You’ve been looking forward to your summer vacation for what feels like forever, and it’s finally around the corner. Your packing list is ready, your budget is planned, and you have a dream itinerary scheduled.
The only thing left is to go!
But you’re hearing all the scary news about canceled flights, booked hotels, and resurfacing pandemics, and you’re getting nervous. It’s understandable.
These cards can be loaded with multiple currencies, making them a convenient and cost-effective alternative to carrying cash or using a credit card abroad. The cards are accepted worldwide and come with a range of features such as contactless payment, online and mobile account management, and the ability to lock in exchange rates for up to two years. Additionally, Caxton offers competitive exchange rates and no hidden fees, making their prepaid travel cards a smart choice for anyone planning an international trip.
Don’t let your fears, no matter how reasonable, get in the way of your well-deserved trip. Use these tips to make your travels go as smoothly as possible.
Plan, Plan, Plan
As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” You can’t account for every situation or bump in the road, but you can have a basic outline of what you’re doing and what you’ll need.
Make a list of your transportation plans to get started. Are you driving? Flying? Renting a car? Taking a train? All of the above? What will you need for each leg of your trip?
If you’re traveling to Iceland, Considering the country’s vast and diverse landscapes, renting a small car in Iceland would be an excellent choice to ensure flexibility and accessibility throughout your trip. Take into account what you’ll need for each leg of your journey, including any necessary car rental arrangements, maps, GPS, and other essentials for a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
Then, move on to your lodging list. Where are you staying? Do you have a reservation number or email? What is the contact phone number in case there’s an emergency? Will there be a hold on your credit card or resort fees that you forgot to budget for?
Finally, plan your general itinerary for each day. Include things like transportation costs for getting from your lodging to the destination, meals, beverages, and souvenirs. It would also be wise to plan the “things to do list….” Here, you can include information about finding a speakeasy or secret lounges for your vacation. Going through each of these categories with a fine-toothed comb will help you consider things you might have overlooked.
Once you have a rough idea of what you have planned and what you need, you can then look into saving and budgeting your money. You’ll have to find out if the country is a more cash-based country or a card-based country so you don’t get caught without cash and struggling to find an ATM. One thing you may want to consider is, if you aren’t comfortable carrying lots of cash on you, a pre-paid travel money card like these Caxton prepaid cards for international travel may be a better option for you – as they allow you to move and exchange your money instantly so if you do find yourself short or in trouble you don’t have to panic!
Planning isn’t a guarantee that it will all go smoothly, but it can help prepare you should you face any issues.
Flying? Invest in the Upgrade and Insurance
How do you book your flights? If you’re like most people, you enter the destination and dates in an online platform and look for the cheapest results.
That was fine until global pandemics, worker shortages, and supply chain issues made their way into airports. Now, you must be a little more cautious about your chosen flights.
Tips for Flying in 2022
That extra international travel medical insurance plan you’re offered at the end? Go ahead and take it if you can. The world is a little extra off-kilter right now, and any protection from unexpected problems is a good thing to have.
The more expensive flights? There’s a reason they’re pricier. Look closer at the options. If possible, shoot for the earliest flights. These are less likely to get delayed or canceled. Nonstop flights are best, but if you must book a layover, give yourself three hours of cushion in between travel time.
Get to the airport earlier than you usually would. The employee shortage might mean longer security lines and frazzled passengers worried about missing their planes. Budgeting extra time for waiting makes you one less stressed person the staff have to deal with.
Monitor Your Medication
Planning to bring your medication and vitamins with you? Pack extra just in case something happens and you are gone longer than you expected.
Don’t wait until the last minute to try to get your refills. You might need approval from your physician before the pharmacy can give you more medication. In a busy doctor’s office, this can take days to happen.
Cautions With Controlled Meds
If you have controlled medications and you’re headed out of state, talk to your doctor at least a month before your trip about your options. Most physicians can’t prescribe or refill these drugs over state lines. Their license doesn’t allow it.
Remember that medical marijuana can’t cross state lines, even if you have an MMJ card. You’ll have to replenish your stash when you get to your destination, which means a little research first.
How much of your monthly allotment do you need to get you through until your trip, and how much will you need to buy while you’re gone? Does the state you’re visiting allow out-of-state MMJ cardholders to purchase from their licensed dispensaries?
This part of your planning is vitally important if you’re on prescribed medication. You can’t expect the doctor or pharmacy to fill an urgent prescription at the last minute because you forgot to plan ahead. They might do it, but they might not, and that’s not something to leave to chance.
Learn A New Language
Conclusion
Travel worries, especially today, are often well-founded, but they don’t have to be a trip-breaker. Use these three tips to make the most important parts of your travels go smooth this summer.
