Traveling can be a fun adventure, yet it can turn into a nightmare if a person does not do their research prior to their time away.  There is nothing worse than being turned away at customs because a person does not have a valid passport or Visa, or a person is shivering because they packed shorts and tank tops for their destination’s cold season.

 

Here are 6 things that everyone should know before they embark on their next adventure:

 

1.  Valid Passport

 

Many people do not realize that their passport should be valid for at least six months past the date of their departure from the country that they are visiting.  If a person travels with a passport that will expire before that time, they can be turned away at customs and not allowed to enter the country.

 

2.  Visa Requirements

 

Every country has their own rules and regulations when it comes to obtaining Visas.  While many countries will allow people from the United States to enter for a maximum of ninety days without a Visa, those rules are different if a person is traveling for another reason other than business or pleasure, and they are completely different for people traveling from other countries.  It is always important to check www.travel.state.gov to see what the Visa requirements are for any country.

 

3.  Security

 

As safe as it is to travel throughout the world, every day brings new challenges.  Anyone who is planning on traveling should check to see if there are any travel warnings or alerts for their destination.  This information can be found at www.travel.state.gov as well as the websites of the U.S. Embassy or consulate where the person will be traveling.

 

4.  Health Concerns

 

Some diseases and illnesses are more prevalent in certain areas of the world and it is necessary for a person to know if they will need any vaccinations prior to their trip.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are the two places that people should check for this information.  These sites also have friendly reminders of where people should drink bottled water and what types of foods they should stay away from.

 

5.  Money

 

Everyone needs money when they travel and it is important to figure out how they are going to pay for things that they need.  The website www.travel.state.gov has information about how to use cash, credit cards, and ATMs in foreign countries, as well as how and where to exchange cash for the local currency.  Everyone should also alert their credit card companies that they will be going on vacation, so that the companies do not flag the account and deny any charges.

 

6.  Weather and Popularity

 

Anyone who is looking for some peace and quiet may not want to travel to certain destinations during the busiest season of the year.  The same applies for people looking for sun and sand, because they are not going to want to venture to their destination during the cold and rainy season.  The most important tip is that people should do some research before booking their vacation.

 

A little research can ensure that people do not have any issues when they are traveling, especially when they are trying to go halfway around the world.  It is always better for a person to be prepared than find themselves in a situation that could have been avoided.