Given what various countries around the world have to offer, you have tons of reasons to pursue a trip. If you’re an experienced traveler, you might already know the basics. You can arrange your trip with ease and pursue the journey. However, it’s different when you go to an unfamiliar country, including those that are rarely visited. These countries might have something excellent to offer but aren’t popular among tourists due to health and safety concerns. If you still want to pursue your plan, you should be extra careful. Start by packing the portable Berkey water purifiers.
You need them if you’re heading to places that don’t have access to clean drinking water. Before you get ill with the dirty tap water, it’s best to let the water go through the filter first. Apart from water-related concerns, there are other problems you might face. These tips will ensure that your trip to these countries will be free from problems.
Research thoroughly
You’re visiting places that not so many people have been to. If you can find vlogs from those who have been there, they’re a huge help. You can also communicate with the vloggers to get more information. Read reviews too, but double-check the authenticity of the information. You need as many details as you can before you pursue the trip.
Check the mode of transportation that you should use upon arrival. If there are issues with local taxi drivers, you need to know about them. Determine if you should arrange a private trip, or if it’s safe to take public transportation. You should also research about security in the area. You can postpone your trip if it’s still unsafe to do it. Perhaps, after a few months, it would be better. Given the easy access to this information online, you have no reason to say that you didn’t know what to expect.
Confirm with your chosen accommodation
Booking a hotel or other accommodation option is a lot easier these days. You can even do it using third-party apps. However, even if you already received the confirmation email of your reservation, you should still call to confirm. Not all hotels have an efficient reservation system. You don’t want to arrive at the destination and realize that you have nowhere to stay. Given how difficult it is to look for alternate accommodation on the spot, you would rather guarantee your room before arrival.
Read travel advisories and guidelines
Check your government’s advisories before leaving home. Look at the latest update since these advisories change all the time. If told that your destination is on the blacklist, you have to cancel your plan right away. Take note that the color-coding system varies from one country to another. These advisories could change depending on the situation in the country.
In some cases, trips are still allowed, but you might want to cancel if it’s too risky. Advisories could also be due to potential health risks. If traveling to countries with disease outbreaks, you need to get a vaccine before leaving. It’s even necessary before you can be issued a visa.
Make sure you get internet access
Some countries have strict laws concerning the use of the internet. You should prepare yourself for the possibility that the apps you usually use for communication are banned. Research about the most common methods to contact your family back home before leaving.
Don’t rely on your hotel’s Wi-Fi connection since it might be unreliable. Using public internet could also put you at risk for identity theft and data breach. The best option is to get mobile data upon arrival at the airport. If you can’t have internet access, you should be able to call home or other emergency contact numbers.
Inform your embassy
If your country has an embassy at your destination, it’s a good thing. The diplomatic relationship is useful during emergencies. Inform your embassy about the planned visit and the reason for doing so. Keep the contact information so that you can easily call the office if you’re in a terrible situation. In some cases, you might have to request a repatriation flight. The embassy will help arrange it for you.
Bring everything you need
If you have pre-existing conditions or you regularly take certain medicines, you have to bring them with you. Don’t expect that you can easily find what you need upon arrival. You also can’t expect quality health care at your destination. If you couldn’t receive immediate help, your medical condition might worsen. You already know the medicines you need, so you pack all of them.
Consider a guided tour
If you’re uncertain about your destination and don’t want to take the risk, a guided tour is necessary. You need a local to help you get through the trip. You want someone who can translate for you. It’s also easier to travel to different places if you’re with someone who knows the place well. Even if you look different, the locals won’t try to hurt you or take advantage of you since someone is there to protect and guide you. Tour guides are added expense, but they’re worth the price. Constantly communicate with the tour guide company to know what you can expect.
Learn basic phrases
It also helps to learn a few words. It endears you to the locals. It also helps you survive difficult situations. You can get by with these words, or even avoid potential scams. You don’t have to learn plenty of words at once since some useful phrases would suffice.
You can still pursue your plans to visit places that aren’t too popular or are infamous for security concerns. Being one of the few tourists to have made it, you something to be proud of. However, you should be careful and meticulous when planning. Think of all the possibilities and be ready when things don’t go as planned. Pack everything you need and get ready to leave the country during emergencies.
