Steps You Need to Take Before Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad is an extremely rewarding experience. You’ve probably been spending months planning where you’re going and what you’re going to see. This planning is essential and fun. However, there are a few additional steps that you may have forgotten that you absolutely should take before traveling abroad.
Department of State Travel Advisories
Before you even book your flights, you need to consult the Department of State’s travel advisory site. This provides an advisory rating for each country world-wide. These ratings can be based on a variety of factors-political climate, natural disasters-but essentially let you know if it is fairly safe or more risky to travel to a certain area.
This site also include a lot of information about the country itself as well. So be sure to check out this website in general. Take some time to explore it.
I also recommend checking the travel advisory site again just prior to leaving. The situation could have changed and it’s always better to be on the safe side. You can also sign up to receive updates for your destinations.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
While you are on the Department of State’s website, also take the time to enroll in STEP. This is a free program that allows you to register with the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to your destination.
The benefit of this is that in the event of an emergency (civil unrest, family emergency, natural disaster) the U.S. Embassy will have an easier way of being able to contact you. If something happens, they know that you, as an American traveler is in that area. In addition, family and friends could also have an easier time contacting you if they have news and cannot get a hold of you.
Important Documents
A few months before you leave, make sure your passport is valid for the appropriate amount of time. Many countries require that your passport be valid for a few months after you plan on leaving their country. In addition, you need to have enough space for them to stamp inside the book. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you need to get a new one as soon as possible.
In addition, find the address and phone number for the embassy(ies) that you will be near while traveling. Create a document with these. Also, create a rough itinerary of where you expect to be on any given day.
You should make multiple copies of all of these documents. Leave one copy with a family member/friend in the States. You want to have at least two more copies to bring with you while traveling. I recommend also have a digital copy of each on either your phone or computer. If for some reason you lose your hard copies, having backups is essential.
Vaccines
Some destinations require certain vaccines. In fact, you may not even be allowed to enter the country if you are not vaccinated. However, there are also other destinations where it may be strongly recommended that you get vaccines. Check if you require any of these before leaving.
It is also recommended that you make sure that you are up to date on your standard vaccines as well. As an adult, we sometimes neglect these things. However, you don’t want to end up dealing with tetanus in a foreign country because you didn’t get the shot before you left. Go to your doctor and make sure you are up to date.
Go to the Doctor
You should go to the doctor (or at least consult them) if you are planning on traveling for an extended period of time. If you have not gotten a checkup recently, now might be a good time to. Getting everything checked out will mean you’re at less of a risk of a medical emergency popping up when it’s more of a hassle to deal with.
I would also recommend discussing any prescriptions that you take with your doctor. If they are something you need continuously, you may need to plan how you will get those medications while you abroad. You will probably need to work with both your doctor and insurance to create a plan.
