Sometimes when you travel to a new country it’s so easy to focus on the big important things like your flight, accommodation, passport, etc., that you might forget some smaller but really important details!
Here is a list of things you need to check before you travel. This will save you so much hassle in the long run.
1) Unfreezing your credit cards
Always remember to call your credit card company to let them know you’re going overseas. You don’t wanna end up in another country only to find out you can’t use your card when you want to buy something.
Pro-tip: If you’re using a debit card, it’s a good idea to disable the automatic tap-to-pay feature, just in case your wallet is stolen. That way, if your card does get stolen, no one can use the money in it!
2) Country specific requirements
Some countries might have certain requirements when you enter. Like when I went to the Seychelles from Ethiopia, I found out that I needed to have proof of yellow fever vaccination. Go Google the country you’re travelling to and do some research before hand to prevent stuff like this from delaying you!
Also many countries require you to have an onward ticket to enter!! (An onward ticket is proof that you have another flight to catch eventually, to make sure you’re not gonna overstay.) So if you travel one way like me, then you need to contact a travel agent to get you a sort of “fake” onward ticket or book a 24 hour refundable ticket (on websites like Expedia) and cancel it when you land! All you need is a confirmation number to show the airline. I’ve almost missed so many flights because I didn’t know I needed an onward ticket!
3) Travel insurance
Okay many people overlook travel insurance, but it’s such a lifesaver if you get into any trouble or accidents. I use SafetyWing, which is a subscription based insurance for just $37 a month. The customer service is super responsive, and everything is so hassle free. Check it out here if you want to try it too.
4) Passport validity
A lot of countries need your passport to have at least 3-6 month buffer before it expires, or they might turn you away! Even if you knew this already, it’s easy to forget, so make sure to set a reminder in your calendar when you need to renew it!
Are there any things you always forget when you travel? Let me know in the comments!