Preliminary Preparation for a Trip
There are different types of travel: mountaineering, cruises, long-term tours through countries and cities, trips to visit friends or relatives. Each of them is an exciting adventure and memories for a lifetime.
But does every trip go according to plan? Flights can be delayed, and your luggage can get lost. Don't forget about the risks of scams and food poisoning that tourists often encounter in unfamiliar countries.
Make copies of your travel documents. None of us is immune to the loss or theft of documents and money, but the risk increases while traveling. It will be much easier to recover lost documents if you have copies on hand. For reliability, make printed copies of all documents and keep them in the hotel safe. Additionally, it's essential to create digital copies of tickets and passports and store them not only on your phone but also in a cloud storage that you can access from any device. These simple methods will significantly simplify the process of obtaining new documents, allowing you to return to your country while saving time, money, and nerves.
Prepare your home for your departure. If you and your family are leaving home for an extended period, you need to take some measures to ensure your home and pets are safe. Inform your neighbors about your trip and ask them to collect your mail and newspapers. You can hire a pet sitter or ask friends or relatives to take care of your pets. Be sure to leave your car in a locked garage or park it at the airport.
Get necessary vaccinations. An exotic country somewhere in Africa or Southeast Asia is an excellent destination for a traveler not accustomed to following traditional routes. And the threat of an unknown disease is not a reason to abandon your plans. In most cases, problems can be avoided by getting just one vaccination. It's advisable to take care of this no later than a month before your intended travel date, as this is the time required for the body to develop immunity after vaccination. Keep in mind that while vaccination may be optional for traveling to some countries, it may be mandatory for others. Research the epidemiological situation in the country you plan to visit.
Don't neglect insurance. Travel insurance is your guarantee of safety. This is perhaps the most justified investment you can make before your trip, and certainly, it should be done not just to successfully submit your visa documents. First, by obtaining an insurance document, you will have access to a 24-hour hotline for consultation in stressful situations. Second, you will be able to reimburse your medical expenses or additional accommodation costs due to flight delays or cancellations upon your return. And third, you will feel much more comfortable knowing that nothing threatens your journey, no matter what happens. Choose insurance based on the purpose and destination of your trip.
Learn about local laws and customs.
We usually travel for new experiences and emotions that we will cherish for a lifetime. New cultures always provide interesting experiences, but getting acquainted with them often requires caution. Local laws and customs are part of national culture, and ignorance of them can lead to unpleasant consequences. While in most European countries things are more or less clear, in Singapore, for example, you can receive a hefty fine for dropping gum on the ground, and in Bangkok, for feeding an elephant. By carefully studying the prohibitions in the country you are visiting, you can protect yourself not only from losing money but also from an encounter with the police. If you plan to travel by car, be sure to learn the local traffic rules — it could save your life.
Learn a few local phrases. Learn a few phrases in the language of the country you are visiting. Simple polite words like "thank you" and "hello" will be enough to show your respect for the country's culture.
Photography. Always ask for permission to photograph local residents, even if it's just with gestures (even if you are not in Saudi Arabia or other Eastern countries). Sometimes this can lead to unpleasant conflicts. Don't let your camera out of your hands, and don't place it on your lap or on the café table to avoid provoking thieves.
Don't leave trash behind. This advice is quite understandable, but we often forget this simple rule. When traveling through a nature reserve, a large park, or an ecological trail, it's better to pack plastic waste in your backpack and dispose of it in a trash bin in the city. Often, protected areas are poorly funded and, consequently, rarely cleaned.