Buzz
Autumn is one of the ideal seasons for travel with its cool and pleasant weather. However, check out the following checklist before packing your bags.
16 Things to Consider When Traveling Far and Wide
Create a checklist of things to do
Compile a detailed list to answer questions like where you'll stay, whether you need to change accommodations, and what activities you'll engage in at your destination. This may require some thought, but it's crucial for an overall perspective of your trip.
Consider the timing of your journey
From November to March, it's the rainy season in Australia, whereas in Vietnam, this period falls between July and October. Surely, you wouldn't want to spend a fortune on a travel only to end up lying in a hotel watching the rain.
Backpacking or Tour: Which is Better?
Each form of travel has its own interesting aspects and challenges. Independent travel requires a lot of preparation but offers freedom in terms of time and itinerary. On the other hand, traveling with a tour helps you avoid the hassle of planning but may not be as exciting for those who love exploration.
Book Your Flight
Airlines often release flight tickets as early as 11 months in advance, and the earlier you buy, the cheaper they are. Flights close to the departure date tend to be more expensive. Therefore, plan ahead, book your hotel and flight wisely, and you can save a considerable amount of money.
Accommodation
The earlier you book accommodations, the better the price and more choices you'll have, especially if the destination is popular or during peak season.
Maintain Your Health
Take good care of your health before traveling. Don't change your exercise routine; stick to your favorite activities such as walking, swimming, aerobics, or cycling. However, avoid overexertion to prevent injuries or muscle fatigue.
Passport and Visas
If you plan to travel abroad, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months. Some countries also require travel visas. Visa processing time can take a few weeks to a month, depending on your destination and the consulate's procedures.
Submit your visa application as early as possible because, in addition to preparing documents and waiting for results, you may need to visit the consulate for an interview.
Health Matters
Do you have any health issues? Have you prepared enough medication? Different countries have varying requirements and costs for medical services. Therefore, you always need to be self-prepared.
If you have a specific illness, carry your medical records or prescriptions in English for use abroad.
Travel Insurance
Consider getting travel insurance as early as possible, right after purchasing your flight ticket, to protect yourself from unforeseen natural disasters or unpredictable events.
Car Rental and International Driver's License
The closer you rent a car to the pick-up date, the higher the price. Car insurance can be quite expensive, but if you purchase insurance through an intermediary company, you might have to pay a lower fee.
Additionally, to drive a car abroad, you'll need an international driver's license. Prioritize your safety and familiarize yourself with the traffic rules at your destination before taking the wheel.
Store Personal Information
Take photos of your flight ticket, passport, visa, and all necessary information and make several copies. Place them in your travel bags to guard against luggage loss. Also, send these details via email to yourself and your family members.
Get a Phone SIM Card
Purchase a wifi hotspot or phone SIM card right at the airport, especially if you're not familiar with the language or directions in the country you're visiting. Some hotels offer free wifi, but in some places, it may only be available in the lobby or at an additional cost.
Download Destination Maps in Advance
If you're afraid of getting lost or not familiar with the destination, it's best to download maps of the area and places you plan to visit in advance. You can also inquire about free maps at the hotel.
Ensure Electrical Safety
Prepare all your gadgets, tech devices, and chargers, especially a versatile travel adapter, as electrical outlets in different countries often vary. If the destination has a different voltage, consider purchasing a voltage converter.
Preload Essential Apps
Some essential apps for travelers include Google Maps, Weather Live, Google Translate, XE Currency Pro, and CityMaps2Go. If you want to message or call for free, in addition to Facebook, you can download WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber.
Bring Onboard Essentials
At health care stores, you can find a convenient kit for long-haul flights.
This kit includes earplugs, an eye mask, and an inflatable neck pillow. On the plane, simply inflate the pillow. When not in use, deflate it and fold it up like a piece of fabric.
It's advisable to have this kit as some airlines only provide blankets without eye masks or earplugs, even on long flights.
By Binh Minh/Tuoi Tre
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourSeptember 29, 2017
