Preparing for international travel is a lot of fun, but it can also be quite stressful. Especially now when traveling has changed so much!
There are so many things to consider, and you want to make sure that you have everything covered before setting off on your next adventure abroad.
2022 is the year that international travels should come back in full force but how can we prepare to make the experience as smooth as possible?
If you’re not sure where to start, here are 5 helpful tips for preparing yourself for international travels in 2022!
Get Travel Insurance with Covid-19 Coverage
The holiday season is a time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. You may be getting ready to take a trip that will end up being one of the best memories you have from this year, but it’s important to make sure that everyone in your group is appropriately covered with travel insurance.
Travel insurance is a great way to protect yourself and your travel investment. Whether you’re visiting friends or just traveling for business, it’s always best to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Before you start packing your bags, make sure that you have the right kind of travel insurance.
Here are some tips on what type of coverage can benefit you most when going abroad:
- Medical Coverage – even if you think nothing will happen during your trip, accidents can still find you, it’s best to be prepared
- Cancel for Any Reason – if something comes up before leaving on vacation
- Baggage Protection – if anything gets lost or stolen with luggage
- Travel Delay – this helps out if flights get delayed
- Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Covid-19 Coverage – this element of insurance is crucial to help avoid bearing the costs of a mandatory quarantine abroad in case of an infection, as well as the costs of possible hospitalization or medication
Use eVisas Whenever You Can
Electronic visas are becoming increasingly popular for travelers, and it’s easy to see why.
It can be time-consuming and expensive to get a visa through a consulate or embassy. Electronic visas make traveling easier by allowing citizens from eligible countries to apply online before they go on their trip.
The pandemic proved the effectiveness of the electronic visa system even further when we seek to reduce unnecessary contact with other people as much as possible and eVisas do just that and so much more!
How to get an eVisa?
There are two ways of getting an eVisa, both taking place online. You can either use the official government website of the country you plan on visiting and apply there or use an eVisa agent.
Here’s why using the second option may be a bit more convenient – using an eVisa agent allows you to apply for your visa online for numerous destinations, all in one place.
Moreover, the application form will be available in a more intuitive and clear form, often in multiple languages. So you may have a chance to fill the form in your native language!
One of such agents is Evisa Express, which offers eVisas for over 50 destinations in one place.
Choosing the right agent is essential for making your visa application experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Check if they have the appropriate experience and let the professionals take over!
Check the Current Restrictions and Adhere to Them
Traveling during pandemic times forced us all to be a lot more careful and is not possible if you don’t play by the rules.
This can all be a bit stressful, but by knowing the current restrictions and adhering to them you will have a smooth trip.
Before departing on your flight, before packing your bags, make sure that you know of the current entry rules applicable to the place you want to visit.
Many countries now require travelers to be vaccinated or at least take a Covid-19 test upon visiting. Some impose a mandatory quarantine while others allow foreigners to enter based only on a filled health declaration.
Check the applicable rules a few days before the planned trip and collect every document that may be required for the trip.
Check Your Passport Validity
The validity of your passport is something that everyone should be aware of before traveling and it is an inseparable element of international trips.
This may be obvious to some but it is often overlooked and forgotten about. Such small detail but it can make the whole trip canceled.
Most countries require for the expiration date on your passport to extend at least six months after you return from your trip or arrive at the airport. If not, there’s a good chance that border agents will deny entry to the country and send you back home.
So, a few weeks before heading off, check if your passport is still valid and will be valid throughout the whole stay abroad. And if not, renew it on time.
Craft Your Itinerary Well Ahead of Time and Stay Flexible
Planning a trip can be quite a task. Where to go, what to see, where to stay? It’s important not only to plan ahead but also to make sure you have all the necessary information before getting on your flight.
Finding yourself in an unfamiliar place without a guidebook or map is enough of an inconvenience for some people so it’s best if you know what you’re doing beforehand!
Planning ahead can help with decision-making, budgeting, and other aspects that come into play when traveling. It will also give you the chance to figure out what’s important to you!
So:
- Start by figuring out where you want to go first. This is because it might be easier to sort out your priorities and have a few staple attractions you must see.
- Get familiar with the currency exchange rates in different countries, as they may differ greatly from one another depending on where you are going next.
- Save space for additional attractions that you may want to see and be flexible with your schedule because the most authentic and unforgettable experiences may come unplanned!