basic travel information

Basic travel information

Before you travel, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure your trip goes smoothly and safely. This guide will help you understand the basics of what every traveler should know before setting out. Checking what documents you need, researching local customs, and learning about food safety are all key steps. Weather is also a major factor, especially if you’re thinking about offseason or shoulder season travel. Traveling during these times can help you avoid crowds and save money, but you need to make sure the weather matches your plans. By preparing properly, you can enjoy a safer and more comfortable trip, no matter where you’re headed.

Essential Travel Research and Safety Tips

  • What documents you need to travel? – Check if you need a passport, visa, permit, or other documents. This depends on your citizenship, destination, and planned activities. Research the requirements for each country, including transfer countries, and check when your passport expires.
  • Safety information – Each country provides safety recommendations for its citizens. Some destinations may be marked as “do not travel” (e.g., North Korea and Ukraine), so follow official advice. More detailed information is usually available for each country. 
  • Basic knowledge about your destination – Research the area’s travel difficulty, laws, and cultural norms, and compare these with your experience level. You can safely travel to most countries, but some have different customs and laws. Adapt your behavior accordingly. Use reputable sources for your research.
  • Water and food safety – Investigate water and food safety to avoid illness. If you have allergies or intolerances, do extra research. In some places, allergies may not be taken seriously, so consider bringing your own food or ensuring you understand what is in local dishes. Be aware of unusual foods that might be common in certain areas (e.g., horse meat, dog meat, insects).
  • Best months to travel – Research the best times to visit based on the weather, especially for the activities you plan to do. Remember that seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to Europe.
  • Adventure activities – If you plan to dive, sky-dive, ski, hike, etc., research the country’s emergency services and healthcare system. Ensure that instructors are properly qualified. Not all countries have the same safety standards or licensing requirements.

Practical Pre-Travel Preparation Checklist

  • Vaccination and medical treatment –  Visit your healthcare provider to ask what vaccinations or treatments you need for your destination. Some vaccinations take months, so start early once you decide where to go. Don’t skip this step, as some countries have diseases you don’t want to catch.
  • Travel insurance – Book travel insurance based on your citizenship, country of residence, and destination. Consider the activities you plan to do, as they can affect your insurance coverage.
  • Currency and payment methods – Check the currency used in your destination and whether you can pay by card. Inform your bank about your travel plans. Always carry some cash, as card payments might not be common in some countries. Bring multiple cards, as some may not work. Research this in advance. Split your cash and cards and store them in different places.
  • Travel documents and copies – Make copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents. Keep both physical and digital copies in different places. Email yourself scanned copies for easy access.
  • Internet connection – Research the internet options in the country. Either buy a plan from your mobile provider or look into buying a local SIM card or internet package once you arrive.
  • Electrical adapters – Purchase the appropriate electrical adapters for the country you’re visiting to charge your devices.
  • Consulate registration – Check if you need to register at your consulate. This can help you receive important updates about the local situation.
  • Inform someone of your plans – Agree with a friend or family member to keep them informed of your whereabouts and when you plan to return.