“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Agustine of Hippo
Do you love traveling in the air? Are you planning your first trip from India to abroad? Not a newbie and going for a second and third time but still trying to get rid of last-minute hustle? With the current pandemic, traveling has become more complicated and requires more planning and preparation.
It’s well said that –
While traveling abroad, there are a lot of things that you need to remember to make your trip an ethical experience. No matter how much you travel within your country, traveling abroad is always a thrilling experience.
I have been visiting internationally for my business trip twice in 6 months to almost 60 different countries—- From my experience, I have learned that it is essential to memorize some of the factors to ensure smooth sailing, especially for first-time travelers.
Passport and visa requirements: Ensure you have a valid passport that will not expire for at least six months after your recovery date. Check the visa requirements for your goal and apply for any necessary visas well in advance.
Health and vaccination requirements: Check for any health or vaccination needs for your destination. Schedule any necessary appointments with your healthcare provider and get the proper vaccinations.
Travel insurance: Consider buying travel insurance to cover yourself in medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or other unexpected events.
Currency exchange: Research the local currency and exchange rates. Consider exchanging currency before your trip or withdrawing money from ATMs upon arrival.
Transportation: Plan your transportation from the airport to your lodgings, and consider leasing a car or using public transportation for your visit.
Accommodations: Research and book your accommodations in advance. Consider the location, amenities, and price.
Local customs and etiquette: Learn about your destination’s traditions and decorum. It will help you avoid offending locals and will help you better navigate your surroundings.
Safety and security: Research the protection and security of your destination. Be aware of any possible risks and take required precautions.
Communication: Consider how you will speak with locals who speak a different language. Learn some essential words or consider using translation apps.
Packing: Pack appropriately for your destination and activities, and follow any luggage limitations your airline sets. Pack any required medications and important documents, such as your passport, travel insurance information, and travel itinerary.
Now, you might be thinking about what they are? Scrolling down and reading this article will help you to know some of the important aspects which you should consider while international Travel.
Without any further discussions, let’s take a rundown into the essential things that you should focus before boarding.
Table of Contents
1. Make sure your passport is up to date
Passport is one of the foremost things which is vital to travel in the air. If you are planning to make your next trip internationally, take a look at your passport and check the passport expiration date.
It is essential to keep track of your passport dates because many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date. Knowing your passport’s expiration date allows you to plan ahead and renew it in time for international travel.
Renewing a passport can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it is recommended to remember your passport’s expiration date and make travel plans accordingly. Save time and check your passport expiration date now to ensure you can explore your destination smoothly.
2. Book your flight in Advance to get the Cheapest Price
It is essential to keep track of your passport dates because many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date. Knowing your passport’s expiration date allows you to plan and renew it in time for international travel.
Renewing a passport can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it is recommended to remember your passport’s expiration date and make travel plans accordingly. Save time and check your passport expiration date to ensure you can explore your destination smoothly.
If so, then do prefer to book your tickets before 2-3 months early via credit or debit cards to find the cheapest available flights. You can visit Faremart as it offers satisfactory services at the cheapest rates. You can search for the best flights as the platform has access to 450+airlines operating globally providing 24/7 support and assistance to its travelers and the seekers.
3. Get familiar with Custom and Import Restrictions
When traveling internationally, you must familiarize yourself with the customs and import restrictions of the country you’ll be visiting since different countries have different policies. If you know the typical restrictions given by a foreign embassy, you can easily comply with the laws and avoid any challenges while traveling. However, if you need clarification on these restrictions, don’t worry!
Here are some restrictions to keep in mind before you board your flight:
- Ivory Jewelry
- Electronics not on the approved list
- Certain medications, even if prescribed by a doctor
- Stones
- Precious metals like gold, etc.
While we may be familiar with these restrictions when traveling within India, we must familiarize ourselves with the customs and import laws of the country we plan to visit for international travel. Additionally, other restrictions may be considered when returning to India from different countries. Therefore, before taking any further steps, educating yourself about the various agencies’ policies and restrictions is always advisable.
4. Pack light and appropriately
Packing light when traveling is essential to avoid unnecessary expenses and last-minute chaos at the airport. Carrying extra clothes can increase your luggage weight, leading to additional charges or needing to remove items at the airport, causing inconvenience and delays.
Pack only the essentials in your main luggage to avoid this, ensuring you pack accurately and efficiently. Additionally, carrying public transit maps with your luggage can help you navigate the city conveniently without any hassle. Lastly, it’s important to use closed baggage tags to ensure your luggage is secure throughout your journey. Following these tips, you can enjoy your journey without worrying about security issues or unnecessary stress.
5. Get vaccinated before taking Off
It is essential to obtain vaccinations or medications before going to certain parts of the world, as each region may have unique viruses that could pose health risks. For instance, if you plan on travelling to Africa, you must receive specific vaccinations to avoid potential health complications.
To prevent serious health issues, it is crucial to determine if vaccinations are necessary for your chosen destination. If so, ensure you bring proof of vaccination, as it may be required for boarding.
In addition, you can consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about any necessary precautions for travelling to a particular location.
6. Transfer your documents to your inbox
Not many people consider the risks of theft and robbery when sharing personal documents via email. When travelling, individuals often carry important identification and nationality documents with them. However, saving scanned copies of these documents on electronic devices is now possible to ensure authenticity. Mandatory documents like boarding passes and air tickets can also be stored on smartphones for convenience during security checks and check-ins.
For instance, if you are travelling with United Airlines, you can receive an e-boarding pass stored in your mobile wallet, reducing the risk of losing critical official papers. Additionally, storing documents online can save time that would otherwise spend retrieving them at the airport. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to scan all necessary documents to mitigate any security issues that may arise while travelling.
If you need to become more familiar with email or technology, you can make copies of the documents instead of carrying the original documents with you.
7. Get Insured
It is essential to review your health insurance policy before international travel. Regardless of your destination, travel insurance is necessary to cover unexpected accidents and medical treatment. The costs can be high if you do not have travel insurance and require medical attention in a foreign country.
Each country has its health system, so it is essential to prepare for medications before departing from your home country. To provide further awareness, can purchase a travel insurance plan to cover international travel. For example, if you plan to visit the United States for one month, a plan that costs less than Rs. 2000 can cover up to Rs. 1 lakh.
This option is both secure and affordable. Moving forward, it is advisable to always purchase international travel insurance that includes international coverage before embarking on a trip abroad.
In a Crux
The best way to be prepared for travel is to continually study and upgrade knowledge. By focusing on this, you will have a more enjoyable journey. It is essential to consider vital factors before embarking on a trip and make a checklist to ensure you have covered all necessary aspects for a carefree and exciting time. Additionally, hiring a travel agent can make your trip even more enjoyable. With these preparations, you can pack your bags and safely enjoy your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are seven key factors to consider when travelling internationally, including travel documents, health and travel insurance, vaccinations, electronic devices, currency exchange, transportation, and cultural differences.
It would help if you started preparing for your international trip at least three to four months in advance. It will give you ample time to research and obtain necessary documents, vaccinations, and travel insurance, among other things.
When travelling internationally, it is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations or delays, and loss or theft of luggage or personal items.
When travelling internationally, it is recommended that you bring necessary electronic devices such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet, camera, and travel adapter. However, it is essential to consider the electrical voltage and plug types in the country you visit to ensure they can be safe.
It is essential to research and educates yourself about the culture, customs, and laws of the country you will be visiting. You can learn about these aspects by reading travel guides and online resources and speaking with locals or a travel agent. It is also essential to be respectful and open-minded towards different cultures and ways of life.
