7 Things You Need To Know About The Future of International Travel
7 Things You Need To Know About The Future of International Travel
Now that business travel is getting back on track, you may start thinking about resuming your company’s international business travel. We have gathered together a list of seven travel tips to assist you in resuming your international travel planning.
What You Need To Know About The Future of International Travel
Below is a list of procedures and protocols that will play a big part in the future of international travel.
Make Sure Your Passport and Visas Are Current
Most countries require a United States passport be valid for a period of at least six months after your return date. You should allow up to 12 weeks for your passport application to be processed. The backup is due to the pandemic, which may make renewals take longer.
If you need your passport renewal quicker, you can use the expedited service for additional fees, and that should get your passport back in four to six weeks.
Keep photocopies of the information page of your passport packed separately from your passport.
Check the State department’s website frequently for up-to-date country travel updates.
Check For Health Advisories, Travel Warnings, and Advisories
The State Department has a page where American travelers can check their destination country for all travel advisories. It is important to monitor if the U.S. has issued a travel warning or alert. You need to do this because many travel insurance companies will not cover the travel to countries that are under warnings.
Get Your Vaccinations and Fill All Your Prescriptions
You will need to check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website to get your destination’s current health and vaccine requirements. Besides COVID-19, there may be other vaccines needed depending on destination. For instance, if you are traveling to a destination in Africa, you may have to get vaccinated for diseases such as cholera, yellow fever, and the Zika virus.
The CDC’s website has a lot of useful information and travel tips concerning food and water safety in your destination, as well as packing suggestions. Check the foreign embassy of your destination and see which prescription drugs may be banned in the country. In your carry-on bag, you should have copies of your prescriptions and your medicine in its original prescription bottles. Try to have more than enough medicine to last your entire trip, as it may be difficult to get prescriptions filled abroad.
Register With The State Department
If your destination is a third-world or nonindustrialized country, the State Department recommends that you register with the Department of State website and add details of your trip itinerary. This is a reassurance that the U.S. government will know where to find and contact you in case of an emergency.
Keep Several Payment Methods With You
As far as money matters are concerned, your best bet is to have as many methods of payment with you as you can. Pick one or two credit cards to take with you and add travel alerts with the credit card companies.
Traveler’s checks are not as widely used today as they once were in the past. It is better to use your bank debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs. You will get the best foreign exchange rate this way, too, albeit an ATM or bank fee will apply.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Travel insurance was once an option for international travel, but due to the pandemic, it may become mandatory in the future. Most American health insurance policies will not cover any injury or illness obtained while traveling. Depending on your destination, you may want to consider buying medical evacuation or emergency medical insurance.
Pack Smartly
Your valuables with high monetary and sentimental value should be left at home. Besides your electronic equipment, all other valuables should not be brought with you. Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses just in case you need a spare.
If you must bring any valuables with you, never pack them in your suitcase. Always bring these items with you in your carry-on bag. When in your hotel room, immediately put your valuables in your room safe.
Traveler’s Q can help you with all your international travel needs. We are experts at group travel planning and international corporate travel. Let us help you move into the future of travel – contact us today.
