rganize a trip: find out in this article what are the most useful tips and best practices to follow to prepare a trip in complete autonomy.
To enjoy a 100% holiday you must be 100% peaceful. The key word is: organization. If practicality is not your strong point you have done well to enter this article, where we will answer the question: "What to do before leaving for a trip?".
To help you we have compiled a list of 10 useful tips. You can trust us: we are an insurance company, so we are experts in both organization and travel!
On vacation it is nice to live the day, but without a minimum of planning you risk not doing or seeing the "unmissable things", of not knowing how to cope with possible unexpected events, of taking time away from leisure to find information. For this reason, before leaving, we advise you to do some research on your destination.
Take note:
Also here on the AIG blog you could find tips and advice on your destination: after reading this article, use the search box to see if there is content related to your travel destination, maybe we have already talked about it.
When collecting information about your destination, also think about practical things, so:
If you go abroad and do not know the language of the premises, also study the glossary and the phrasebook to support basic conversations, for example to ask for information at the airport, in a hotel, at a restaurant and during shopping.
Apps are a godsend for travelers, because they allow you to always have useful information at hand. The three types of applications we recommend are:
“Will I have turned off the lights? Did I close the throttle? And the door? ". It's a classic: as soon as you set foot outside the house, "domestic doubts" start to assault you. It also happens when you go out to work, let alone when you are leaving for a trip. Of course, this is not the best way to start a holiday peacefully ...
So a method must be found to combat doubts. And there is nothing better than a check-list: take a pen and paper and write everything that comes to your mind about the small and large domestic practices to be done before closing the door behind you and welcoming your holiday. As you complete a task, delete it from the list.
One more tip: leave a bunch of keys to a trusted person, so that he can help you in case, despite the check-list, you can think of something you have not done when it is too late to go back.
If you take any medications, go to your doctor before leaving to get them prescribed. Bring your medical prescriptions with you: they could be requested at the airport or in any case at customs checks. In addition, they can come in handy in case you need treatment while traveling. By the way, if you are allergic to medicinal substances, prepare a list to be presented to the health care professional if necessary. Also, get advice on over the counter medications to bring with you, possibly also to combat "traveler's ailments" such as heartache. air, car sickness and seasickness.
Maybe there is no need to remember it, but we want to be scrupulous: check the expiration date of the document you will use to travel, identity card or passport that it is. Also take into account that some countries require a passport to have a certain residual validity in order to issue an entry visa. In this regard, we give you some advice: if you need a tourist visa or a travel authorization, don't be reduced to the last moment!Find out as soon as possible what to do to obtain the necessary documents to travel, especially if you travel with children or with minors. Finally, remember that companies (not only air companies but also shipping ones) can request specific documents from pregnant women. If you travel by plane, also be informed about the procedures provided by the company with which you fly to:
And speaking of luggage ...
If you don't want nasty surprises, don't make the mistake of underestimating the policies of the companies you travel with about baggage. Here is everything you should check:
Finally, read the ENAC guidelines on the transport of liquids .
Luggage is often prepared at the last minute, perhaps the night before leaving! And the haste, you know, is a bad adviser. Thus, you risk putting unnecessary things in your suitcase and excluding useful or really necessary things. Again, the best advice we can give you is to make a list of everything you need to bring with you. Indeed, it is better to make two lists:
If you face a long journey by plane, we recommend you read an article that we have dedicated to this topic, where you will also find tips on what to bring on board and many other useful tips.
Last but not least, before leaving, take out travel insurance. Because? Because even on vacation there can be unexpected events, but a policy helps you to face them in peace. This also means getting organized!
Choose an insurance that:
All features that you will find in AIG travel insurance. *
At this point, we can say that the pre-departure plan is ready. Enjoy your trip!
To enjoy a 100% holiday you must be 100% peaceful. The key word is: organization. If practicality is not your strong point you have done well to enter this article, where we will answer the question: "What to do before leaving for a trip?".
To help you we have compiled a list of 10 useful tips. You can trust us: we are an insurance company, so we are experts in both organization and travel!
STUDY YOUR TRAVELING HALF
On vacation it is nice to live the day, but without a minimum of planning you risk not doing or seeing the "unmissable things", of not knowing how to cope with possible unexpected events, of taking time away from leisure to find information. For this reason, before leaving, we advise you to do some research on your destination.
1. FIND OUT WHAT TO DO AND WHAT TO SEE
Take note:
- Attractions: if your destination is a big city, also inquire about the possibility of purchasing one of those cards that give you access to a whole series of places of historical and cultural interest. It is a convenient choice that also allows you to save money.
- Naturalistic beauties: find out which excursions and activities in nature you can do starting from the place where you will stay.
- Places that may interest you, from restaurants to bars to discos.
Also here on the AIG blog you could find tips and advice on your destination: after reading this article, use the search box to see if there is content related to your travel destination, maybe we have already talked about it.
2. COLLECT PRACTICAL INFORMATION
When collecting information about your destination, also think about practical things, so:
- Study the situation of public transport and try to find out which are the most convenient season tickets.
- Check the weather forecast for the period of your stay before packing.
- Check the health conditions of the country you are heading to. This will help you understand if there is a need to make vaccines or to bring specific medicines with you. On the Farnesina Viaggiare Sicuri website and in the " If I am leaving for " section of the website of the Ministry of Health, you will find a lot of information about it. Remember to also take note of the emergency numbers to refer to in case of need.
- If you travel by plane, check the services that connect the airport to the tourist facility where you will be staying.
- If you plan to rent a car on the spot, look for a car rental service before leaving.
3. LEARN THE LANGUAGE
If you go abroad and do not know the language of the premises, also study the glossary and the phrasebook to support basic conversations, for example to ask for information at the airport, in a hotel, at a restaurant and during shopping.
4. DOWNLOAD THE “TRAVEL” APP ON YOUR SMARTPHONE
Apps are a godsend for travelers, because they allow you to always have useful information at hand. The three types of applications we recommend are:
- A translation application (the Google Translate app also gives you the option to translate offline).
- An application with the currency converter function.
- An application on the mobility of the city where you will be staying.
5. MAKE A LIST OF THINGS TO DO AT HOME
“Will I have turned off the lights? Did I close the throttle? And the door? ". It's a classic: as soon as you set foot outside the house, "domestic doubts" start to assault you. It also happens when you go out to work, let alone when you are leaving for a trip. Of course, this is not the best way to start a holiday peacefully ...
So a method must be found to combat doubts. And there is nothing better than a check-list: take a pen and paper and write everything that comes to your mind about the small and large domestic practices to be done before closing the door behind you and welcoming your holiday. As you complete a task, delete it from the list.
One more tip: leave a bunch of keys to a trusted person, so that he can help you in case, despite the check-list, you can think of something you have not done when it is too late to go back.
6. GO TO YOUR DOCTOR
If you take any medications, go to your doctor before leaving to get them prescribed. Bring your medical prescriptions with you: they could be requested at the airport or in any case at customs checks. In addition, they can come in handy in case you need treatment while traveling. By the way, if you are allergic to medicinal substances, prepare a list to be presented to the health care professional if necessary. Also, get advice on over the counter medications to bring with you, possibly also to combat "traveler's ailments" such as heartache. air, car sickness and seasickness.
7. CHECK THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO TRAVEL
Maybe there is no need to remember it, but we want to be scrupulous: check the expiration date of the document you will use to travel, identity card or passport that it is. Also take into account that some countries require a passport to have a certain residual validity in order to issue an entry visa. In this regard, we give you some advice: if you need a tourist visa or a travel authorization, don't be reduced to the last moment!Find out as soon as possible what to do to obtain the necessary documents to travel, especially if you travel with children or with minors. Finally, remember that companies (not only air companies but also shipping ones) can request specific documents from pregnant women. If you travel by plane, also be informed about the procedures provided by the company with which you fly to:
- to check in;
- obtain the boarding pass;
- check in baggage.
And speaking of luggage ...
8. CHECK LUGGAGE POLICIES AND OTHER ISSUES
If you don't want nasty surprises, don't make the mistake of underestimating the policies of the companies you travel with about baggage. Here is everything you should check:
- Permitted dimensions and weight of hand baggage and checked baggage.
- Any indications on things that you cannot put inside your luggage.
- If you travel with children, look for information on the services provided. For example, ask yourself if you can bring the stroller in the hold or if it is possible to reserve a seat for children up to 2 years of age by bringing the car seat with you.
- If you travel with your pet, look for policies regarding the transportation of animals.
Finally, read the ENAC guidelines on the transport of liquids .
9. MAKE A LIST OF THINGS TO TRAVEL
Luggage is often prepared at the last minute, perhaps the night before leaving! And the haste, you know, is a bad adviser. Thus, you risk putting unnecessary things in your suitcase and excluding useful or really necessary things. Again, the best advice we can give you is to make a list of everything you need to bring with you. Indeed, it is better to make two lists:
- one of the things to keep close at hand;
- another for what you won't need before arriving at your destination.
If you face a long journey by plane, we recommend you read an article that we have dedicated to this topic, where you will also find tips on what to bring on board and many other useful tips.
10. INSERT A TRAVEL INSURANCE
Last but not least, before leaving, take out travel insurance. Because? Because even on vacation there can be unexpected events, but a policy helps you to face them in peace. This also means getting organized!
Choose an insurance that:
- includes 24-hour assistance and health coverage;
- gives you guarantees for the theft and / or loss of luggage, valuables and money;
- gives you the opportunity to customize the policy according to your specific needs.
All features that you will find in AIG travel insurance. *
At this point, we can say that the pre-departure plan is ready. Enjoy your trip!
