If you're a first time international traveller and you are a little nervous about how going to a foreign place will turn out, then I have just the right useful tips to help guide you to peace of mind.
- Safety and Health.
- Check-in with your doctor and insurance Carrier. Check and Double check to make sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations and that you have renewed all essential prescriptions. Also, ask you medical insurance provider if your policy applies overseas for emergencies. If it doesn't, and you want to add extra coverage, consider supplemental insurance.
- It is Important to make copies of your passport, ID and Visa page if applicable. Have the copies certified and also leave one with a family member at home. This is just a safety precaution, should you lose your passport, and you can go to the South African Embassy in the respective country that you are visiting for further assistance.
- Money.
- Look up the conversion rate before you go, Imagine finding out that one US Dollar is equal to R20…. Terrible surprise. Ensure you do your foreign exchange before you go so that you will have peace of mind.
- *Ensure that your credit card will work in the respective country that you are visiting. Technology is constantly evolving , you can now activate your credit card to work wherever you are in the world , some banks provide you with a unique PIN number for your card , which you use when you are travelling – as a means of safety.
- Always have local cash – Not every place you visit will have a credit card facility therefore it is imperative to carry local currency in cash.
- Call your bank to inform them of your travel – Banks would think some sort of fraudulent activity is occurring in Europe, whilst you live in South Africa and will Block your account, and it really wouldn't be cool if you were stuck in a foreign country with no access to your finds.
- Local Research.
- Research the tourist attractions that you would like to visit and purchase tickets in advance, this will ensure that you skip long ques and have more time to do more touring.
- Research events happening in the city at your time of travel – this will ensure that you make the best of your trip and have an unforgettable experience , I mean – imagine witnessing and participating In the World famous Tomato Festival in Spain, unforgettable right!
- Luggage and Packing.
- Main and hand luggage must not exceed the required limit per person.
- Carry a set of clothes in your Hand luggage – in the case of long stop overs during connecting flights, you can always freshen up and change into fresh clothes, OH! And also you don't want to be one of those people who are dressed up in day-old a t-shirt in Milan, just because the airline lost your luggage.
- Ensure that you get a prescription for your carry on medication which you will have to carry in hand luggage.
