Getting ready to take an overseas vacation is an exciting time, but with so much to organize, it can be a stressful one, too. Let us help take the panic out of the packing; use the checklist below to get on top of your to-do list so that you can concentrate on thinking about the fun you’re going to have on your holiday!
Get Your Passports In Order
First things first: every member of the family is going to need an in-date passport. Get this sorted out first, so that should you discover a passport is expired or that your youngest child doesn’t even have one; you’ve got plenty of time to get new ones – it can take six to eight weeks to process a passport application. Be aware that some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country, so if your passport is going to expire in the near future, get it renewed to guard against this eventuality.
Once your new passports arrive, don’t forget to fill out the emergency contact section of each.
Some countries also require you to have a valid visa to enter, so check whether or not this is the case, too, in good time before you’re due to depart.
Book Your Shots
It’s crucial to check whether you and your family will need to have immunizations to travel to your destination – some countries ask for proof of vaccination as part of the entry requirements, so research carefully what is needed for you and your children, and get these booked in advance.
If you’re not sure, get in touch with your doctor’s office, who will be able to advise you on exactly what’s needed, and give you more information on the vaccinations themselves.
Check Your Cell Phone Plan
An important element of pre-vacation planning is to make sure that you’ll be able to use your cell phone when you’re away. Check your plan to see if overseas calling is covered and what (if any) additional charges will be applied. It’s a good idea to give your carrier a call before you leave to find out if they offer an international plan that includes the country you’re traveling to. This could potentially save you a lot of cash, and getting it sorted before you jet off will mean a lot less hassle than trying to upgrade your plan from your hotel room.
Have a look here for cell phone carriers that offer international plans and the options for each, including pricing and their respective benefits.
Arrange Travel Insurance
If you have Medicare coverage, it’s important to be aware that this will only usually cover you while you’re in the US. If you have medical insurance with another provider, then check with them whether your coverage will extend to your vacation. If your current insurer won’t cover your trip, then it’s worth considering taking out specific medical travel insurance for the peace of mind that, should the worst happen, the bills will be taken care of.
As well as medical cover, you may also want to consider taking out additional travel insurance, which offers a level of indemnity in cases of, for example, your trip being canceled or delayed.
Order Currency
It’s a wise move to have some of the local currency in cold hard cash to hand, as, depending on your destination; you can’t necessarily take for granted that you’ll be able to pay for everything by card. Research the exchange rate and order in a small amount of currency in good time before your vacation; you may also wish to buy some travelers’ checks, too, just in case.
It’s advisable to take a backup debit or credit card with you when traveling as a standby in case your primary card is lost or not accepted by a vendor.
Plug Adapters
This little detail is very easy to overlook and yet can make a big difference to the smooth running of your trip. Find out as soon as possible whether you’ll need a power converter or plug adapter if you want to connect a device to the mains in the country to which you’re traveling.
Read the small print on both your devices and the plug adapters/power converters to ensure safe and appropriate usage.
Check you also have all the chargers you’ll need for your various familial devices, and make a list of these to tick off as they’re packed.
Do You Need A Driving Permit?
If you plan to drive whilst on vacation, then it’s a great idea to apply for an International Driving Permit. Many countries around the world require you to hold one of these to legally drive within their borders; while, in all likelihood, you won’t be called upon to show it, having this document will save you all sorts of stress if it is asked for.
…And Relax!
With all of the important vacation admin and planning taken care of, it’s time to sit back, relax, and begin to make an itinerary of all the sights you want to see and fun family experiences you want to enjoy, safe in the knowledge that all the practical stuff is in the bag!
The post The Ultimate Checklist to Make Before Your Overseas Family Vacation appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.
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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: The Ultimate Checklist to Make Before Your Overseas Family Vacation
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/the-ultimate-checklist-to-make-before-your-overseas-family-vacation/
Published Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2022 15:48:08 +0000
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