Gearing up for your first trip abroad? You are no doubt very excited. Traveling outside of your country and culture can be a very rewarding experience. However, it does take a little bit more preparation than going to, say, DisneyWorld. Below are the most critical steps to take before traveling outside of the country.

 

Get Your Passport and Visas

This one may seem obvious, but it is critical. When it comes to visas, do not just rely on basic research or Wikipedia pages; you should consult with the consulates or embassies of the specific countries you plan to visit. This is the best way to avoid any surprises.

 

Stock Up on Medicines

Make sure you have your prescription on hand to prove that you are authorized to have your medications. The last thing you want is to run out of your medication while traveling abroad. Not only will you have to pay for the doctor visit, but your medication may not even be available where you are going.

Purchase Adapters

You won’t need these for every country, so do your research in advance. However, many countries do not use the same outlets as your own, which forces you to use adapters if you are going to be using your electronics.

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Purchase Insurance

Emergencies can happen anywhere, but they can be very expensive if they happen abroad. Make sure you have emergency medical coverage that will cover any hospitalization and treatments as well as a medical flight back home.

 Register with the U.S. Department of State

When going to another country it is wise to register with the U.S. Department of State. It only takes about two minutes and they will notify you should anything arise in your visiting country. They can also reach your family at home if there’s an emergency with you.

Learn Some of the Language

Finally, study key words and phrases so you can get by when traveling. Yes, you will likely encounter many who speak English, but making an effort says a lot to those who live in your host country and it will go a long way towards establishing goodwill.

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