15 essential tips to keep in mind before traveling abroad

Remember important phone numbers, pre-photograph your passport and ID, or activate your credit card – these are crucial things to keep in mind before traveling abroad.

15 essential tips to keep in mind before traveling abroad

1. Photocopy your passport and ID

Before embarking on your journey, carefully check your passport and ID. It's best to scan or photograph them in advance and store copies on your phone for easy access, especially when in a place without Wi-Fi.

2. Save important phone numbers

Important phone numbers for airlines, banks, credit card companies, and hotels are the ones you must remember. For added caution, you can jot down these numbers in a notebook to guard against the possibility of losing your phone.

3. Activate your credit card

Before traveling abroad, it's advisable to activate your ATM and credit cards for universal usage. This way, you can easily make payments while shopping or avail other necessary services.

4. Visa Requirements

Some countries require visa interviews, so plan ahead. Additionally, when traveling abroad, many countries mandate that travelers have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the expiration date.

5. Purchase Travel Insurance

When purchasing travel insurance, you'll enjoy numerous benefits in case of unfortunate events such as natural disasters, terrorism, or civil unrest. Additionally, travel insurance covers various expenses like medical bills, compensation for itinerary changes, and reimbursement for stolen luggage.

6. Check the weather at your planned destination

It's advisable to check the weather at your intended destination a few days in advance to organize your luggage accordingly. An umbrella, a jacket, and a pair of waterproof shoes are always essential items to have in your suitcase.

7. Get Vaccinated

As recommended by some countries, travelers heading abroad must receive specific vaccinations. For example, if you're traveling to South America and African countries, it's advisable to get vaccinated for diseases like yellow fever.

Additionally, carry a few essential first aid items such as bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and antibiotics to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

8. International Driving Permit

If you travel abroad and, in addition to using public transportation, you might want to rent a self-driving car for the flexibility to design your own itinerary. Therefore, you need to have an International Driving Permit. Similar to a passport, it has a gray cover, the first pages contain basic information and usage scope in both Vietnamese and English. Subsequent pages cover driver details and vehicle classifications in Russian, French, and Spanish.

9. Pre-book tickets for popular attractions

Before traveling abroad, it's advisable to pre-book tickets for popular tourist attractions to get discounts and avoid wasting time in queues. In addition to entrance tickets, some countries also allow travelers to pre-purchase bus or train tickets.

10. Register information with the embassy

You can register your personal information with the embassy or consulate of your planned travel destination so they can assist you in emergencies such as natural disasters or political unrest.

11. Learn some local phrases

You can pick up essential phrases like hello, thank you, excuse me, where am I, I've been robbed, in the local language to easily ask for directions and seek help when lost. Additionally, familiarize yourself with customs, especially dress codes, to avoid cultural surprises and shocks.

12. Fully charge electronic devices

To prepare for the possibility of long layovers at the airport or flight delays, make sure to fully charge electronic devices such as your phone, camera, tablet, and music player.

13. Wi-Fi Router

Depending on your destination, you may consider renting a Wi-Fi Router (also known as a pocket Wi-Fi). With this device, you can catch Wi-Fi signals and use apps on your phone or iPad to access the internet, navigate, make international calls, and more.

14. Explore local apps

Many local apps can provide you with additional useful information about destinations, so it's worth spending time getting to know these apps.

15. Plan ahead for the first day

It's best to plan ahead for the first day, including transportation from the airport to the hotel, places to visit, dining options, etc. This will save you time compared to deciding on the spots to visit once you arrive.

According to Traveltimes.vn

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Reference: Travel Guide on Mytour