Overview
International Passport
An international passport is probably one of the most crucial travel documents. It serves as proof of your identity and citizenship. With your passport, you can travel to foreign countries and re-enter your home country without any issues.
It is important to know that an international passport is NOT the same as your ID.
Note
For European citizens, a passport is not always required for, especially if you are traveling within the Schengen zone. It is therefore certainly important to check in advance whether a passport is required for your trip abroad. If not, you can just travel with your ID.
You must apply for an international passport. Make sure you do this far enough in advance, as it can take a while to process.
If you already have a passport, it’s important to check that it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date, as some countries have this requirement and that you have enough empty pages left.
Tip!
Keep a photo of your passport on your phone or make a copy and put it somewhere in your suitcase or backpack. In case your passport gets lost or stolen, you still have something to go to the embassy with and identify yourself.
Visa
It’s important to always check the visa requirements for a country before going on any international travel. Different countries have different visa policies and requirements, so it’s essential to research the specific rules and regulations for each destination you plan to visit.
Some countries may require a visa application process, which can take a significant amount of time, so it’s important to plan accordingly. If you did not get the necessary visa, your entry will probably be denied or you can get fined.
Sometimes, especially for longer trips, it is necessary to extend your visa during your stay. It is therefore recommended to always take at least 2 extra passport photos with you, in case you have to apply for an extension of your visa.
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International driving license
If you plan to drive a car or a scooter during your trip, it is important to check whether you need an international driving license. Different countries have varying requirements, so it’s crucial to research the regulations for each destination you plan to visit to avoid fines or other complications.
An international driving license is a document that allows you to drive in foreign countries, where your regular driver’s license may not be recognized. This document serves as a translation of your driver’s license and is recognized by many countries worldwide.
You must apply for an international driving license. Make sure you do this far enough in advance, as it can take a while to process.
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Vaccinations
It’s essential to check vaccination requirements for international trips. Depending on the risk of certain diseases in the region or country you are visiting, the vaccination requirements may vary.
Some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever or measles, before entry. Sometimes, certain vaccinations are not mandatory but are recommended, such as for hepatitis A or B, to protect against diseases that are prevalent in the region. This is definitely something you should consider for yourself whether to get vaccinated or not.
It’s recommended to check vaccination requirements well in advance of your trip because some vaccinations may require multiple doses or take time to become effective. Additionally, some countries may require a health certificate or other documentation showing proof of vaccination.
Currency and payment methods
During your trip, you do not want to experience that you run out of money or being stuck in a foreign country without any means of payment. It is important to know if the local currency is different from yours and to check the exchange rate before you go.
Also, you should find out if there are ATMs available frequently and if they accept your debit or credit card. Some places may not accept cards, or they may charge extra fees for using them. Therefore, having some local currency on hand is always a good idea. Normally, you can order other currencies at your bank at home, but do this well in time because it can take a while to process.
If you want to withdraw money or pay with your debit or credit card abroad, you must check with your bank whether your card can be used abroad. Sometimes a change must be made by your bank for this.
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Power plugs
Did you know that they do not have the same socket all over the world, so there are different sockets for different countries?
Some countries use 110-120V power outlets, while others use 220-240V outlets. In addition, different countries have different plug shapes, such as Type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I, among others. Therefore, it’s crucial to have the appropriate adapter to fit your device and the country’s outlets.
If you’re planning to travel with electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, or cameras, make sure to check the power requirements of each device and the electrical system of the country you’re visiting. It’s also a good idea to purchase a universal adapter that can fit different outlets and plug shapes.
By being prepared and having the right adapter for your destination, you can ensure that your devices are charged and ready to use, allowing you to stay connected and make the most out of your trip.
Travel insurance
It’s important to check your travel insurance before embarking on any trip, no matter how short or long. A travel insurance is designed to protect you against unexpected events that can occur during your journey, such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies and more.
First of all, you have to make sure that you have adequate coverage for your specific needs and destination. For example, if you’re planning an adventure-filled trip that involves extreme sports or activities, you may need to purchase additional coverage to protect yourself in case of injury.
Additionally, some travel insurance policies may have exclusions or limitations that you should be aware of, such as pre-existing medical conditions or certain destinations that are not covered.
Lastly, most travel insurance policies only cover a limited time abroad. So if you plan to travel for a longer period of time, you may need to expand your standard insurance.
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Road and environmental vignette
When you travel by car or go on a road trip, it is important to check whether you need a road and/or environmental vignette for the countries and cities you will drive through. In some countries and cities it is mandatory to have a road or environmental vignette to access certain roads or environmental zones. Check this not only for the country you are traveling to, but also for all countries and/or cities you are driving through to get to your destination. If you do not have the correct vignette, you risk a fine or even a refusal to continue your journey. In some cases, you have to order and pay for the vignette online in advance. It can take a while before you receive the vignette, so by arranging this in advance, you can be sure that you have it in your possession when you leave.
In some countries such as Norway, they already work with a digital toll system, where you have to register your number plate in advance. This is not mandatory, but if you do not do this, you will be sent the bill afterwards, which is often higher than if you registered in advance.
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