We know it’s hard to resist fantasizing about your international getaway as soon as you’ve booked a ticket but in order to have a carefree time you need to cover your bases up front. Going international requires some extra research in order to accomplish a stress-free experience. That’s why we’ve prepared a list which will make your international trip go off without a hitch.
Passport & Visa
If you’re not the type which memorizes the expiration date of your passport, remember to look at it as soon as an idea for an international trip comes to your mind because renewal could last up to six weeks. To be on a safe side, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after you enter a foreign country. Some countries will let you get away with less, but instead of trying your luck do research based on your destination.
Tourist visas are not a universal requirement, but that’s precisely what makes the application process vary greatly (in terms of time and cost) from country to country. So you should check if your destination requires applying for a visa, which also depends on how long you are planning to stay. Some of the countries offer multiyear visas which can save you a lot of money in the long run if you’re planning to visit your destination more than once.
Safe locations to leave your car
Probably the biggest potential headache, right after passport and visa requirements, is something people usually don’t think about – parking. You arrive at the airport, ready to jump on a plane, but you realize that your car is a problem. Parking at airports can be a real hassle. According to Parkos, there is a variety of airport car parks which all differ in the nature of services and rates. This is why it’s crucial to do comparative research so you can park with no fuss and at the best rate, assured that your car will be safe while you’re away.
Health to Go
Depending on the destination you’ve chosen, you’re probably going to need to get inoculated with travel vaccines, the most popular ones being yellow fever, shingles, malaria, pneumococcal, meningitis, tuberculosis, polio, and influenza. Some countries even require proof of vaccination before you’re allowed to enter, so do your research carefully and make sure you get the vaccine at least 4 weeks before you leave.
If you’re under some prescription drugs be sure to bring photocopies of prescriptions which you’ll pack separately from your medicine and write down the generic drug name. If your prescriptions demand the use of syringes obtain a letter from your doctor and make sure you declare them before you go through security. Make sure you pack enough medicine in case it turns out difficult to get your prescription filled abroad and keep in mind that non-prescription medicines may not be easy to find, too.
You need to check if your health insurance policy includes international coverage so you can buy a short-term one in case it doesn’t. It would be smart to purchase travel insurance along with it which will not only protect your health but also the money you’ve invested.
Spending Money
When it comes to foreign transactions, you need to look into the policies of your credit cards since some companies will charge foreign transaction fees and some won’t. Also, keep in mind that many countries will accept only cards with chips in them. You can also use traveler’s checks, although they’re not widely accepted and their exchange rates might be less favorable than the ones at an ATM. You should also notify your credit card company about your trip at least two weeks before you leave. They might conclude that your card has been stolen and freeze your account, so make sure you give them your destination and the dates you’ll be gone.
Sightseeing requirements
You won’t be able to see much of your international road trip unless you’re able to move around freely so it would be wise to obtain an International Driving Permit. It would also be helpful to familiarize yourself with local driving laws. No matter if you’re a selfie addict or not, electronic gadgets and the internet are crucial for finding your way around, and your electronics might need some additional gear. You’ll probably need adapters since electrical outlets might be different in your destination, so it’s best to purchase ones which can adjust to most outlets. If your devices are not compatible with lower or higher current don’t leave without a transformer, and portable chargers would be a smart investment if you don’t have them already.
As you can see, documents can cause a lot of stress, but so can parking. Even if you get a vaccine, there still has to be room in your luggage for prescriptions and medications, which doesn’t mean you don’t need an insurance policy. You can carry your money in plastics, but you need to be sure you can spend it without enormous fees. Finally, being able to drive and use the internet is mandatory for the optimum amount of sightseeing.
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