Travelling abroad is a lot of fun and can give us memories that last a lifetime. However, it’s important that we do what we can to ensure that these memories are happy ones. Things can go wrong very easily and in a foreign county an emergency can be especially complicated. So, before you hop over the big pond, make sure you take some precautionary action to avoid some bad situations.
Documentation
Before you leave, make sure you have all of the necessary legal documents and information, such as a Visa, and make sure you have researched the process of entering the country you’re travelling to. Attending an italian visa appointment new york, for example, could help make the process of obtaining a visa a lot less stressful when it comes to having the right documents to be given a visa to visit a certain country. For example, if you’re entering the US you may be eligible for an ESTA. An ESTA allows people living in certain countries to enter the US without a Visa and is compulsory for those living in countries included in the Visa Waiver Programme. You can read more here about ESTAs and find out if you are eligible.
Money
It’s important to take care of your money abroad and take precautionary measures to avoid getting it stolen or losing it. The first way to do this is to avoid carrying too much cash while you’re away. Instead a debit card would be more sensible. Signing up to online banking and keeping your bank information close at hand can help you avoid a financial emergency if you were to lose your card. All it takes is a quick phone call or a few button presses on your banking app to freeze your card and transfer your money somewhere s safe.
If you happen to be travelling through an area with a high crime rate some travellers also suggest bringing a dummy wallet. Fill a wallet with a few small bills to give to any robbers you may come across. That way you can avoid a serious confrontation and keep most of your money safe.
Research the area
Before you get excited about travelling you should always take car e to thoroughly research the areas you’re travelling to. This includes looking for any weather warnings, looking at crime rates I the area, ensuring that the accommodation is as advertised and noting emergency phone numbers and facilities. On the other hand, it’s also important that you’re aware of the local laws. Some minor infractions at home might be cause for arrest in another country.
Purchasing maps of the area will also keep you aware of your surroundings if something were to happen to your phone and if you bring children with you, you should make sure they’re aware of who to call and where to go if they’re separated from you.
Contamination and illness
Anyone travelling should be up to date with their vaccinations and receive any additional vaccinations that may be necessary for the area. You should also keep the appropriate medication close at hand and avoid drinking tap water and using ice if you can’t guarantee that the water has been treated. Although you can’t always predict when food poisoning might strike, you can take some precautions against it by only eating well cooked, hot food and avoiding street vendors.