Most people feel overwhelmed when they think about traveling. The questions of where to go, what to do, how to know the purpose of the the trip and how to prepare can overwhelm a person and make them feel more lost than when they started.
The purpose of this article is to answer some common questions people have about the duration and nature of their trip so that they can properly plan it ahead of time.
How long should I be gone?
Should your trip be 3 weeks or 3 months? Are there any activities you’re absolutely not willing to miss due to the length of your trip? Do you plan on traveling to multiple countries, or covering a particular region of one country? Remember, the longer you stay abroad, the more likely it is that you’ll suffer from culture shock. The trick is to make sure that your trip will last long enough so that no one feels like they’ve been away too long!
What about my friends and family when I go abroad? Allocating phone time and emails can help. This is a common concern among those who travel, but it shouldn’t be so. In all honesty, you’re going to see your friends and family no matter what. You’re just going to be seeing them from another country! It’s worth noting that with the advent of technology, you’ll have greater access to your friends around the globe if you keep in touch by phone or email more frequently. Take advantage of this technology, but don’t overdo it; remember that you are there for your own reasons, and your trip shouldn’t be affected by last-minute demands from friends or family back home.
Should I get a visa from my country of origin?
If you’re planning to travel solely to the country you were born in, don’t. Unless you have a history of traveling abroad, do not get a visa for your nation of origin. Instead get a tourist visa (see below). Getting a visa for your home country is costly and increases the odds that you’ll be kidnapped. This is not only illegal but bad for business as well!
Do I need health insurance?
In general most countries require that travelers have health insurance prior to their departure.
