Almost everyone has thought of traveling abroad at one time or another. For some, the desire to go abroad is no longer there. But to others, traveling abroad is a lifetime goal which they are ready to pay the price to fulfill their dreams. If you’re among the diehard fans of traveling abroad, that’s nice. You need to prepare for the future on time so that you won’t miss the opportunity when it finally comes. 

Whether you are looking for a scholarship, going on a vacation, taking up temporary job or moving abroad for good, there are 8 essential things you need to do before you say goodbye to your home country.

8 Essential To-do’s Before Traveling Abroad 

If you dream of traveling, living, or working abroad, do the following things first before you leave your country of origin:

1. Have an International Passport 

Getting an international passport should be the first thing on your mind. If you don’t have it, begin on time to apply for international passport at your country’s immigration office. Sometimes, it takes several months to get a passport, that’s why the earlier the better for you. You don’t want your dream of going abroad to die just because of a delay of wrong timing on your part. An international passport is important especially if you need a visa to enter the country you are moving to. 

Once your passport is out, try to make two or more copies. Keep a copy with you while on travel and keep the other copy somewhere safe. This method will save you a lot of stress if your passport goes missing or is stolen. 

If you already have an international passport and don’t need to apply for a new one, congratulations. However, check the passport for the expiry date. Some countries don’t accept foreigners with a passport that will expire soon. So you may need to ask questions to people who know more about the immigration process of that country. 

2. Get Your Visa Ready 

Every country has their own visa requirements. However, you ought to understand that it takes time and stress to get a visa. Good news is that not all countries need visa at the point of entry. Make inquiries to know if you need a visa for your destination. More than 50 percent of the countries of the world require a visa to enter, whether you’re traveling for vacation, work or study purposes.

As much as possible, apply for visa early so you don’t experience setbacks. In some countries like the UK, there are several visa stages which you may have to go through. Australia has a visa option known as working holiday visa. You need to do your research, ask questions and find out how things work in the country you are moving to. 

3. See Your Doctor 

This is something most people don’t like to do because of some personal reasons. But if you want to travel abroad, and it is one of the key requirements, you have to do it. Your reason for visiting the doctor is to run various medical tests to confirm that you’re fit to travel or move to the country of your dreams. 

Make sure to follow the list of recommended vaccinations. If you’re from Africa or Asia, take vaccinations seriously due to the many diseases that are found in Third World countries. Whatever rules set for you, make sure not to skip anyone, as it may come back with unpleasant sanctions from the destination country. 

4. Plan a Way to Keep in Touch with Home 

Whether you’re leaving your home country for good or just traveling out for a short time, you may want to stay in touch with family and friends. Your moving abroad isn’t considered successful until you call home to tell them that you’ve made it safe and sound. Thanks to technology, there are many means of communication to choose from. Some of these methods are free, as you only need an internet connection to get in touch with loved ones. Skype, Messenger, whatsApp and Telegram are some of the best options available today.

5. Have Insurance Coverage 

You can choose to insure your health, baggage or travel. It is important to do that especially since you’re going to a country where these things matter. Some organized trip usually have insurance on the package. Some insurance protects you from financial loss or hospital bills. Trip insurance takes care of any eventualities such as flight cancellation, trip delay, interruption and loss of baggage. Whatever the case, it is important to have an insurance cover to save you the stress you might experience outside your home country, especially if it’s your first time. 

6. Have a Budget 

If you’re going to spend a while abroad, it will help to develop a budget. Find out the cost of living in that country and note how much you are going to spend monthly or even weekly. Consider what it takes to get accommodation, food, entertainment and transportation. If your trip is a personal one, use common sense to guess how much it will cost to spend time there doing what you love.

However, you don’t want to enter a country and soon discovered that you’ve made a big mistake. Take as much money as you can and be ready for emergencies and unexpected twists. Use your credit card for big purchases, and pay cash only when you buy little things like ice-cream and donuts. 

7. Study Your Destination 

Learn everything you need to know about your destination country. You will meet new people, see different cultures, hear strange languages and eat foods that are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Doing your own research will help you absorb the shock that awaits you. It is good to prepare your mind before taking that flight. Think of the places you want to visit and the nice things you are eager to try during your time there. 

If English is not the first language of your destination country, try and learn some basic local phrases. Using the local languages of the people for simple things such as “come”, “please”, “thank you”, and other pleasantries are important. As a first timer, you may want to make a good impression. So learn as many things that will make your stay a lot easier. 

8. Get Your Things Ready 

You may need less luggage than you think. As much as you need every important item, do your research to know if these things are sold cheap in the destination country. Items such as sweaters and hair dryers are common in some countries. Travel light and buy the other things you need once you arrive at your destination. 

Conclusion 

Once you’ve completed all the 8 things on your to-do list, you’re ready to jump on the next plane to the land of your dreams. Every new country offers opportunities, adventures and places never before seen. Keep an open mind and be ready to learn on the go. 

Good luck to you!

See also:

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Find the Best Places to Travel

10 Best Countries to Travel for Study Abroad