Top 10 Essentials Every Traveller Needs
Travel Essentials to Consider Before Crossing International Borders in 2023
1. Passport & Digital Copies of Travel Docs
Passports are essential for international travel. Ensure your passport will not expire until 6 months after your trip.
Digitize a copy of your passport and travel docs on a cloud service for safety. Having a digital copy can save you hours of frustration in the case of a lost passport.
2. Travel Insurance
Nobody wants to get injured or sick while travelling, but life happens. Adaptable travellers are always prepared to mitigate complications.
Bordersology has used but does not have a partnership with, World Nomads. Their flexible travel insurance allows you to select the specific countries and activities you need insurance for. Get a quote from World Nomads and then check with your benefits provider or bank to see if they offer cheaper or more extensive options.
3. Smart Phone and SIM card (s)
Smartphones are modern traveller’s greatest tools. They give you the ability to navigate, translate, search, and document.
Make sure to buy a sim card with data and calling. Bordersology uses but does not have a partnership with 3 UK and Orange (France/Spain). These pre-paid sims give you a local phone #, calling, texting, and data. You can get up to 20 GB of data roaming for less than $40 USD. The sim cards work anywhere in Europe, and in 3’s case roaming in 70+ countries.
North American cell providers generally have higher prices and fewer options than European, especially in Canada. Check multiple companies to compare prices and sim packages.
Be mindful of two-factor authentication, many of your accounts will be locked to your regular phone number. Stay tuned for a future blog post where we will explore the two-factor authentication issue in more depth.
Be mindful that if you have an older cell phone it may to locked to a particular network. Check with your provider to ensure your phone is unlocked, as most countries have made locked cell phones illegal.
4. Credit & ATM Cards
You will want at least one Mastercard and one Visa as some places only take one or the other. Increase your credit limit before you leave, better safe than sorry.
Bordersology recommends but does not have a partnership with, Wise. Opening a no-fee Wise Account allows you to purchase, convert, and store dozens of currencies across 175+ countries. They even offer direct deposit (local bank account #s) in the USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand. Contact Bordersology for a 300-800$ free transfer promotion.
The ability to access and withdraw cash is essential. Look for cards with low transaction fees. Most major banks charge between 5-15 USD per withdrawal in fees. Choose a debit account with low or no withdrawal fees, especially if you are planning a multi-week trip and will be making multiple withdrawals. For Canadians, Bordersology recommends but does not have a partnership with, Tangerine Bank. Tangerine offers no-fee chequing and savings accounts. Tangerine has free withdrawals at over 40,000 banks across 40+ countries through the Global ATM Alliance. Earn $50 by signing up with Orange Key (55627624S1). Through the Refer a Friend Program, earn $50 by maintaining a minimum balance of $250 for 60 days. Sign up three friends and earn up to $150.
5. Appropriate Footwear
Sore feet and lower back pain can ruin a trip so plan accordingly. What does the terrain you will be walking on look like? Hilly or flatlands?
Cobblestone streets can have serious impacts on your lower back if you are not wearing proper shoes.
Being prepared for the activities you are planning can save you stress and increase enjoyment.
6. Chargers, Batteries & Converters
Use battery banks and electrical converters to keep your tech charged. You never know when you will need navigation, translation, online banking, phone calls, or a simple Google search.
Purchase and bring an electrical adapter so you can plug your international chargers into local outlets.
7. Seasonal Clothing
Summer or winter?
Rainy or dry season?
Plan accordingly
Not preparing for the elements can turn a wonderful adventure into prolonged suffering and regret. Plan for adaptability.
8. Travel Suitcase or Backpack
One of the biggest upfront investments is luggage. But, doing the research will save you time and frustration. Aim for carry-on + personal items.
Bordersology recommends a carry-on size backpack and personal items. A 30-minute walk to your hostel can be relaxing with a backpack but challenging when you are trying to drag a wheeled suitcase across cobblestones.
If you must use a wheeled suitcase, get a hard-shelled one with four wheels. The hard shell protects your clothes and equipment from damage and the elements. Four wheels make transport on flat ground extremely convenient.
Put stickers, tape, flags, etc, on your bags for easy visual identification.
9. Locks
Bag locks and padlocks.
Locking your belongings at airports, hostels, restaurants, etc, provides security and reduces travel stress.
Plan out a system for locking all your belongings inside your luggage and then locking that luggage to a post, bed, table, etc.
10. You Tell Us!
What did we miss?
What is a travel essential you cannot explore without?
What do you disagree with?
Comment below!
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