Before you leave
Proper preparation before you leave gives you peace of mind!
Preparing for your destination
Find out as much as you can about your destination, its climate and customs. Be aware of the current political situation and potential dangers.
Find out if you need a visa to enter the country. To do this, visit the website of the embassy of the country you're visiting. If so, what documents do you need?
Check that your passport is still valid. Some countries may require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your planned return date. It can take several weeks to renew a passport or issue your first one, so it's best to find out as soon as possible.
If you plan to drive abroad, make sure that your driving license is still valid, and that it is valid in the country of your destination. Before you leave, it's a good idea to find out about the Highway Code in force in your destination country.
It may also be useful to know the location of your local embassy or consulate; find out the best way to get there, and note opening hours.
Preparing your health
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses and repatriation. Health infrastructures may be inadequate; in the event of a life-threatening emergency, you may have to be evacuated. What's more, in many countries, medical expenses are extremely expensive, and medical insurance may be indispensable in the event of a health problem. Make sure that the insurance you have taken out covers all the activities you have planned.
If you are a citizen of a member country of the European Union, and are covered by a national social security system, you can ask to be issued with a European Health Insurance Card. The card is free of charge, and entitles you to free treatment or reimbursement for medical treatment you receive in other member states, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.
If you're traveling abroad, we advise you to consult your doctor before you leave. He or she will advise you on any vaccinations you need to have before you leave. In some cases, you'll need several injections, so it's best to plan several months in advance.
Documents to prepare
It's a good idea to make photocopies of your passport and all important papers. When traveling, keep copies separate from the originals.
It's a good idea to prepare a document containing emergency contact details, and let them know that you've listed them as emergency contacts. Inform your friends and family of your destination and the duration of your trip. Give them as much detail as possible about your itinerary, and if possible, leave them an emergency contact number.
Preparing for your trip
Estimate the budget you'll need for your stay. Once you're there, it's best to withdraw cash from an ATM, so don't take all your money with you. However, it's a good idea to take some cash and travellers' cheques with you as an “emergency fund”; in the event of theft, you'll need the cheque numbers, so make a note of them before you leave.
If you're traveling by air, check the list of items you're allowed to take with you before you leave, as any prohibited items will be confiscated immediately by customs on arrival in the country.
