Did you know that about 40% of Americans have never left the United States? It’s a shocking statistic, but it’s one that you don’t have to be apart of.
A trip abroad is easier to prepare for than you may have realized. Plus, with so many affordable destinations around the world, there’s always a spot to explore.
If the thought of traveling abroad excites you, get ready to start planning. Not sure where to start?
Here are five things you must do before you visit another country.
Get Your Travel Documents Ready First
The most crucial thing to do before a trip abroad is to ensure you’ve prepared your travel documents. If you don’t already have a passport, apply for one in advance. Also, check if your destination requires a visa.
You’ll want to make sure your documents are up-to-date too. Your passport, for example, should be valid for at least the next six months after your trip.
If you have any medical prescriptions, find out if any are banned in your destination. Bring copies of your prescription and keep pills in their correct bottles to be safe.
Learn More About Your Destination
Before you embark on your adventure, you should learn about your destination. Make yourself aware of any entry requirements the country may have. Are any vaccines recommended or required for good health?
Educate yourself on the culture too. Learn about the people’s traditions and cuisines. You might even want to learn some important phrases if they don’t speak English.
Decide How to Carry Money Abroad
Many American tourists wonder how to carry money while traveling abroad. Create your plan before you go out of the country. To start, investigate what form of payment is popular among the locals.
It’s not always safe to carry cash. It’s easy to steal and impossible to get back once gone. So, check that you’ll be safe while carrying cash wherever you go.
In some countries, credit and debit cards aren’t common. Check if you will encounter this at your destination. If cards are accepted, be sure that yours gets unlocked for international use.
Find a Comfortable Place to Stay
When you arrive at your destination, you’ll need a place to sleep and leave your things! Before any trip, always arrange some sort of accommodation—like a hostel or a hotel.
Some spots offer appealing places to stay, like luxury resorts or even safari lodges. What’s more about these safari lodges is that they allow you to be one with the surrounding nature.
Be sure that your accommodation is in a safe region. It’s recommended that you look into customer reviews first.
Set a Realistic Budget for Yourself
Of course, as you plan your trip abroad, you must consider funds. An international flight, accommodations, and food add up fast. Set aside some money so that you are prepared.
Vacation planning always includes budget planning too. Determine how much money you are allowed to bring and spend. Consider saving extra as a safety net, just in case.
Are You Ready for a Trip Abroad?
Now that you know how to prepare for a trip abroad, you can get ready to go. Choose a bucket-list destination and make your wildest travel fantasies come true!
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