Travel Tips (International Destination) ✈✈✈✈
Traveling on a business trip does not require you to make all the arrangements as the company sponsoring your trip will make all the arrangements and you only need to get your Visa and start packing things. However, if you are visiting an International destination as a Tourist, you need to plan your travel well in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
1. Check passport validity:- You need to have a valid passport to travel internationally. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries have specific entry requirements, so it's essential to verify the validity in advance. Also check your name, father's Name, and Mothers name and it should match the identity proof that you carry along with you while getting Visa. Your visa can be rejected if your father's name in the passport does not match your Identity proof document. So check all the names very carefully and apply for corrections if required before applying for a visa.
2. Getting visa requirements done:- Different countries have different Visa requirements. Find out if you need a visa to enter your destination country first and if so what are the requirements. Visit the embassy or consulate website of the country you plan to visit to understand the visa requirements and apply well in advance if necessary. Getting a US Visa is very difficult these days as the waiting time is almost 10 to 12 months for a tourist visa. Hence apply for a visa well in advance of your travel date.
You may have to be alert on the visa scheduling as the visa is scheduled in all the major metro cities. You can opt for a different city also for the visa interview like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Delhi depending on availability. Reach there well in time. Be confident and precise in your answers during the visa interview. Also, attend the bio-metric interview for getting your passport along with the Visa.
3. Get travel insurance:- Post Covid 19, all countries have their health insurance requirements to be fulfilled by travelers. Hence go through the insurance requirement of the country you are visiting and Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
4. Research destination: Learn about the local customs, traditions, and laws of the country you're visiting apart from the weather conditions, the law and order situation, etc.. Familiarize yourself with basic phrases in the local language to facilitate communication, the currency that is generally accepted, etc.
5. Check health requirements:- Visit a travel clinic or consult your healthcare provider to ensure you're up to date on any necessary vaccinations or medications required for your destination. Check if there are any specific health advisories or precautions you should take. Note: Indian medicines are not allowed in foreign countries. Hence you are required to carry only equivalent medicines that are allowed in the country of your visit. Visit your family doctor and he will guide you in prescribing you the equivalent and accepted medicine names for the country you are visiting. You can then take those medicines only.
6. Make copies of important documents:- Scan or take photos of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents like Adhaar, PAN, Financial documents etc. Store the copies electronically and carry physical copies as well. This will be helpful in case your documents are lost or stolen.
7. Inform your bank and carry Forex cards and Forex currency:- Notify your bank and credit card providers about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage abroad. Inquire about international transaction fees and make sure your cards are accepted in your destination country. You can buy travel cards prior to your departure and load those cards with the local currency. ICICI an HDFC bank provides International Foreign Exchange cards with single-currency or multi-currency options. Also, ensure to carry some hard cash currency of the local country for using it to small vendors. You can get these exchanges in Indian Banks. For example, you can get US Dollars in HDFC Bank with some charges.
8. Check electrical requirements:- Research the electrical outlets and voltage used in your destination country. If necessary, bring appropriate power adapters and converters for your electronic devices. Mostly Indian Adapters will not fit into Foreign countries like the UK, and USA. You need to carry a Universal adapter that can fit into the plugs of the destination country that you are visiting.
9. Check luggage rules and Pack wisely:- This is very important as most people pay more due to over luggage and weight. Login to your airline's website and thoroughly read the luggage policy and weight you are allowed to carry including the dimensions of the suitcase. Carry only those dimensions that are allowed. Also, check for weight after you pack the things. Pack according to the climate and activities of your destination. Consider the duration of your trip and try to pack light. Don't forget essentials like comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any necessary medications.
10.Stay connected:- Before your trip, find out about international roaming charges or consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone. It's also useful to download offline maps or travel apps to navigate easily. Find out the usage of wifi in the destination country. You can also download any local apps that are followed in the destination country.
11.Be cautious with your belongings:- Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Consider using a money belt or keeping important items locked in your hotel safe. Don’t put the money wallet or the documents wallet in the luggage during the travel. Keep the documents inside your cabin baggage only.
12.Stay updated on travel advisories:- Monitor travel advisories or sign up for government travel alerts for your destination country. Stay informed about any safety concerns or travel restrictions that may affect your plans. For example, a hurricane, or a snowstorm warning in the US may affect your travel. So be updated on the weather conditions and the local law and order situation of the destination country that you are visiting.
13. Check the time zones of the destination country:- Check the traveling time and time zones of the destination country. For example, the USA has different time zones like Eastern Standard Time, Central Standard Time, Pacific Standard Time, etc. Find out the time difference between IST and EST. Also, find out the Hopping time if it is a 1-stop or a 2-stop flight. Check for the terminals also if it is a 2-stop flight. You need to board a different flight if it is at a different terminal. Clearly hear the announcements made at the aircraft before landing.
Remember to check the specific requirements and recommendations for your destination country as travel regulations can change over time. Keep in handy the Foreign consulate and Indian consulate contact numbers with you in case of any emergency.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip! 😊😊😊