When you’re about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, you need to be really prepared, so that all eventualities are covered. Of course, travelling abroad on an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme with TravelEdventures as your school, college or university’s partner means that we’re there with you every step of the way. However, these trips are also about developing independence and responsibility, so read on to be extra-ready for your placement!
- Do You Have All Your Travel Documents?
Your passport is your number one priority in terms of travel documents. Is it well in date? You need at least 6 months left on your passport so check it, and if necessary, apply for renewal in advance of your trip as passport offices can take more than 6 weeks, especially during popular holiday seasons. If you’ve never travelled abroad before, you’ll also need to apply for your passport in advance. You may need a visa, depending on where you’re travelling to. UK passport holders can travel to many countries without a visa but the rules have changed since Brexit, so double check well in advance of your travel date.
- Get to Know Your Destination In Advance
If you’ve never travelled to where you’re going (and usually you won’t have), do some research beforehand. Work out the best areas to visit and avoid the worst! Learn about some of the nuances of your host country, what the language and culture is and the laws too. For example, you cannot feed pigeons in Venice! Work out if the tap water is safe to drink, the local currency, whether or not you have to wear modest clothing, what vaccines you need, what the local food is and also research the travel laws. As an example, in Amsterdam, bicycles have right of way.
Before travelling for a while, you should notify your bank, so they know not to query your foreign transactions. You should also find out how much you’ll be charged to use ATMs at your destination. For long-term placements (of 6 months+), it’s worth getting a bank account set up abroad, to avoid fees. Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you, put it on a card such as Revolut. Do take one credit card but be disciplined and only use it in cases of emergency or you could end up paying off debt later on.
- Organise Accommodation in Advance
If you aren’t travelling with us, then you’ll need to organise your accommodation and we strongly recommend that you do this well in advance. Never arrive in a foreign country without knowing where you’re staying. Not only could this possibly leave you stranded but it’s a security issue too. Secure something that’s close to where you need to be and near transportation. On the topic of transportation, study the local transport system too and get to know your local bus and train routes.
As you’re travelling to a foreign country there are lots of important pointers to make sure you’re safe, which we’ll put into a list here:
- Have full travel and health insurance (a requirement of Erasmus+ and the Turing Scheme) and keep copies of your documents.
- Carry a European Health Card.
- Don’t take valuables away with you and keep your money as safe as possible.
- Never carry an open bag.
- Keep contact details on you.
- Don’t travel alone at night or walk down unlit streets.
- Never get into strange cars.
- Carry a phone charger with you.
- If your gut says no – don’t persuade yourself otherwise.
- Familiarise yourself with your country’s foreign embassy and keep the details on you.
Final Words
Did you know that TravelEdventures are right there by your side when you choose us as your partner? Get in touch with us here and let’s start planning your school, college or university’s Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme trip abroad!
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