What could be more exciting than discovering unknown lands! But between the first reflections to prepare the trip and the day of the big departure, I know that for my part, it can happen to me quite quickly to forget some details. So, so as not to forget anything, here is a small list that I will try to expand throughout my departure of things to do absolutely before closing the door.
Check the weather before even planning your vacation
Before booking your flight and starting to pack your suitcase, your very first task is to find out about the weather in the country you plan to go to. It would indeed be a need to go on a trek in the middle of the monsoon.
Take a look at your destination country
In some countries, rebellions are common. Certain regimes violently repress revolutions and other demonstrations. Also, in order not to find yourself in the middle of a diplomatic conflict or, even worse, agonizing on a hospital bed, find out about the situation of the country you are going to explore. The government website diplomatie.gouv.fr is, for me, THE reference. It delivers all the information useful to travelers. If I was able from time to time to observe on other diplomatic sites certain somewhat abusive precautions, I find that, although a little risky, it is pretty well fed. In particular, you will find security alerts but also prevention messages relating to epidemics.
Apply for your visa, compulsory formality to enter certain countries
As national, we are lucky to be able to travel to many countries without a visa. For example, a Cameroonian friend who wanted to come this summer for a wedding waited nearly three months to respond to the embassy. Psychological torture all the more so as the answer came when more than half of the period he had requested to come had elapsed. In short, being in 2021, it is possible to travel to almost all European countries.
Nevertheless, some Nations require that we have an official authorization inviting us to enter their homes. For example, the United States, China, Pakistan, Mozambique, Burkina Faso are among the countries which require a visa before setting foot on their territory.
When and how to apply for a visa?
Some governments (such as Australia, Iran, and Canada) have set up an e-visa system that allows you to apply over the Internet. However, for some files, a visit to a consulate or embassy is still required. Also, be aware that one month passes between the authorization request and its allocation on average. Finally, obtaining certain visas is conditioned by the purchase of plane tickets and the reservation of accommodation. In short, a formality (or a puzzle) on which it is better to lean with a little anticipation.
Book your accommodation in advance
While having a specific drop-off point may be necessary to apply for certain visas (such as China, for example), finding accommodation upon arrival is often particularly practical. Indeed, looking for where to put your things in an emergency is not pleasant when you are on vacation.
Also, in high season, it is not impossible in busy cities that all hotels are full. Without prior reservation, we find ourselves homeless in a distant land or forced to spend a fortune to compensate for the lack of accessible accommodation in a correct range.
Take out insurance adapted to your trip if necessary
Theft, fraud, illness, physical accident, death of a loved one … When traveling as in everyday life, small problems and great misfortunes are part of life. To leave with peace of mind, travel insurance that covers certain damages may be useful. Thus, you will be covered in the event of mischief, and you can be repatriated in the event of a health problem. Some countries even require that you justify your level of coverage to grant you a visa. You will find a dedicated article on this subject here if you want more information.
Note that for a trip to Europe, you can order your European health insurance card. It guarantees medical care in all the countries of the old continent.
Get vaccinated to avoid a premature return
It is not because you have taken out repatriation insurance that you should make your investment profitable! So, once the paperwork is done, think about your health and your comfort. Get vaccinated. Yellow fever or hepatitis A are among the diseases prevalent globally (especially on the African continent). While these diseases are easily transmitted, they can also be countered with simple vaccines! Essential website on the subject for me: The Pasteur institute’s vaccination center on which updates are made regularly.
Bring a first aid kit to deal with all minor injuries
In addition to serious illnesses, minor injuries can occur during your trip abroad. To treat them instantly, take some necessities in your suitcases such as an analgesic, an anti-diarrhea (particularly useful in the case of a tourist), some dressings, and disinfectant. The best is to go to your doctor (especially for long trips) to obtain a prescription for essential drugs and some recommendations for use.
Foreign exchange verification
It is important to have a rough idea of the budget allocated to your travel plan. To achieve this, precise information on the conversion rate between the in-game currencies is essential. Also, try to get an idea of the possible fluctuation of your destination country’s currency value. This promotes good monitoring and control of expenses. Thus, you can appreciate the purchase prices of the different items you buy during your trip.
Make changes before departure to limit costs.
Always the delicate question: that of carrying out currency exchange. If there are exchange offices in all airports, they often offer a very disadvantageous rate. Ditto (or even worse) for offices which are located near places of great passage. The ideal is, therefore, to change your money when arriving on-site, in town.
However, going with foreign currency is smart. This makes it possible, for example, to pay for the taxi or the bus between the station and the hotel. On the other hand, the exchange rate is not the most advantageous, so change the minimum before leaving on your trip.
On the same theme, remember to do a check on the side of your bank advisor. While most cards allow international payments to be made, it should be noted that a restriction lower than that valid is often in place on the cumulative usable amount; Both in payment at merchants and withdrawal amount from the distributor. And reaching these amounts can sometimes go particularly quickly. The first example that comes to mind is that of a car rental for which the rental company will borrow your bank card to guarantee any damage that may occur. The borrowing alone can exceed the limit of use of your bank card.
Find a good sitter to watch over your dog, cat, and plants.
If your pet is your best friend, they may be more of a worry for you than anything else when traveling. However, dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, and others do not give up under the pretext of a stay abroad. Between the services between individuals, concierge services, boarding houses, friends, and family, there are many possibilities to have your cat, dog, or goldfish looked after. Everything relies on good organization! Failing to pay a service to a professional may cost you eternal and unlimited recognition for your loved ones.
And if you have plants in addition to your pet, why not bring someone to your home? Thus, your plants will be watered, your animal will be pampered, and your home will be monitored.
Custody of the passport or its photocopy
The passport is an extremely important document when traveling. It is the official proof of citizenship. It would help if you carried it with care on all your travels. Given its importance, certain provisions are recommended to safeguard your status as a citizen. Among these provisions, there is a photocopy of this precious document’s essential pages, the safeguard of which is possible by various methods. You can keep this photocopy with you and give a copy to someone you know. Photographs of the basic passport pages can be saved to your Smartphone or sent to your e-mail box.
For the more precautious, before leaving, turn off the water to avoid trouble.
Is it D-Day? So, before you head to the station or the airport, you can accomplish one last mission: cut your water network. Thus, you will avoid potential water damage during your absence and trouble with your neighbors or insurance when you return from vacation! Be careful not to do the same with electricity, especially if you have a fridge or freezer still full. It may seem a little silly, but in the enthusiasm of the departure, I have around me a friend to whom this has happened, the anguish on the way back!
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