Our friendly tips will walk you through practical ways you can prepare for potential uncertainties.

Trip Preparation

Friendly Tip #1
Check Entry Requirements [Trip Preparation]

Find out what documentation your destination country requires for entry. For example, some countries require a valid passport, a certificate of insurance, your flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation among other documents for visa applications. Note the deadlines for visa application and stick to them.

Friendly Tip #2
Book Flights and Hotels Early for the Best Travel Discounts [Trip Preparation]

Even if your destination does not mandate proof of accommodation and flight itinerary for visa applications, there are many benefits to booking hotels and flights long in advance. You may get discounts or access to early-bird packages. Some travellers wait until the last minute for bookings to avoid the financial loss that would come with trip cancellations. But you can eliminate this worry by getting suitable travel insurance to protect your financial investment if you need to cancel and peace of mind when you travel.

Staying Healthy During Your Trip

Friendly Tip #3
Hydration [Staying Healthy]

Stay well hydrated at all times – long flights, exposure to different climates and rigorous physical activities can all lead to dehydration. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink from it regularly, even when you do not feel thirsty.

Friendly Tip #4
Safe Eating Habits [Staying Healthy]

Stick to safe eating habits to avoid food poisoning and opportunistic infections from contamination. Avoid raw or undercooked food, and eat freshly cooked meals.

Friendly Tip #5
Managing Allergies and Chronic Conditions [Staying Healthy]

Carry allergy medications and a detailed note of your allergies for efficient communication in case of an emergency. Stick to your medication schedule to manage chronic conditions and remember to pack portable gadgets like blood pressure monitors and glucometers. Most importantly, make sure you have international health insurance for comprehensive medical care coverage. Check if it covers food poisoning, emergency refills for forgotten prescriptions, and vaccinations.

Staying Connected

Friendly Tip #6
Setting up Mobile Data and Roaming Plans [Staying Connected]

If you do not like making technical adjustments, pay for an international roaming option with your current mobile provider. Another option is to buy a local SIM card and enjoy local call and data rates.

Getting Around

Friendly Tip #7
Using Translation Apps [Getting Around]

Use a translation app to communicate and learn the local language. This will make it easier to get around your destination and might come in handy in case of an emergency.

Friendly Tip #8
Offline Maps [Getting Around]

Save on data and roaming charges by using offline maps while traveling. These are key in areas with limited coverage, allowing you to find your way even when there is no connectivity.

How to Stay Safe Abroad

Friendly Tip #9
Destination Research [Staying Safe]

Research your destination thoroughly so you know what to expect. Familiarize yourself with the basic “dos and don’ts” so you can avoid becoming a victim of theft, crime, or violence.

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry in public, practice responsible drinking, do not carry a large amount of cash, and use crossbody bags instead of hand or shoulder bags.

Friendly Tip #10
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings [Staying Safe]

Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Pay attention to your surroundings and look out for exits, small hazards, and anything that seems suspicious. Make sure you know where emergency services like hospitals and police stations are and always let someone know where you are going. Pro tip: don’t be on your phone in public. No texting and walking. Look up and stay present.

Friendly Tip #11
Keep Copies of Important Documents [Staying Safe]

Keep your important documents safe by storing the originals in your hand luggage rather than your checked luggage. Have copies in every checked bag just in case you lose your luggage, as this will make it easier to identify you as the owner. It’s also wise to have digital versions of your ID and travel documents in a cloud-based drive.

Friendly Tip #12
Get Coverage for Medical Care [Staying Safe]

Stay safe by taking the necessary precautions ahead of time. With international health coverage, you get emergency medical care, coverage for doctors’ visits and hospital stays in case of illness, assistance to reach the nearest hospital, and evacuation coverage.

While Travel Insurance provides helpful trip coverage, it only includes emergency medical assistance in terms of medical care.

Covering All Bases with Friendly Global

No matter how well you prepare for every possibility, life at times gets the better of us and even the best laid-out plans may have to change. Medical emergencies, injuries, and accidents can happen at any time and the best defense is a strong offense.

Take a proactive approach to your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being by purchasing international health coverage and an international travel policy prior to your trip.

Friendly Global helps you to prepare for all unforeseen events by simplifying the purchase process and allowing you to customize your plan to your needs. We only work with A+ rated insurers to provide a wide range of options for your insurance needs and offer the necessary benefits. Our process is as easy as submitting a few answers to some questions and getting recommendations for suitable coverage.

Do not leave anything to chance. Keep yourself protected with the right international travel and health insurance policies.