6 Things You Need to Know Before You Travel to Another Country
We all have different styles of travel. Maybe you prefer having a strict schedule. Or maybe you prefer figuring things out along the way. Whichever your preference, here are the six things you need to know before you travel to another country.
Visas and other entry requirements
If you don’t research the entry requirements before you travel, you risk not being admitted when you get there. Visa requirements vary depending on both your destination and country of origin. Look this up as far ahead of time as possible. There may be paperwork involved.
You should also check for other entry requirements. Some nations require you to have certain vaccines. Others need you to have a certain amount of time left for your passport’s validity. Some even require that you can prove your financial status.
You don’t want to miss something in the entry requirements. Look it up before you book your trip.
Basic phrases
Learning basic phrases in your destination’s language can go a long way. It helps show people that you are polite and made a little bit of an effort to not be an annoying tourist.
You don’t have to learn a ton. That would be really hard (and probably not worth it). Instead, focus on the basics:
- Hello
- Goodbye
- Thank you
- Please
Finding Youtube videos can make it easier to get the pronunciation right. Most of the time, people will appreciate that you bothered trying at all.
Manners/Etiquette
Manners and customs change from country to country. They may not change very much depending on where you travel. But, what is considered polite at home may be rude somewhere else. It helps to get a general idea of how to behave.
Knowing if and how much you should tip is a big one to figure out. This can vary drastically and can leave a big impression on the people you are meeting.
Transit
You should have a plan of how to travel around your destination before you go. How will you get from the airport/train station to your hotel? Will you take a taxi or public transit?
Some things to look out for are:
- Are taxis safe? Or should you use Uber? In some places, taxis can be scams or even dangerous.
- How do you use public transit? How do you buy a ticket?
In both Austria and the Czech Republic, you are required to buy a ticket and validate it. However, since many locals have monthly passes, we saw a lot of people getting on the transit, seemingly without a ticket. A little research before showed us that we did need to buy tickets even if it didn’t seem like it. (We saw other tourists receive fines when they were checked for tickets.)
Electricity plugs, adapters, etc.
The way electric appliances work in each country can vary. The plugs may be different shapes. If so, you will need an adapter. You can pick one up on Amazon pretty easily. Just make sure you know which plug type to purchase. (Or get one with multiple plugs.)
Also, the voltage may be different. If you plug in a device that is not rated for your destination’s voltage you risk frying your device. Check the voltage in your country and buy a converter if it is different from your home country. A converter/adapter can be very helpful in this case. However, some appliances are not safe even with a converter (ex. hairdryers, flat irons – just leave them at home.)
Remember: an adapter changes the plug shape. A converter changes the voltage. Check your need for both.
A broad plan of things to do
You should know at least a few things to do when you arrive at your destination. This will save you time researching when you could be out exploring.
I recommend leaving some space to just wander around though. You’ll find more cool things this way. But at least have a general plan of your must-sees.
Over to you
These are the six things you need to know before you travel to another country. Is there anything else travelers should know? Let us know in the comments below!
