Traveling abroad is the best way to see and experience what the other side of the planet has to offer. If you live in the same location for most of your life, it’s time that you get out of your comfort zone to see new sights, experience new things, meet new people, and get to know other’s culture. Traveling would not only give you unforgettable experiences but also make you see life in a different way. Of course, just like any major event in your life, it is imperative that you plan for this accordingly. Proper planning and preparation give you better chances of success for your vacation. Here are some of the things that you should plan for your trip.
Destination
The first thing to decide about would be the destination and the trip duration. The destination would primarily depend on you, your preference, and the kind of experience that you want to have. It would also depend on the suggestions and ideas of the person/s you’re traveling with. If you’re in love with the beach, Caribbean and Hawaii are just few of the many ideal options. If you want to go to exotic destinations, head to Asian countries like Indonesia or Philippines. A European tour would be a good idea for one who wants to see the cradle of civilization and get to know more about the world’s history.
Trip Duration
As for the trip duration, this depends on how long you can get off from work and how many countries you wish to visit. If you’re visiting a small country like Singapore, a weekend to three-day getaway would be suffice. If you wish to see the Schengen states in Europe, you should book for one week to one month vacation.
Passport and Visa
Another thing you should plan for would be the passport and visa. Passport should be at least three or six months away from its expiry period, as dictated by the immigration laws of your destination. As for the visa, you need to apply for visa to countries that require one before entry. Log your application six months prior to the trip to give ample time for the visa processing. Check the official website of the embassy of your destination country to find out about the visa application requirements.
Insurance
You also need to get travel insurance for your trip. This is to ensure that you are financially protected against adverse events like baggage loss, trip cancellation, accidents, injuries, and illnesses that may transpire during the trip. There are different types of insurance policy such as visitors health insurance, long-term health insurance, temporary health insurance, insurance for trip cancellation, and so on. Make a thorough research about this so you can make an informed choice.
Airfare and Hotel Accommodation
Check travel websites like kayak.com, expedia.com, and orbitz.com to compare prices of different airlines that travel to your destination. As for hotel accommodation, you can check virtualtourist.com and tripadvisor.com for online reviews so you can get great value for your money. Consider factors like accommodation space, amenities, budget, and proximity to tourist spots when picking a hotel.
