Travelling is an adventure, one that provides a new perspective on the world.
Although it can also be a journey of many uncertainties, for most adventure seekers the unknown is what they’re after. Whether you are heading out on your first major getaway or you’re a seasoned traveller, asking yourself a few simple questions you can ensure a smoother, safer journey.
Online travel brand travelcuts has put together a few things you need to know prior to checking your baggage and taking off.
Will I Need a Visa?
Not every country you jet off to will require you to obtain a visa. However, for countries where one is required, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get your paperwork in order (approximately 60-90 days is ideal). To be 100% sure on whether or not you need will need a visa, talk to your travel consultant.
To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate?
You’ll want to bring back a lot of things to remember your travels by, but a preventable illness is not one. When travelling outside of Canada, don’t forget to consult a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel to make sure you are protected. Click here for vaccination recommendations by destination to get you started.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
The answer to this is always yes. Better yet, the real question Canadians should ask themselves is ,“what does my travel insurance cover?” Many providers cover the basics, such as illness or travel delays, but when reading the fine print you may realize you are not as safeguarded as you thought. No matter what adventure you’re headed out on, always protect yourself. Look for insurance that covers you for everything, including activities you may have planned (which are often excluded). For the ins and outs of all things travel insurance, visit the travelcuts website.
How can I get around?
Do your research and look into local public transportation within your destination. Public transportation can be a great way to save money and truly experience a destination as a local But, there are always precautions that should be taken to ensure your safety: only take taxis that clearly display an official logo, badge or permit; stay awake and alert while using public transportation; and last but not least, have a rough idea of where you are going. This way you’ll have a better sense if a trip is taking an unusually long time.
Is there any other way to save money?
Yes. Are you a full-time student? If so, you qualify to get your International Student Identity Card. This card gives you access to exclusive discounts in more than 130 countries across the globe. To apply for yours, click here. Not a student but still under 30 years old? Not to worry, you still have access to savings with the International Youth Identity Card. Find out everything about it here.
What if I lose my passport?
We don’t need to tell you to bring your passport, but did you ever think of having a backup? Carrying a copy of your passport (photocopy and/or electronic copy) will help you avoid added stress if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation. It also doesn’t hurt to bring duplicates of other forms of identification, like a driver’s license.
Is cash really king?
In most remote areas of the world, cash is definitely king. It’s always recommended to keep small amounts of local currency on hand, especially if you are planning on straying far from the city centre where credit cards may be deemed useless. If you’re worried about travelling with cash, a money belt, though maybe a fashion faux pas, is a simple way to keep that cash stored safely and securely.
Do I need to speak the language?
Short answer: no. Long answer: although it is not necessary to learn a whole new language, studying a few key phrases will pay off. Basic phrases such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” “How much?” and “Where is the bathroom?” could help you avoid a lot of frustration or an embarrassing situation from occurring.
Will I still be able to use my electronics?
There is nothing worse than packing electronic devices and not being able to use them. Check the voltage of your electronics before you pack, and consider bringing both an energy converter and universal adapter with you.
Do I need to pay an exit fee?
Although not widely known, some countries require you to pay an entrance or exit fee before boarding the plane. If you are required to pay an entrance fee upon arrival, keep your receipt, as you will most likely need this as proof of payment before you can leave the country. If you had to obtain a tourist visa, this fee may already be built-in.
Armed with these travel tips, you should feel confident that you can conquer the world safely. And, if you’re planning a trip this summer, why not record your epic trip and see if it wins this year’s travelcuts film fest? Submissions are now open.
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