Travelling abroad can be thrilling, but there are certain things to take care of if you want your international travel hassle-free. From checking your visa requirements to COVID-19 testing and buying travel insurance Singapore, there are several things to check before you fly to your destination. Whether you are studying abroad, attending a business seminar or on vacation, your preparation makes a big difference before getting onboard.
Here are 10 things to do before travelling abroad. Take note and ensure to have everything in place.
1. Check your passport expiry date
First thing first, you need to have a valid passport. Applying for it can take months before planning your overseas trip. The passport process is simple, but it might take longer if bureaucratic matters are involved. If you have your passport, check the expiry date. Some countries have entry restrictions and may not allow you entry if your passport is due to expire in 3-6 months. Click here to renew your passport.
After double-checking the expiration date, make some copies of the front page of your passport. Keep a couple of copies with you during travel and leave a copy at home. This will help in case you lose your passport. The tour guide will guide you if you are going on a package tour, but if you are travelling alone, you need to be prepared and extra careful.
2. Check visa requirements for countries
Visa requirements vary with each country, and a lot depends on your visiting country. While some countries offer a visa on arrival, others want you to have it before getting on the plane. You will need a student visa if you fly out to intern for a semester or a little longer. A work visa is required if you are going to work abroad. If you are planning a vacation, apply for a tourist visa. Your travel company will take care of your tourist visa if you take an overseas package tour. Submit the required documents, and they will take care of the rest. Generally speaking, the visa process is tedious and will take some time.
3. Check Public Health Advisory, Travel Advisories and Entry Restrictions
Go through your destination country's public health and travel advisory information. Since we are in the midst of a pandemic, different countries have different health advisories and entry restrictions for international travellers.
Some countries may also be risky to visit for different reasons. In such cases, you should learn about their travel advisories and adhere to their guidelines. Additionally, check with your travel insurance Singapore company whether your policy will cover your travel to such a destination. Further, gather information about your destination country's entry-exit requirements, laws, customs, and other details. Learning about your overseas destination well in advance provides a smooth travel experience.
4. Check the best travel insurance for Covid
Most health insurance policies won't cover overseas travel. You will need to buy one. Generally, travel insurance policies cover medical and baggage, with some even covering interruption/cancellation of flights. But wait! We suggest you buy the best travel insurance with covid-19 coverage Singapore because you never know what's in store. If you are going on a long trip, things might suddenly change. What if covid cases surge and there's a health emergency? So, check the best travel insurance for covid and be prepared. Staying covered for any unforeseen circumstances, especially medical, is of utmost significance, particularly when travelling overseas during a pandemic.
5. Get the best masks for international flights
Covid-19 pandemic is far from over, and you must take necessary precautions to stay protected from the deadly virus. Many people are still confused about what to wear and bring overseas during the pandemic. Every traveller is making all efforts possible to avoid contracting the virus. Therefore, buying the best travel mask for coronavirus tops the list.
Getting the best mask should be your top priority for safe travel. Many kinds of masks are available on the market, but please note that not all can protect you against the Covid-19 virus. It would be best if you searched for a properly designed, well-fitting mask that can filter harmful particles in the air while allowing you to breathe easily. Wistech masks, for example, can be a great choice.
At Wistech, we have the best face masks for plane travel that can efficiently work to keep you protected from airborne elements detrimental to your health. We offer top-quality KF94 masks, KN95 masks, kids surgical masks and stylish surgical masks such as gradient ones or denim-inspired ones. Check out our ongoing promotions of bundle sales that come with fast delivery!
6. Get vaccinated and check your medicine prescriptions
Most countries have strict vaccination rules. Before applying for a visa, we suggest you learn about your destination country's mandatory vaccination for diseases and get the needful done. Before proceeding with any overseas travel plan, you need to get your covid shot. COVID-19 testing and a report are required to book your overseas travel. Stay up to date with your immunization and keep the related records handy.
If you are suffering from any medical condition and need to take certain medicines, ensure to take photocopies of your doctor's prescriptions. Pack your medications separately and carry them in their respective prescribed bottles/boxes. If you are using syringes, declare the same before going through security. Buy medicine in sufficient quantities, and they should last your trip because getting prescriptions abroad is not an easy task.
7. Make sure you bring acceptable methods of payment
Take only a couple of credit cards with you. Contact the issuers before you fly and let them know which countries you will visit. Otherwise, your card may be rejected. The issuer, unaware of your international travel, might find your overseas activity suspicious and will most likely deny your transaction. Furthermore, avoid taking any cards you will not use while on the trip to lessen the fraud risk.
Traveller's checks are not accepted at all places, so take your bank card. ATMs can be found everywhere but make it a point to memorize your PIN. Have your credit card numbers with you; simply write and store them in a safe place. You should be able to get in touch with your issuer from abroad in case anything goes wrong.
8. Learn about your destination
You will get that culture shock when you visit another country, even if you are the most open-minded person on the planet! So, research your destination and gather as much information as possible.
Get to know the tourist places, the best time to visit them and the applicable local laws, if any. You can also learn about the festivals or events during your visit. Additionally, it is always better to know the culture and history of your destination country, particularly when you are not on a package tour. This helps you pack clothes and behave accordingly. Try to learn a few phrases of the local language to get along effortlessly.
These preparations before the travel will enable you to explore and enjoy your trip to the core. Why waste time flipping through the guide books there?
9. Pack necessary electronic accessories
Pack your electronic accessories neatly; these things are prone to damage. Other than electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, MP3 players, and tablets, don't forget to pack your chargers, power banks and adapters! These accessories are much needed but most likely to be overlooked. If your chargers and adapters are old or not in good working condition, you better shop for new ones.
Wistech electronic accessories assure top quality and are reasonably priced. Hit the link to explore products and get them at a discounted price!
10. Make sure you put everything you need in your practical luggages
First, make a list of things you will need on your travel. Buy what you've not got at home. Pack them one by one efficiently. Store them in the right boxes, bags or containers, so they do not get damaged while moving. Cross-check with your checklist and make sure you have packed everything. Don't forget always to include the best travel mask for coronavirus!
Your bags should be sturdy and practical. In other words, your bags should be able to carry the weight, allow storing of different things, and simultaneously take on the moves.
Keep your baggage light. Pack only those things you plan to use while on your overseas trip. Leave some space in your bags if you are a passionate shopper. Check the allowed baggage weight with your airline; you don't want surprises after reaching the airport!
Do your homework before any overseas travel. The more you research and learn about your destination country's culture and history, the more you can enjoy it! We wish you a safe journey.
