will give you more assurance that your card will function while traveling helping you to make purchases and payments to various activities along the trip.