Here are our five essential tips to make sure you’re well organised before you kick off your travels abroad.
So you’re having a great time studying in the UK, learning new cultures and making new friends. But it’s coming to that time where you’re probably be thinking about what to do next.
Many students opt to go travelling after their studies to expand their horizons and to escape from home and work for as long as possible! You may see yourself as a bit of a free spirit but we urge you to make sure you’re well prepared before you travel.
Where in the world?
Firstly, you need to get a good idea of where you’d like to go. Be practical about the cost of transport, accommodation and living.
There are lots of useful companies that can help you figure out where to visit, such as STA Travel and Travelbag. Websites like Hostelworld and HostelBookers can help you book cheap accommodation.
Something else to look into is an International Student Card, which gives you lots of discounts around the world, including at Hostelworld.
Law and border
Many places require you to have a visa before travel into their country. Visas can be easily obtained at many embassies around London. Getting hold of them can take time, so plan ahead. You can find a full list of embassies in the UK and their location here.
You must also make sure that your passport is up to date. In the UK, a British passport must remain valid for at least six months after your scheduled return to the UK. For more info on passport regulations, click here.
Insure and go
Before you travel, make sure you have travel insurance in place in case of any accidents along the way.
A common pitfall is to buy the insurance that is offered through your travel operator. This could mean you’re paying over the odds.
There is a range of policies available, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal. Websites such as MoneySupermarket, SquareMouth and Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert are very useful for this.
Safety first
It’s also advisable to get vaccinations sorted before entering many countries. You can get advice about travel vaccinations from your GP, the practice nurse at your doctors’ surgery or at a travel clinic.
Whether you need any vaccines will depend on the country you’ll be travelling to, whether you have any medical conditions and whether you’re taking any medication. Find more info here.
Money makes the world go round
Another thing to think about is how you will get hold of local currency in different countries.
Never change money at the airport, as they tend to give the worst exchange rates. There are many options available to you and you can save £s by using specialist travel spending cards that give you great exchange rates.
Find loads of useful info on cheap travel money at MSE.
All aboard
Now the essentials are covered you can concentrate on the fun bit – planning your journey.
And remember, DHL Servicepoint is available in many locations around the UK. It’s ideal for sending important documents, including visas and passports, at a reasonable price.
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