Essentials of Travelling -Fahmida Mehreen

Travelling is one of the best ways to explore the world, take a break from the daily hubbub of life, and make memories with loved ones. As exciting as travelling can be, it calls for some pre-workup. Like every other assignment or presentation you do, you need to spend some time preparing for a trip. The type and extent of the preparation depend on the purpose, duration, and destination you are bound for. A solo trip for hiking on the Everest will not be the same as a holiday in Paris or a medical trip to Bangkok. Hence, a significant amount of time and energy are required to get everything arranged in the right way before taking off to any place to ensure the least hassle and maximum convenience.

If you are travelling within the country, the plan is very simple and concise. Background research is a must, no matter where you are travelling. When you decide to go to a place or are required to be at a certain destination on a specific date and time, look up when the best time is to go. For instance, travelling in hilly and mountainous regions during rainy seasons is highly discouraged due to road conditions and hazards like landslides. Check the weather updates for the days you wish to travel. If you find it favorable, choose a mode of transport—by road, by air, or by waterways. For a road trip, you may need to make arrangements for transportation unless you are travelling in your own vehicle. You can buy a bus ticket, a train ticket, or rent a car, depending on the number of travelers. For longer routes, if you are travelling with family, friends, or colleagues, choose a bigger, more comfortable carrier; otherwise, the journey will end up becoming too taxing for the tourists and not be a good start to the trip. In my opinion, group tours are best via train. You can enjoy the scenic beauty as you pass through the countryside, while there is a lesser chance of peril. Next up, you need to ensure your accommodation. It is always best to book in advance. If you are visiting a resort, talk and discuss in length about the facilities they are offering and their charges. You will not want to pay an extra bill at the check-out. Try to learn about the best and most popular eating places around you so that you won’t have to spend a lot of time loitering around searching for food. If you are travelling with a baby, you must carry all necessary baby facets, like strollers, baby food, drinking water, diapers, and the like. When travelling with elderly citizens, make sure to carry their medicines and other accessories, like a walking stick and back support, for comfort during the journey and afterwards.

The planning gets rigorous when it comes to international travel. First thing first: get a passport. If you already have one, check its validity and confirm that it is valid for more than 6 months from the date of arrival back in the country. Again, there is no alternative to researching. Whether you are going for studying, a work trip, or a vacation, learn about the places beforehand. Book your accommodations only after analyzing the various options. Check the location of your hotel, resort, or air BNB so that you can commute easily. Unless you want to enjoy the calmness and serenity of a place, try to stay closer to the city center so that you can have easy access and transportation facilities to wherever you need to go. Pinpoint the main attractions of the city, how you can get there from where you plan to stay, and what the best means of moving around are. Also, find out the operating days and hours of those attractions so that you can pre-book if need be and know their ticket prices as well, provided that they are ticketed.

Once your passport is updated and you have completed thorough background research, you need to apply for any required visa. Check the official website of immigration to the country to know the visa requirements, or consult a local agent. Share your itinerary, and prepare your application and supporting documents accordingly. Check through the list of associate documents so that you don’t miss out on any. If you have your family or dependent travelers with you, check their needs as well. Keep adequate time in hand, as visa processing may take unforeseeable time in certain cases. Hence, without risking it, apply well in advance.

After receiving your visa, start organizing your luggage. It is advised to carry bags that are spacious and not too heavy so that you can make the most of the allotted weight. Check the weight allowance on your ticket. If you are carrying handbags, confirm the size of your bag to match the cabin size to avoid unnecessary trouble at airport counters. Always carry some warm clothes, as adverse weather may hit anytime and airports usually tend to be cooler. If you have long hauls between your flights, you must carry warm clothes to stay comfortable. Keep some essential medications in case of an emergency. Do not forget hand sanitizers and face masks after COVID. At the same time, keep your COVID vaccine certificate handy. If you are using an international credit card, notify your bank about your travel details and make certain to keep your international transaction gateway open. Regardless, always carry some cash with you. Get your credit card and currency endorsed by a local money changer. Get hardy and sturdy locks for your bags to keep them safe from any mishaps. Make copies of your vital documents, like the first couple of pages of your passport, visa, ticket, health insurance or medical papers, if any, hotel reservations, and the like. Charge all your devices before the journey and keep an international standard travel adapter. If you are a nitpicky person, pack some toiletries for your daily use as well! You may not like the smell of the soap at the hotel. Just remember to pack them neatly and put them in your luggage and not in your hand carryon, as most airlines prohibit carrying liquids over 100 mL in hand. For more details, check the airport and immigration website, along with the customs rules and regulations, before locking your bags.

Provide your family and friends with your travel details so that they have a track record. It is also a good idea to visit a doctor for a checkup before travelling. Some visa requirements come with medical testing, regardless. There is no end to this preparation whatsoever, except when you conclude your journey and enter through the doors of your house again. Yet, there is no harm in being prepared to the utmost extent possible just so you can enjoy your travel experience and not stumble upon anything undue. While you explore the big, wide world, be open to challenges. You are sure to get past them. Only keep in mind not to put anything at risk under any circumstances. Travel safe. Follow the rules and instructions. As a sharp-witted and savvy traveler, try to embrace whatever comes your way optimistically and make an effort to make the most out of your trip. With the right approach and mindset, you are capable of conquering the world. Just don’t forget to take your passport with you!