Step 1: Make sure your passport is valid.

This may seem like an obvious step to take; however, requirements for passports are not flexible, and a simple fault could prevent you from catching your flight.

Double-check these things.

Validity for 6 months in advance of your trip.

As many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 3 months after the end date of your trip, make sure you are not cutting time close and renew your passport if necessary.

Damaged passport.

The condition of your passport may cause you to be denied by passport authorities if it is too damaged or dog-eared.

Stamps for a country that is not favoured.

Some countries, for example, the USA, will not allow you to get an eVisa if you have been to Cuba in recent years. There are many other countries that do not accept travel to and from other places due to security, so make sure you do a little research.

To check if your passport is valid, you can call the National Passport Information Centre at 1-877-487-2778.

Step 2: Research your chosen destination

Things you may need to know:

• Where exactly is it, and what places/attractions might you be interested in?

• What language is spoken? (learn basic phrases for that language).

• What currency is used?

• What is the cost of living like?

• What is the main religion practiced?

• What vaccinations do you need?

• What are the popular food and drink locations?

• Are there any specific dangers you should be aware of?

• What season is it?

• What are the options for transport in that country? (some countries have transportation cards that you can use for buses and trains, which will be more efficient than buying tickets every time).

Questions you may need to ask yourself or be aware of before going:

• How much time is available to you?

• Do you have appropriate clothing and weather-ready gear for your destination?

• Is your trip catered to your physical capabilities?

• If you are travelling between destinations on your trip, do you know the options for transport? Flight? Boat? Bus? Train? Bullet train? On foot? Driving?

• Knowing your budget and preparing activities based on what you are willing to spend.

• Do your activities need to be pre-booked?

Step 3: Visa requirements

The visa process can be a bit confusing for first time travelers as the process ranges between countries. Most places provide eVisa’s however, some countries still require that you apply for a visa in your home country before departing for your destination.

There will be specific visa requirements for the country you are going to visit so it will be important to research these using official government websites and embassy resources. A multiple-entry visa is different from the single-entry visa, so make sure to accommodate for your plan.

The application process may take a few days to several weeks, so it would be wise to complete this well in advance of your trip.

Step 4: Safety and insurance

Travel insurance is one of the first on this list because it is one of the most important parts of traveling. It is important to do thorough research for the best travel insurance to suit your needs. Never travel without insurance, as the likelihood of incidents such as stolen property and medical emergencies increases while traveling.

Things to cover for travel insurance

• Medical: Medical treatment, doctor’s visits, and evacuation costs.

• Trip cancellations and delays.

• Lost or delayed luggage: If your luggage is delayed, misdirected, or misplaced for 12 hours or more.

• Damaged or stolen personal items.

• Rental vehicle excess: If your rental vehicle is stolen or damaged, travel insurance can help pay for the excess.

• Personal liability: Travel insurance can cover legal expenses, compensation, and damages.

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Some travel insurance policies cover pre-existing medical conditions.

Getting vaccinated

When planning your trip, vaccinations are necessary to stay safe and healthy during your travels. Make sure to research what vaccinations will be required for your chosen destination.

Make sure you book your appointment at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure date for the vaccine/s to provide optimum protection by the time you are in the country.

Upon vaccinations, you may also need to check whether antimalarials are also recommended for your chosen destination.

Step 5: Book your transportation

Transportation is the most important and often most expensive part of traveling. Therefore, there are many factors to consider when planning your transportation. Ticket prices, schedules, and comfort levels are the main factors that contribute to a satisfied traveler.

There are many platforms at which you can find affordable flights. Examples of these would be House of Travel, Skyscanner, and Iwantthatflight.

All of these sites provide easy navigation and incredibly lower-priced offers across multiple countries. These deals are also heightened when you

• Start looking for flights as far in advance of your departure as possible.

• Being flexible with dates to secure the cheapest in that time period.

• Decide if it’s worth paying to reserve a specific seat.

• Sign up for email notifications to get notified when your chosen flight decreases in price.

Choosing accommodation can be extremely time-consuming, and it is often hard to find something you are looking for. When choosing your accommodation, you will have to consider many things, like cost, location, type of accommodation, deals, amenities/facilities, and customer reviews.

There are no specific guidelines for what accommodation you choose as long as it is safe. This means you can cater the accommodation you choose based on your preference. Whether you would like a swimming pool, gym, good breakfast deal, or free wifi is all up to you.

There are also many platforms and websites on which you can find affordable and luxury accommodation. Make sure to plan ahead and book your accommodation as soon as possible to be able to lock in dates and not have to worry about missing out.

Step 7: Plan your activities

Now that we have put together the accommodation and transportation, our next stage is planning what activities you want to do when you get there.

Using a search engine or guidebook, you can discover the ‘must-see’ attractions for that location. Make sure to pick something you or everyone in your group will enjoy.

Make sure to factor in logistical considerations like how much time you will be spending there and if it is open at the time you want to go. Looking out for deals such as city passes or travel day cards will help you save money.

You may also want to join a guided tour, which could save the hassle of putting in the time and effort into logistics, as your tour is organized for you. Or you could explore independently.

Pre-booking activities may also be necessary and will save you time and sometimes money.

When traveling overseas, how you manage your money is vital. If the currency is different from your hometown, you will have to think about currency exchange rates and foreign transaction fees. It is best to exchange your currency while the other country’s currency ratio is high. You can keep up to date with this through Google Finance or Travel ex.

There are many options for exchanging your money from a different currency, so here are the top options.

Your local currency exchange office or bank

Pros: Easy to do, local, in-hand cash, no credit card scams.

Cons: The exchange fee is likely to be expensive.

Debit or Credit card

Pros: Can use the card while overseas, can earn rewards, and fraud prevention if you let the bank know you are traveling.

Cons: Every purchase has a foreign transaction fee; multiple fees can build up and become expensive. (A good idea would be to get a travel credit card with low or no foreign transaction fee).

ATMs

Pros: accessibility, convenience of not having to pre-purchase foreign currency before traveling.

Cons: there may be a separate withdrawal fee on top of the foreign exchange fee, daily withdrawal limits, maximum cash-out capacity, and the possibility of scams.

Wise card

Pros: extremely low foreign exchange fees, no interest or penalty charges, can hold and exchange multiple currencies, can use Apple Pay from phone, and free ATM withdrawals.

Cons: no cash or cheque top-ups, as it can only be exchanged online.

There are various phone plans and SIM options available to help you stay connected while traveling. When choosing a provider, some important factors to consider include ease of setup, affordable pricing, and the security of your personal information. Below are the top available options and their pros and cons to help you choose the most effective provider for you.

Roaming

Roaming is the easiest and most efficient option when it comes to providing you with overseas plans. You can do this through your normal digital service provider and set it up like you would normally add a data plan to your phone through the roaming section. Roaming is from your local digital service provider; therefore, you won’t have to worry about your phone number changing.

However, this option is not recommended as the fees for roaming data are extremely excessive and cost up to 5x more than the local phone plans.

SIM cards

SIM cards are great if you’re spending a long time in the country. All you have to do is replace your home SIM card with the local SIM card in your phone. The setup process shouldn’t take too long, and the local plans will be a lot cheaper than roaming plans, especially if you are a data-heavy user. If your phone provides dual SIM functionality, you will be able to access your home phone number as well.

However, if your phone doesn’t support dual SIM functionality, this may not be ideal if you still need access to your home contacts for business. Additionally, it may not be a convenient option if there are no stores nearby that sell physical SIM cards. If you’re planning to stay in a rural or remote area, it’s a good idea to purchase a SIM card at the airport, if available.

eSIMs

eSIMs are great if you are traveling between multiple countries. This is because eSIMs only require you to activate the SIM once, and from then on, they can be set up with different plans for different countries. If your phone supports dual SIM functionality, you can use both an eSIM and a physical SIM simultaneously, which is great for separating business and personal lines or for using both local and home country numbers.

However, your phone must be compatible with eSIMs to use this provider. To check compatibility, go to settings > cellular/mobile, and there should be an option that says ‘Convert to eSIM or Add eSIM.’ If this is an available button on your phone, then you will be able to proceed with setting up your eSIM.

One of the top trusted providers is Saily. Saily is a product from Nord Security, so you can be assured that all your information is secure. Saily offers plans that are much cheaper than roaming. Use code SPECIAL5 for an extra 5% off

Packing your luggage and having the right clothing or equipment for your upcoming trip must be organized well before a few days prior to your departure, like most people do. Here we try and reduce travel stress, which starts with being organized well before you leave.

Here are some things to consider:

• What will the weather be like?

• Are there cultural or religious norms that should be considered? (is it appropriate for skin to be showing in particular areas, or must you dress a certain way for a cultural ceremony?)

• Bring an essential kit with medications, bug bite cream, plasters, and basic first aid. (with your medication, it is required to have a copy of your prescription attached to the medication for customs at the airport)

• Chargers and travel adapters with the correct wall insert for the country you are visiting.

• Try to pack as lightly as possible to ensure you have room for the items you buy over there.

Step 11: Learning the culture

Cultural etiquette can often be undermined when traveling to different countries. Some people think that as a tourist, this is unessential, which is not true at all. A major part of being a tourist is to not only enjoy the attractions and activities but also appreciate the culture of that country. Often times you will be invited to participate in the cultural practices which might feel out of your comfort zone. Make sure to remain respectful and know that these are historical and have a lot of significance to the locals.

As the English language has become more widespread most country’s populations now speak a little bit of English. Therefore, you may think learning the language of the country you are visiting is a waste of time. However, it is respectful to at least learn a few phrases in the language of that country. The locals will be enlightened to hear that you are putting in the effort.

These are the final arrangements that must be made:

• Pets (whether that is organizing someone to be a house sitter and tend to your animals while you are away or sending your pets to a cattery or kennel).

• Plants may need to be watered if you have them.

• Organizing your mail

• Ensure all windows and doors are locked and security systems are activated.

• Inform a trusted neighbor that you will be away and make sure they have your number in case of an emergency.

Now you are all set!

By following these 12 steps, you’ll be prepared for a smooth sailing trip ahead bursting with memories to be made.

Remember to remain flexible, as your plans may need to be altered due to changes. If you have any comments or tips you would see fit to add to our website, contact us via the email located at the bottom of the page.

Wishing you safe travels ahead!