Travel in your future?
If travel is in your future then run through this checklist to make sure you’ve got everything squared away before you leave.
Domestic travel
When you book
Travel insurance
Make sure you have travel insurance. We don’t always think about the worst happening on our travel adventures but if it does you’ll be glad that you’re prepared. Make sure your policy covers what you need. For example, some policies won’t cover sports so if you plan on going skiing then check you’re covered. It’s also useful to get travel insurance when you book your ticket so you’re covered for any event that might prevent you from departing.
Baggage allowances
Different airlines have different policies. Check how much you’re allowed to take along with you and avoid costly fees at the check in counter. Often it is cheaper to buy excess baggage when you buy your ticket rather than waiting until you get to the airport. And if you’re going on a shopping trip then make sure you have enough allowance to cover the additional items you’re bringing home.
Before you leave
Documents
Check that you have your airline ticket information and any paperwork for accommodation you’ve booked. If you have hired a car make sure you have the booking number to ensure a smooth transaction when picking it up. Going to an event? Pack your tickets for that too!
International travel
When you book
Passports
Make sure everyone who is travelling with you has a valid passport. Most destinations require a minimum of six months validity on a passport before they will grant entry. To be safe, store a copy of your passport online with lockr just in case you lose the original. We’ve heard many stories about people saving heaps of time getting their travel documents replaced because they were prepared with copies.
Visas
Check the country you are travelling to and what the requirements are for entry. Some countries may not require a visa but there may be other documents that need to be filed. In the US for instance you need to obtain a travel authorisation before they will let you in. Also pay attention to the different visas that are on offer. If you’re travelling for study or business then chances are you will need a different visa to the one you’d use for a holiday.
Vaccinations
Visit a doctor prior to travelling to learn what vaccinations will be useful. Some vaccinations require multiple visits to the doctor so do this early to ensure you can be properly prepared before leaving. There are many clinics that specialise in travel medicine and will be able to treat you quickly and efficiently.
Travel insurance
Make sure you have travel insurance. We don’t always think about the worst happening on our travel adventures but if it does you’ll be glad that you’re prepared. Make sure your policy covers what you need. For example, some policies won’t cover sports so if you plan on going skiing then check you’re covered. It’s also useful to get travel insurance when you book your ticket so you’re covered for any event that might prevent you from departing.
Baggage allowances
Different airlines have different policies. Check how much you’re allowed to take along with you and avoid costly fees at the check in counter. Often it is cheaper to buy excess baggage when you buy your ticket rather than waiting until you get to the airport. And if you’re going on a shopping trip then make sure you have enough allowance to cover the additional items you’re bringing home.
Money
Check the availability of money at your destination. Many banks offer travel cards that are useful for locking in an exchange rate and avoiding expensive transaction fees but look into the accessibility of ATMs and electronic payment methods in the country you’re visiting. In some developing countries it may be difficult to access these machines on a widespread basis so it pays to check.
Medications
If you’re on medication then check that the medication is legal in the destination you’re travelling to and that you have a written letter from your doctor for it. Prescription medicines have often seen people land in hot water when they pass through customs as they arrive in a foreign country because they didn’t check whether it was legal. Sometimes you may be better off leaving simple pain killers at home and buying it when you land. Airports will often sell these simple medicines and you can rest easy knowing that you won’t fall foul of local laws.
Customs and immigration
Like medications most countries will have restriction on what you can and can’t bring in. Things like wooden items, unprocessed food and illegal items like knives, pornographic material, etc. may all be restricted in certain places. Check before you leave if you intend on carrying any of these items and ensure that you have the appropriate paperwork and authorisations in place before you depart. Without this you may be refused entry or even worse.
Before you leave
Documents
Check that you have your airline ticket information and any paperwork for accommodation you’ve booked. If you have hired a car make sure you have the booking number to ensure a smooth transaction when picking it up. Going to an event? Pack your tickets for that too. And definitely don’t forget your passport!
Bon voyage!