How to Plan International Travel Now and in the Future
Covid isn't going anywhere any time soon. So if you must travel to another country, here's how to stay safe and avoid a logistical nightmare.
Right now, planning a trip can be overwhelming especially when international travel is involved, as most countries have different rules, restrictions, and testing requirements for dealing with Covid. If you're planning a trip soon or already have a destination in mind, here's how to ensure you follow local regulations and prepare as much as possible ahead of time.
The World Tourism Organization of the UN, international tourism arrivals will be down 76 percent in 2021 compared to 2019.
While some people select to stay at home, postponing their dreams of island getaways and visiting relatives abroad, many others are beginning to pack their bags, thanks in part to the Covid vaccines.
Even though people are planning trips again, the prospect of traveling abroad can be intimidating right now. For example, in April of last year, I had to leave Seattle unexpectedly to apply for a new work visa. It was a nightmare to plan at almost every stage because regulations were constantly changing. It frequently felt like I was falling down an internet rabbit hole, the following link after link, until I finally found the information I needed. Sometimes even resorting to desperate phone calls or emails to various embassies and consulates to get the most up-to-date information.
Worse yet? Over three months, I had to do this for five countries: my home country of Australia, Iceland, England, Germany, and the United States.
Fortunately for you, I learned a lot during the process (and even put it to use for my upcoming trip back home to Australia), and it's now a little easier to find the information you require. Here's how to reduce your stress and ensure you're prepared for every stage of your trip.
Step 1: Decide on a destination and ensure that you can return home.
This is by far the most crucial step. The times of throwing like dart at a map also booking a last-minute trip anywhere in the world are long gone.