There’s quite a bit to do when you’re planning an overseas adventure of any kind – especially when you’re traveling with your family. No one wants anything to go wrong while they’re in a foreign country but the fact is, things do happen and it is best to ensure you’re as prepared for the worst as you can be. If you’re considering traveling overseas, here are ten tips for a safe and successful overseas journey.
Tip 1: Travel Warnings
Make sure you check all travel warnings for the places to which you are planning to travel. If there are any trouble spots, keep yourself up-to-date with information about what is happening over there. Don’t be shy about changing your travel plans if you feel it is necessary to do so.
Tip 2: Valid Passport
Make sure your passport is current well beyond the date of your planned return; i.e. allow several months lee time, just in case an unforseen event occurs while you’re traveling and your return trip is delayed.
Tip 3: Travel Insurance
Ensure you purchase the right level of comprehensive travel insurance for the destinations to which you plan to travel. Check the policy to be certain all your planned activities are covered, and ask whether or not cancellations are covered. You should also read through the lost luggage component of your policy.
Tip 4: Health
Make certain any and all required vaccinations and booster shots are completed well before your departure date. Some of these have side effects and you don’t want to ruin your overseas trip by feeling sick. You might also need to get letters and notes from local health professionals regarding medications you may need while traveling. Not all countries have the same rules regarding various drugs and medications.
Tip 5: Life Insurance
Ensure your legal will and important papers are in order and fairly up to date. It may sound morbid, but traveling can still be dangerous – even these days. Should the worst happen, you want to make sure all your affairs are in order. It’s a good idea to put a life insurance policy in place before you leave as well. Preferably well in advance of any waiting periods. To learn more about the different types of insurance, check out online resources such as the Super Claims Australia website.
Tip 6: Requirements
Give yourself plenty of time to arrange any visas or travel permits you might need. Remember to check the requirements for stopovers as well as for your country of destination.
Tip 7: Make Copies
Leave a copy of all your vital travel documents – including passports, visas, and credit card numbers, with someone at home. Make sure to include any information about travel visas as well.
Tip 8: Etiquette
Take a little time to learn the dos and don’ts of the country or countries you intend to visit. Some practices which may seem perfectly harmless here can land you in gaol elsewhere.
Tip 9: Itinerary
It’s important to leave a copy of your itinerary with friends and family back home so they know where you might be, should they need to reach you for any reason.
Tip 10: Register Online
Register online with government travel resources – this is so you will be easy to contact should a natural disaster or anything else occur in any of the places to which you’re traveling. If you register, the authorities will at least have a reliable way to reach you.
With careful planning and a little foresight, you can ensure you and your family have a safe and successful overseas trip. Do you have any tips to add? Share your information in the comments box below.
