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Going abroad is always exciting. You get the opportunity to immerse yourself in other cultures, taste new foods, and visit all kinds of places that you’ve only ever seen in photos. And even though most trips go according to plan, it’s never a bad idea to prepare a little, in case anything goes wrong along the way, especially if you’re travelling with your dog.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
You don’t need an overly complicated plan to protect yourself from possible risks. It’s plenty enough to prep a few things before your departure and stick to a few simple rules during your vacation, including the following…
#1 Find Out About Travel Insurance Coverage
Most people start worrying about travel insurance after they run into problems; for example, they get sick, lose their luggage, or face a long delay. However, the consequences of these and other unexpected circumstances can be very costly, especially when they happen far from home.
That’s why it’s better to take a little time before purchasing your travel insurance policy to see exactly what’s included. The first thing to do is read the terms and conditions carefully. Some plans include only emergency medical treatment, while others also offer reimbursement for damaged, lost, or stolen belongings.
It’ll help you choose the right travel insurance policy for your needs.
#2 Check If You Need Any Vaccinations
Depending on where you’re travelling, there might be some recommendations regarding vaccinations that you’ll need before travelling there. In some countries, you’ll need protection against diseases that might be uncommon or nonexistent where you reside.
That’s why it’s so important to check official advice on health and vaccines several weeks before your departure – some vaccines need to be given many months in advance or need a booster shot to become fully effective.
And if you’re travelling with man’s best friend, remember to also check what you’ll need for your dog. In most cases, countries require proof of rabies vaccination and other veterinary documents a specific amount of time before allowing your pet to enter the country. (For example, check out the requirements for Europe.)
#3 Make Copies of Important Documents
Losing your passport, travel insurance policy, hotel reservations, or any other documents related to your trip can quickly become very stressful, so before departing, make copies of all your documents and store them somewhere you can easily access them if needed – even offline.
It’s also a good idea to make printed copies and keep them separate from the original documents just in case you can’t use your phone, your battery runs out or you don’t have access to the internet.
#4 Use Public Wi-Fi Carefully
There are free Wi-Fi networks in almost every airport, hotel and cafe around the world. They’re very convenient, but it’s still important to be careful when using them. Not every public network offers the same level of security, so it’s worth taking a few extra precautions.
In any case, you should avoid logging into banking apps, entering sensitive personal information, or doing anything else that could potentially compromise your security when using public Wi-Fi. If you’re using the same network to connect a smart TV or streaming device for example, you can also use a VPN for TV as part of your setup before you start streaming.
#5 Learn About Typical Tourist Scams
Each destination has its own typical scams targeting tourists. Some involve unauthorized taxis or guides, while others are related to currency exchange services or people offering to help you (or even asking for help).
Take a few minutes to find out which scams are the most common in your destination country by looking up experiences on forums like Reddit. You don’t need to be afraid of them, but knowing about them will help you spot them more easily and avoid unpleasant incidents.
#6 Know Local Emergency Numbers
In a panic, it’s easy to automatically call your home country’s emergency number, but it won’t work abroad. That’s why I always recommend learning the local emergency number beforehand, as well as saving it in your starred contacts if possible, so you can access it as quickly as you can.
And if you’re going to be spending a longer period of time abroad or travelling to a more dangerous location, you should know where your country’s embassy or consulate is located in case you run into serious trouble.
When travelling with a dog, it’s also handy to look up a local veterinarian at your destination. If English isn’t the local language, ask for recommendations on local websites for English-speaking vets or check their website.
Fortunately, the chances that you’ll need this information are low, but you’ll feel more confident if you have all the necessary contacts. And don’t forget it’s always a good idea to tell your family or close friends your itinerary and inform them of any changes!
#7 Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The overwhelming majority of people you’ll meet during your trip will be friendly, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of your surroundings. Crowded tourist attractions, public transport, and markets are common places where pickpockets try to steal from visitors.
Always keep your valuables close to you, avoid carrying too much cash, and never leave your bags unattended. If you’re using your phone as a map, it’s better to step inside a shop or cafe instead of standing in the middle of the street with your eyes on your phone.
Besides, it’s important to trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable in a particular place, don’t force yourself to stay there. Your gut feeling is often a reliable indicator.
A Bit of Preparation Goes a Long Way
Travelling overseas isn’t about solving problems, but about making unforgettable memories. Proper preparation will help you feel more confident throughout your trip.
These preparations don’t take much time before your departure and can make your holiday easier and more comfortable. Once you’ve done them, you’ll be able to enjoy new places, meet new people, and have an unforgettable experience.
About the Author
Sachiko Nakata is an industrial engineer from Venezuela who became a content writer due to the country’s challenges and her love for writing. Curious and research-driven, she makes complex topics easy to understand. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is passionate about technology, gaming, and computing, transforming ideas into engaging content.