For a lot of people, planning a vacation is like a dream come true. You have a few days off from work and want to spend them in a place you’ve never been before. Who doesn’t?
If you want to be spontaneous and go with the flow when you travel, that’s okay. You don’t need a strict itinerary to have fun. Still, you should take care of some things before you grab your backpack or suitcase and start exploring.
Download a VPN
This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word “vacation,” but it’s like your security blanket everywhere you travel. Since all of us are pretty much addicted to using the internet, a virtual private network (VPN) is super handy because it keeps all of your online activities secure. This is especially true when you need to use public Wi-Fi to check some info or pass the time.
Do you know what else it does? It grants you access to your favourite TV shows from anywhere in the world. Are you exhausted from sightseeing and want to spend a couple of hours watching your favourite shows in your hotel room? Say no more because an Apple TV VPN has you covered. Just don’t forget to put the Apple TV device in your bag. You can use a single subscription for multiple devices, extending the benefits.
Get that Vaccine
We can all agree that health is wealth, right? You want to be in top shape and in perfect health before your vacation.
So, it’s important to get your shots, especially if a country’s health policy demands that of travellers. This is especially true about tropical countries where you might be exposed to dangerous insects.
If you want to ensure you’re doing everything by the book, you can chat with your doctor or a health care provider. This way, your mind will have one less thing to worry about, and focus on all the fun!
Have a Valid Passport or a Visa
This one seems like a no-brainer. But believe it or not, sometimes, when you focus only on the fun part of the vacation, you can easily forget about your documents.
To enter another country, you must have a valid passport (and a visa). It’s a good idea to double-check that your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least six months beyond your trip.
Also, if your new and exciting travel destination requires you to have a valid visa, you need to apply for it in advance. Keep photocopies of your passport and visa separately from the originals, just in case. It’s a little extra peace of mind that can save you a lot of trouble. If you’re not too big on physical copies, make digital ones and store them securely on the cloud. Or, even better, have both.
Organise Transportation
We get that this is probably the most boring part of vacation planning, but you’ll be thankful for it. Do you really want to miss out on a cool landmark or an event because you couldn’t catch the bus or find a taxi? Probably not.
That’s why it’s wise to organise your transportation before you leave. Book a train ticket or a bus ride in advance so you won’t have to chase after them. Also, once you arrive at the airport, make sure you have a ride to your accommodation.
If you want to make the most of your time, you can rent a car in advance. But first, check if they accept an international driving permit. Knowing your routes and schedules ahead of time will save you all the stress of figuring things out on the spot (plus, you’ll save the rest of the passengers from some traffic road rage).
Educate Yourself About the Rules and Etiquette
If you genuinely want to experience the richness and beauty of another culture, take the time to learn everything about the place you’re visiting. Read a book about its history. Check out helpful articles about what to do there. You can watch a modern native film to see how people behave and dress there.
Discover if people there have any rules or customs they follow so you can also follow them. For instance, in Japan, if you feel sick, you must wear a mask outside for the safety of other people. The last thing you need is to get into trouble due to ignorance.
While on vacation, turn on your extroverted spirit and talk to people. You would be amazed to discover how much you can learn about someone just by talking to them for 10 minutes.