Essential Things To Add To Your Pre-Travel Checklist
Are you planning on a winter break this year? Or are you currently in the midst of your travel planning for next year? If so, there are all kinds of things you will need to remember, above and beyond sorting out your travel wardrobe and passport.
Be sure to add each of these to your pre-travel checklist.
#1: Buy travel insurance
Travel isn't cheap so you might decide to cut back where you can. However, while it's perfectly acceptable to book a cheaper flight or forego an expensive hotel for a hostel, you should never skimp on travel insurance. You can compare prices online, of course, so you don't have to pay over the odds. But whatever you choose, make sure you're covered for such mishaps as lost luggage, medical coverage, and trip cancellation.
#2: Make sure you get the right visa
If you don't have the right visa you will be turned away from the country you are visiting, which will be a right pain when you have travelled many miles to get there. So, don't forget to check on your visa requirements before you travel. If you're considering travel destinations in Europe, you should visit europe-visa.com, for example.
#3: Visit your doctor
The last thing you want to happen is to fall ill while away so you do need to book an appointment with your doctor. For starters, you may need to get vaccinated against certain types of illness and infection, so let the doctor know which country you are visiting. You will also need a supply of the medications you usually take as you may not be able to get hold of these while you're away.
#4: Print copies of your travel documents
Yes, we know you may have evidence of these on your smartphone but having a hard copy is still useful. After all, you will run into problems if you lose your phone or if the battery dies when you're about to get on the plane, so it's helpful to have printed copies of your documents. These include your boarding pass, visa, and your hotel reservations, alongside any documents that are required as ID.
#5: Confirm all of your bookings
After booking a flight and accommodation, don't assume that everything will run smoothly for you. Flights can get cancelled within a moment's notice, and hotel rooms can get double-booked when mistakes are made. There could be other issues too, such as a hotel that has to get closed down for renovation or an airline that is restricting passengers because of COVID. In all likelihood, things will run smoothly but it's always worth checking. So, confirm your flight and accommodation bookings a few weeks before leaving, and the day before you go away, to be doubly certain that your reservations are still in place.
#6: Pack for COVID
While many countries have been deemed safe to travel to, it's still better to think of the worst-case scenario when you're travelling. So, when considering what to pack for your trip, be sure to include your face masks, hand sanitisers, and antibacterial wipes. It's a good idea to bring a thermometer too so you can keep tabs on your body temperature, as well as a COVID-test kit so you can check for the virus while you're away.
#6: Let your bank know where you're going
It will be a nightmare if your bank card is cancelled while you're away as you will have no access to the money you need for your trip. Banks will usually cancel a card if they suspect it has been stolen or if they believe a person's bank details may have been compromised, so it makes sense that they take action, no matter how aggravating it can be. This is why you should speak to your bank before you go away. A quick phone call to let them know where you are travelling to will put their minds at ease. Your mind will be at ease too as you won't have to worry about using your card at ATM's in the country you are visiting.
Finally
There are all kinds of other things to add to your pre-travel checklist of course, but we have covered most of the essentials here. You forget them at your peril as your ability to travel will be compromised if you fail to take the necessary steps before you go away. So, make a note of each and then commit to further research online for information on all the other things that are worth remembering before you travel.