Here are a few tips that typically make a trip to a foreign country easier. This is not legal advice. Use common sense, do your research and follow all laws and requirements of countries you visit.
As soon as your are thinking about travelling:
1. Check your passport to see if it is valid and for how much longer it would be valid. Many countries do not let you enter if there is less than 6 months remaining on the validity of your passport.
2. Check if a visa is required to visit the country you would like to visit. If you already have a visa, check that it is valid for a sufficient amount of time for you to return from your trip. Also check for travel advisories for the country. There may be workers protesting, a natural disaster or even worse going on so beware of what is going on to keep yourself safe.
3. Check the condition of your luggage/suitcase. Bags and suitcases are flung around harshly while being loaded and unloaded. If you any signs of weakness which cannot be mended then get another suitcase. If the suitcase opens while being handled you have a good chance of losing your belongings since the workers may not have time to repack and transport it. Also attach a bright ribbon or sticker so you can identify it.
4. Consider how much foreign cash you plan to spend and how you can acquire it. Some foreign currency is very hard to get from banks and your may have to make several trips to get the amount of cash you want. You can avoid this issue by using your credit card or traveller's cheques during the trip.
5. If you will be using your T and T phone on your trip, double check with your provider if roaming is enabled. If you are staying more than a couple days and you will using your phone for calls then you should probably purchase a new SIM in the country you visit because it will probably work out cheaper that way instead of paying roaming rates. You can also use messenger apps like WhatsApp to make calls and send messages for free if you can connect to WiFi for free. Also check if your phone is capable of the type of network and frequencies used in the other country.
While travelling:
6. If you or someone you are travelling with gets motion sickness then take some medicine to treat it. It is cheap and would make the trip much more pleasant.
7. Write down the name, address and phone number of the person or place you are going to visit on a small piece of paper and keep it in your wallet. This will allow easy reference to the information when answering questions in immigration and be a life saver if you get lost on your visit.
8. Use your phone to take pictures of your luggage so you can identify it later on or can show it to the help desk if it gets lost.
9. Travelling is stressful for everyone. Expect long lines, cramped seats, loud people, and unplanned delays. You should know what keeps you calm so carry it along with you if possible. Pack some snack bars, a book, music, neck pillow, phone charger etc in carry-on luggage to try to have some comfort if things do not go as planned.
10. Pack an overnight kit with at least toiletries and underwear in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost or delayed. Do this especially for two conditions-
i. If you are going to a place where you will be on your own and it will be challenging to get supplies very easily. If you are meeting friends or family at your destination they will know where you can get things easily or would have spare to give you, otherwise you may have to look around or perhaps you arrive at a late hour when things are closed.
ii. If you have a connecting flight you may have a long wait inside the airport between connections or your luggage may be lost or delayed. You may be lucky to get to your hotel when you arrive but you would wish you had a change of underwear and a toothbrush.
11. Ask all the questions you think you need to. If you do not understand a form or signs then ask someone for help. Many people around you are in the same situation and are generally friendly and willing to help.
Passing through immigration:
12. Follow all the instructions you receive while in baggage or immigration. This could make you uncomfortable but it is in your own interest.
Topics:
How to feel comfortable while travelling
Tips to make going abroad easier
10 things to make a long trip less stressful
