Things to know before boarding the plane to the unknown!
Instagram feeds are packed with influencers posing in front of the camera in a jungle somewhere far east of the world. YouTube is filled with Vlogs showcasing amazing beaches somewhere far west of the world. You get inspired and start thinking – “that could me?!”. You´re googling like a maniac to find cheap tickets to take you to that place you´ve dreamt of going. A relieved feeling mixed with excitement floods over you when you get that confirmation E-Mail saying, “thanks for booking your travel with us!”. It´s set and done. You´re on your way to begin an unforgettable journey that will change your life. So, now what?
Are you well informed and prepared for what to come before boarding the plane? Photo by Eva Darron / CC BY
Are you sure you’re fully prepared before boarding the plane that will take you to the unknown? I bet you’re not! I mean, how could you when you’re on your way to a place where custom and traditions are not the same as what you’re used to back home.
Planning has a huge impact on the success of your travels! Photo by Jessica Lewis / CC BY
Not to scare you off, but you can never fully predict what’s awaiting you. Maybe that´s a good thing? Life would be a bit more grayish if we could foresee our upcoming adventures. Well, that’s at least how I see it. But even though you cannot be fully prepared, you should at least do your research. Planning and getting to know more about the destination have to be done because it can have a huge impact on the success of your travels.
You might also be interested in: How to Choose Where to Study in Asia
Make sure your passport is not expiring less than 6 months after the final day of traveling! Photo by Rawpixel / CC BY
Now, before you travel there are a few questions you need to ask yourself:
Is my passport valid?
A classic mistake many travelers make is to not have a passport that is valid 6 months after their return date home. Most Countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least 6 months after the final day of traveling. From personal experience, do not make this mistake! You do not want to go to the airport and being denied entry on the plane. So, always double check when your passport expires before buying your flight tickets.
Do I have the right visa?
It’s crucial to make clear what kind of visa you’re required to have before entering a country. For advice on visa requirements, you should visit your destination immigration website or ask your travel agency.
For more information about visas in Asia: Visas For Asian Countries in General
Vaccination protects you from serious illness and complications. Photo by Hyttalo Souza / CC BY
What kind of vaccination do I need?
You should make an appointment with a doctor to just check what kind of vaccinations you need. Try to make the checkup at least a month before you travel because for some vaccinations it takes a few weeks before they kick in.
Do I have the right insurance?
It’s crucial to have travel insurance! If you end up in the hospital the insurance will save you a lot of money. If you’re planning on traveling to a country with poor health care or if you know in beforehand that you will make extreme sports, then go for more expensive insurance.
Make sure to book a room for the first few nights before traveling. Photo by Eunice Stahl / CC BY
Do I have an accommodation for the first nights?
You do not want to arrive at your destination and not have a clue where to go or stay. Save some time and energy by booking accommodation for the first few nights. In the Internet you’ll find a bunch of online accommodation agencies, but the best are TripAdvisor and hostel world (if you are on a tight budget).
For more information about student accommodations: Choosing Your Accommodation
Find out more about studying in Asia or New Zealand
Asia Exchange is a Finnish company providing study abroad opportunities in Asia Pacific for students from all around the world. Want to get travel tips and new blog posts straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to contact us! We’ll get back to you!
This article was written by our Digital Marketing Coordinator Fabian!
