Holidays are a highlight of most people’s years. They’re a chance to relax and unwind and leave the stresses and strains of everyday life behind. We wish that meant we could feel more zen in the leadup to them.
While vacationing abroad helps us let go of the little things that have been niggling at us at home, preparing for one comes with its own set of worries. From remembering to renew our passports in time to making sure we have appropriate travel insurance, it requires us to be uber prepared and leave nothing to chance.
This is especially the case when it comes to keeping important documents safe. So, what’s the best way to do that?
Have a designated document holder
Traveling is stressful enough when you’re the only one you need to think about. Throw in a group of you, with various organizational capabilities, and it’s a recipe for fretting. So, start with the basics. Before you even think about packing your suitcase, make sure you have a document holder for the essentials. This article from T3 has some recommendations.
The holder you choose should be large enough to hold what you need without bulging at the seams and needs a fastener of some sort to make sure everything stays safe inside. If you really want to guard against disaster, there’s no harm in making sure it’s waterproof too.
Have digital backups to hand
It’s a good idea to have digital backups to hand too. If you’re really prepared, you might want to make these part of a tech survival kit like the one featured on ExpressVPN’s website. This might include, for example, a second phone, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, and digital copies of your passports and travel insurance documents. This way, even if the worst happens and you lose the bag containing your phone, identity docs, money, and other essentials, you won’t be completely stuck.
Select someone to be in charge of these documents
If you’re traveling as a group of friends, it’s probable people will want to keep hold of their passports. If you’re vacationing as a family or couple, though, it can be a good idea to put one person in charge of important documents.
Naturally, this should be the most organized individual and the one who’s least likely to lose them. Certainly, if you’re slightly forgetful or prone to flapping, you won’t want to nominate yourself.
Research what to do if you lose them
So, the worst has happened. Despite all the precautions you’ve put in place, you’ve lost your all-important travel documents. What do you do next? That depends on what you’ve misplaced, which is why it’s worth doing some research before you fly. This article from LV is a good place to start.
If you lose a passport, for example, you’ll need to report this to the local police and then apply for a new one or an emergency travel document. You may also need to visit your country’s embassy to attend an appointment in person.
When it comes to keeping important documents safe abroad, preparation is key. Follow these essential steps to enjoy a stress-free and successful holiday.
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