Travelling overseas should be a joyful experience full of fun and excitement. To avoid any problems, it’s important to do as much preparation as you can before you head to the airport. Whether you’re going on a short trip or a holiday with the family, knowing the right tips and tricks when it comes to travel can make a huge difference. Here are some ways on how you can prepare for international travel.
Finding the Best Airline
With a wide variety of airlines to pick from, it can be tricky to know where to start. Known as the largest regional airline in Europe, Flybe reaches 62 destinations across the continent, giving you plenty of options to pick from. If you are flying with Flybe, you can find information here on the services they provide.
When on the Flightright website, you can check whether you’re eligible for compensation due to a flight delay or cancellation. Simply input your departure airport and arrival airport to check your claim within two minutes. What’s more, the company is regarded as the number one provider for air passenger rights, giving you protection and security when you need it most. While delays and cancellations are common, you may be able to get some money back for your troubles.
Up-to-Date Passport
Before you can even get on the plane, it’s essential that you have an up-to-date passport. Many airlines require you to have at least six months of validity left, so make sure that you check well in advance. If you are applying for your first passport or you need to renew it, you need to bear in mind that the application process can take up to six weeks. Therefore, the sooner you get it sorted, the better. You will need to provide your birth certificate and another form of identification to prove your citizenship too.
Accommodation
When booking your accommodation, you will want to find the best deals possible. Whether you are going away for a few days or a couple of weeks, finding accommodation that is comfortable, close to transport links, as well as affordable is incredibly important. The earlier you book your stay, the more chance you have of securing a discount.
If you are travelling in the summer months or school holidays, it’s likely that the prices will be much higher, so if you can, try and book out of season to secure the best deals. Before you make your booking, you may want to read customer ratings and reviews first. That way, you can get a first-hand account of what the accommodation is really like.
Research Your Destination
Just like with booking accommodation, you should do your research on the destination you plan to visit. Identifying transport links and nearby attractions can help you feel more confident before you travel. You may also benefit from learning some of the native language too. Being able to say hello, goodbye, and thank you can go a long way and help you get around with ease.
How to Pack
Having an idea of the weather forecast and airline weight restrictions can help you know what to pack. If you are heading somewhere hot, you should aim to only pack light clothing, whereas if you are heading somewhere cold, coats and jackets are your best option. Overpacking is a common mistake that many travellers face. Try to only pack the essentials, rather than stuffing your whole wardrobe into your luggage. If you need to bring any medication, make sure they are clearly labelled and packed in an easy to reach place.
Travel Documents
Making a copy of your travel documents such as your boarding pass, a copy of your passport, as well as your hotel reservation, can help you feel more in control and prepared for your trip abroad. Should you need to show any documents, you can hand them over without any problems. If you prefer to have your documents stored digitally, you run the risk of not being able to access them should there be no internet connection.
Stay Safe
When in a different country, it’s important that you are aware of your surroundings. If you are visiting a destination that’s popular with tourists, you may find yourself in busy crowds, so storing your valuable items in zipped up pockets is incredibly important. If you are travelling in a group, make sure to always stick together and not wander off alone.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or as a family, you should do your research before you go on your adventure abroad. Being in the know about all things travel can help you feel more relaxed and prepared for your trip away. You may also be able to save money on your trip if you book well in advance. Most importantly, stay safe, be aware of your surroundings, and have fun!
Image by Andrian Valeanu from Pixabay
