Preparing for Travel
A proactive traveler is a prepared traveler. Taking these necessary steps, well in advance of your next overseas trip will leave you feeling less stressed and could help you save money, time and a potential trip catastrophe.
- Immunizations. Whether precautionary or required in certain rural countries, it's a good idea to check for destination specific immunizations at least three months in advance of travel. Some immunizations can necessitate multiple doses before effective and can take longer than you may expect. You will also want to keep a record of your specific immunizations if asked to show proof upon arrival to your destination of choice.
- Passports. In recent years the US Government has passed new laws requiring passports for all travel outside of the United States for people of all ages. Passports are even required for travelers visiting Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada. Three to six months before your trip make sure your passport is current and has enough blank pages for your next travel. If you have any issues you'll want to resolve right away as passport modifications and renewals can take several weeks to months to manage.
- Local Customs and Laws. The last thing you want to occur on your trip is getting in trouble with the natives or the government during your travels. It's a good idea to check out local laws and customs before traveling to your next international destination. Several websites exist today that allow you to quickly identify what you should and should not do in any specific country while traveling abroad.
- Medical Insurance. It's a good idea to call your health insurance company and discuss any available coverage in your destination of choice. If you have certain health issues or are going to a third world country, where common health scares can be a life or death situation, medical insurance and a medical evacuation plan is proactive thinking.
- Travel Insurance. Should something occur before or during your vacation you don't want to see your hard earned money wasted. Travel Insurance protects your investment should your trip be cancelled, you lose your luggage, or an emergency arises.
- Medicine. Should you get sick, a condition worsens or you are stuck due to common travel delays you'll need to have plenty of medicine to stay healthy, happy and out of an international hospital. The same medicines found in other countries can be much different than those you currently use. Utilizing a little more space in your suitcase for an emergency supply of medicine is a wise decision.
Being proactive with both your passport, insurance, medical needs and country research will help avoid a travel nightmare and wasted money.
