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Where exactly do you plan to go on a vacation when the world opens anew?

With all the events happening around us due to the pandemic, there is no denying that most of us are longing for a quick getaway to popular destinations like France, Spain, Mexico, and Italy. On the flip side, there are also those who are craving an adventure and are willing to go after some of the world’s least-visited countries. If you are one of those eager to stay away from the well-worn tourist trails, check out our five major tips below to find out how to travel like a real pro.

Tip #1 Check the travel advisories

Before you plan out an international trip, you must do a quick Google search to identify if there are travel alerts, government restrictions, health notices, and recommendations for the target country. For updated content, it is recommended that you visit the official CDC website where you will see all the recommended vaccines and medicines you may acquire at least a month before your trip.

In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, you must also check if your country is considered a high-risk one as you will need certain tests to certify that you are free of the virus. There are also instances where you will need to present a vaccination card/passport to show that you have COVID-19 vaccines from brands accepted in the country. To manage your itinerary and budget wisely, it is also crucial to determine if you will be required to do a quarantine period and how long it will take.

Aside from the health concerns, you may also check the updated weather applications to identify if there are warnings or possible hazardous weather events. Such an approach will also give you an idea of what to expect whether a specific establishment or attraction may be closed.

Tip #2 Prepare your travel documents and debit/credit cards

Traveling to a lesser-known country is indeed a thrilling experience. However, trips do not really go smoothly as we plan them to be, which is why you must prepare several copies of your travel documents. Aside from your bag and camera, you must also keep a digital and hardcopy version of the following:

• Passport information page
• Travel insurance plan
• Vaccination card/passport (COVID-19)
• At least 2 D copies (back to back)
• Travel itinerary details

Another important tip is for you to check in with your local bank and give them a head’s up regarding your plan. If you fail to do so, your bank might not process transactions overseas and this can be a hassle especially if you are relying solely on your cards.

Tip #3 Learn the local language

Interested to get an authentic connection and experience traveling like a pro? The best way to do so is by learning a few words and expressions used by the locals. For instance, if you are visiting Serbia for the first time it is recommended that you try to learn Serbian expressions, words, and even slang as this is the best way to truly connect with native speakers. While it is true that most of the citizens of the country know how to speak English, speaking and learning Serbian will definitely make the whole trip easier. If somewhere obscure in southern America is your destination of choice, then getting a spanish tutor is probably a great idea. It also helps if you are going to be traveling anywhere else in that area too.

There are several ways by which you push yourself to learn at least the basics of a country’s language. Below are some of the top suggestions:

• Attend a language school to get a structured way of learning a language
• Find a language exchange partner and learn online
• Purchase a phrasebook and a dictionary
• Self-study using a language learning application like Ling App
• Watch videos and tv-series with subtitles using the target language

Tip #4 Be ready for cash-only transactions

Contrary to common belief, not all countries have cashless systems in place. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, and Africa have electronic-based payments in major establishments but most of these are not always available and may even charge you a higher fee than expected. In fact, even the locals make use of cash instead so it would be wise to have some ready before you travel.

Tip #5 Use VPN to secure your private data

Gone are the days when we used to think that vacation time is also a time for online detox. Since we are living in a very connected world, you should consider VPN as an essential investment. A VPN technically allows you to access the public internet while ensuring that your data and online trails are encrypted. It also paves the way for you to access websites that are sometimes blocked in the countries you are visiting.

Below are some of the features that you must look at before signing up with a VPN provider for traveling:

• Works in your chosen platforms (works for Android, Windows, or Mac)
• No restrictions on the number of connected devices
• Provides good speed
• Easy to install and has an auto-connect feature

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