What To Do Before Travelling?
Preparation prevents poor performance. A poorly planned trip can result in problems down the road.
There is nothing worse than getting to the airport, only to find that you have left your passport at home, or arriving at your destination only to find that you have packed for the wrong season. All these things can be avoided with proper preparation before you travel.
In this post, we give you some tricks and tips, so you’re ready for the long journey ahead.
Visas Documentation
Before even booking your flights, you should find out what documentation you need to enter your desired destination. Some countries require a visa on entry. Obtaining a visa is relatively easy, and for most countries, you can do it online from the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, you can go to an embassy near you and fill out paperwork. Try not to leave until the last minute because Visa services will charge extra to process it with short notice.
Some countries may also require to have a health and police check. These documents can take up to two weeks to obtain so get in early to avoid disappointment. I had a tough time going to India recently. I was leaving Vietnam for India, and the airline wouldn’t accept my passport due to minor damage, and I mean minor. There was only a slight tear on the back page. I had to fly home and get a new passport. Then when I left Australia for India, my Visa which I obtained with my old passport didn’t match the number on my new passport.
That leads me to my next tips. Make sure your passport is in excellent condition and has at least six months until it expires.
Research Your Destination
It also pays to do some research on the destination you’re travelling to. Find out the countries climate and what season they are currently in. This will give you a good idea of what clothing to pack for your holiday.
If you plan on using your mobile phone overseas, find out if you can easily obtain a sim card once you are there. In India, for example, you have to provide documentation, a place of residence, the name of a local and their residence as well. If all this seems too tricky call your provider and ask them about roaming charges, roaming charges can get quite expensive, and a cheaper alternative could very well be an international sim card.
Packing Your Suitcase
Packing your suitcase comes down to common sense, and if you did your research on the country, you should know exactly what to pack. My advice is always to pack extra underwear and a spare pair of thongs. In Asia especially, finding clothes and thongs that fit you is particularly hard if you’re around the six-foot-high mark.
If you are on medication make sure you stock up for the duration of the journey and take a script as well in case you run out. It also pays to take multivitamins to keep your health in good order. Insect repellant is also a nice addition and will save you from getting eaten alive by mosquitos.
Charge Your Devices
To avoid a boring flight, make sure all your devices are charged. Power up your phone, tablet, kindle and battery banks. Anything with a battery has to be in your carry-on luggage as the airlines do not allow them to be stowed underneath the aircraft in checked baggage. Doing so can result in a hefty fine.
Turn Off Electrical Appliances
Depending on the length of your travel you may want to turn off and unplug electrical appliances around the house. Do this will save you money on your electricity bill and reduce the potential risk of a fire hazard. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Transport to the Airport
Make sure you have arranged transportation the day before your flight. Getting a taxi or an Uber is all well and good, but I have missed a few trips by not hunting down a cab in time. Give yourself plenty of time before your flight, so you make it on time. Alternatively, you can always drive to the airport and use a airport parking service Sydney. These services are great and will provide you with a safe place to park your car while your away. They also provide a detailing service if requested. When you return from your journey, your vehicle will be looking and smelling like brand new.
Being prepared for your journey will ensure that you have a fun, carefree adventure. Just follow my tips, and you will be traversing the globe like a seasoned traveller. Bon Voyage.
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