There is a difference between domestic and international travel. Domestic travel is a trip within one’s country (example travel within Nigeria – Lagos to Abuja) while international travel is a kind of travel from one country to another (example, travel from Nigeria to another country – Nigeria to Dubai, London. American) The way you pack or the kind of things you need before embarking on an international travel may not be necessary when it comes to domestic travels.
International travel or trip requires adequate preparation and readiness because most times some of the things that happened during an international trip are out of travellers control. Prevention they say is better than cure. Before embarking on an international trip, these are the 5 essential things you need to do.
Back Up Your Documents
Immediately I graduated from college, I made a copy of all my credential for two main reasons. First for safety in case of lost, stolen or misplaced. Secondly, for easy access in case, I am away from home and I need to have access to my credentials.
As an international traveller, the best thing to do is to make a photocopy of all your important documents and passport. The copy of your original credential will play a vital role if the original is stolen, lost or misplaced. You can use the copy as a proof to get another original copy.
Check Your Credit/Debit Card
If there is anything you need to do before embarking on international travel, it must be checking your credit/debit card to ensure the will work in the country you are visiting. To avoid getting stranded in your destination, the best thing to do is to visit your bank and find out if your card would work in your destination country. Let your bank advise you on what to do to ensure your card work effectively.
Also, find out from them the maximum amount you can withdraw in a day. That is the maximum withdrawal limit.
Exchange Your Currency
This is another important thing to do before going on an international trip. Visit any bank most preferably your bank to exchange your currency to the local currency of your destination country. But sometimes banks do not sell local currency. It would be advisable you use bureau de change. The reason why you need to hold some cash is because some places do not accept credit or debit card so the only way to avoid getting stranded is to pay cash. How would you pay cash if you don’t have local currency?
Get Your Gadgets Ready
I narrated a story when I wrote 7 Indispensable Items Most Travellers Often Forget To Pack When Packing. You need an adapter. It is very important because some sockets may not be compactable with your device plug and the only way to save yourself the stress of looking for a compactable socket is by getting your own adapter.
This article is about what to do before a trip. Before you travel, get all your gadgets ready. If you don’t have charger buy one. If you don’t have adapter buy it. If your battery is not strong, buy another one as back up. I would recommend you buy power bank because you don’t know the power situation in your visiting country.
Pack Wisely
Packing is just another monster. The way you pack will go a long way to determine how comfortable you would be when travelling. If you don’t park wisely, you may end up paying extra baggage allowance because you exceeded the baggage limit. You can reach out to your friends or family to help you and pack if you don’t know how to pack.
