Travel is the act of moving from one place to another, usually over a distance. It can be domestic or international. People travel for many reasons, including recreation, exploration, business and education. Travel may be by foot, bicycle, car, train, bus, ship or aircraft.
Travelling is often expensive, so it’s important to save money if you want to do it more regularly. This might mean saying no to a hens party or cutting back on going out for food. It could also mean sacrificing other areas of your life, like working longer hours or not joining in on social activities so you can save for that trip to Timbuktu.
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning a holiday. Daydreams of a relaxing beach or skiing down snowy slopes take over. Then the reality sets in that there’s lots of other things to do before you can take off. Packing lists, house chores and travel visa applications quickly take a back seat.
This might be one of the most annoying but essential tasks before you travel. Not only do you need to make sure your passport is up to date, but it’s also important to check the health requirements of your destination country and if any vaccinations are needed. It’s also a good idea to make copies of all your travel documents and give them to family members or friends, just in case.
Another essential is checking the weather forecast for your destination and finding out about local traffic laws. It’s a good idea to find out whether it is safe to drive there, and what the best time of year is to visit. It’s also worth reading blogs from other travellers who have visited your chosen destination, for anecdotal information about what to expect.
Before you head off, make sure you inform your bank that you will be travelling abroad. This will prevent your cards being blocked when you least expect it (or want them to). It’s a good idea to take cash with you too, in case of emergencies.
The final thing to remember is to share your itinerary with family and friends so they know when you will be out of reach. This will help reduce the amount of messages asking “where are you?” on your social media accounts. You should also take copies of your travel insurance policy and any prescriptions that you might need, so they are on hand if anything goes wrong while you’re away. And don’t forget to pack a torch and an extra pair of shoes for your return home. You never know when those will come in handy! Have a safe and happy trip! Y’all!