Do you feel prepared for the journey of a lifetime? The amount of planning you do before boarding the plane will have a significant impact on your experience, regardless of whether it’s study abroad, an international internship, work experience abroad, or simply a well-earned beach session on some exotic island. Spend some extra time now planning and preparing so that you may make the most of your time abroad. It sounds like more fun to explore back alleys and indulge in regional cuisine than to stress over why your phone won’t connect to a foreign network.
Here is a list of items to remember before going to the airport to aid in your preparation:
1. Acquire a passport.
Start applying for your passport well in advance of your travel, especially if you require visas from foreign embassies.
Even while the passport application procedure is typically very straightforward, occasionally administrative issues arise and make the entire process take much longer than expected.
2. Get any required visas.
Every nation has different visa requirements, but the general process is the same: it’s time-consuming and unpleasant.
Find out if your country of destination needs a visa by doing some research. What kind of visa will you require, if so? The majority of these are standard visitor’s visas, and 60% of the nations in the globe demand visas for stays of any length. But, if you plan to pursue a job or studies for longer than a short semester, you might have to sign up for a student visa. If you are planning to work, you will need a work visa (though you may be able to work abroad without a visa, too).
3. Get the required vaccinations.
Make sure to verify any immunizations you might require. Third-world nations, where there are bothersome ailments, are more prone to this. Keep track of your shots! Also, try to avoid waiting until the last minute because certain immunizations take a week or two to fully take effect.
4. Learn how to contact your home.
Even if you’re traveling to get away from it all, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your alternatives for staying in touch with loved ones back home. Moreover, it’s wonderful to phone Mom and Dad to let them know you made it across the ocean.
5. Buy insurance.
Be sure you are covered while traveling, whether it is for travel insurance, luggage protection, or health security. If you are participating in a planned itinerary, you will typically have the option to purchase an insurance package; if you do not already have foreign coverage, these are fantastic choices.
6. Create a budget.
This is especially useful if you’ll be going overseas for a long time to study or volunteer. Find out how much it will cost you to live there by doing some research, then calculate your monthly expenses for things like housing, food, transportation, and entertainment. If you are only traveling for personal reasons, estimate how much you will spend on lodging, activities, dining out, etc.
7. Learn about the place you’re going.
You’re likely to face culture shock, cool and open-minded as you may be. No amount of study will be able to change it. So it’s always a good idea to be prepared so that your time traveling may be spent discovering and having fun rather than looking through fresh travel guides. Do some research on the locations you wish to see, any festivals that will be taking place while you are there, and activities you may take part in.
8. Pack.
Study your trip in advance to learn what you need to bring and what you may buy locally for a reasonable price. Spare room in your luggage for mementos!
