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Taking a holiday should give you the perfect excuse to relax and unwind, but you can’t afford to completely abandon life’s practicalities when you set off on a foreign sojourn. From problems with paperwork to risks to your wellbeing, there are a host of potential difficulties you could face if you don’t plan your trip carefully. Here are three issues you’ll need to consider ahead of your next break.
Health hazards
When it comes to your health, you’ll need to watch out for anything from sunburn and dehydration to food poisoning and tropical diseases, so it’s essential that you’re clued up about the dangers you face before you set off on your trip. Simple things, like making sure you take sunscreen with you and following basic food hygiene guidance, could protect you from many health problems. It’s also important to ensure you research the diseases you may be at risk of contracting. Depending on where you’re going, you might be exposed to conditions such as typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A and malaria. There are vaccinations available to protect you from many of these health problems and you can get a course of tablets to reduce the risk that you’ll contract malaria. Ideally, you should speak to your doctor or visit a specialist travel clinic at least eight weeks before you’re due to set off because some vaccinations need to be given in advance.
It’s also useful to research the symptoms of the diseases you may be at risk of contracting so you can spot the warning signs if you or someone you’re travelling with falls ill. For example, malaria symptoms in adults can include headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches and night sweats. Typically, bouts of malarial symptoms recur every couple of days or so. If you think you’ve contracted a potentially serious health problem, make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Paperwork problems
The last thing you want to happen when you head off on holiday is to discover your passport’s out of date or you don’t have a visa, so it’s vital that you check your paperwork’s in order well before your departure date. As well as making sure your travel documents are in date, you’ll need to research the entry requirements of the places you’re visiting. Bear in mind that some countries require a minimum term of six months to be left on your passport from your entry date. It’s also important to get to grips with any visa requirements. Lots of countries require tourist visas and if you don’t have one when you turn up at the airport, you might be refused entry.
If you’re planning to drive while you’re abroad, note that you’ll need to take your driving licence with you – and if you’re heading to a non-EU country, you may also require an International Driving Permit.
Luggage limits
Make sure you know your luggage limits when you’re packing for your adventure. If your bags are too heavy or large, you could be hit with extra charges at the airport. Size and weight restrictions vary between airlines, so you’ll need to check with the company you’re travelling with. To avoid a nasty surprise at the check-in desk, it’s useful to weigh your baggage yourself at home. Also, be aware that certain items aren’t permitted in hand luggage. For example, you can’t take liquids in containers that hold more than 100ml, and any liquids you do take must be put in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag that measures around 20cm by 20cm and holds no more than a litre.
Paying attention to practical issues like these doesn’t have to take the magic out of your next getaway and it will help ensure your trip isn’t spoiled by avoidable problems.
The post 3 things to watch out for on your holidays appeared first on Pommie Travels.
Source: pommietravels.com