Planning a Trip? Here's your Top Checklist!

The pandemic had made the world stand still! We know how hard it must be for you to resist traveling for the past two years. But we are not here to dig up on the past and remember those days of lockdown.

Today, with the ease of restrictions, travel buzz is all back in India. As a consequence, the travel industry has witnessed a 35% rise in bookings. We know, now the wanderlust in you wants to put your guard down but you should not forget that the pandemic has not departed yet and the risk is still out there. However, this fear should not stop you from flying and canceling all your plans. You just need to keep certain things in mind before planning your next trip which will keep you safe and stress-free on your journey.

To help you out, we are sharing a few important things that you must include in your travel checklist:

Imagine you are going for a trip after a long time and there’s an unexpected situation, such as sudden sickness, injury or some natural disaster. What will you do? Possibilities are many but the solution is one- travel insurance! Travel insurance takes care of your unexpected medical bills and any risk of theft or loss of your personal belongings. If you buy comprehensive travel insurance, it additionally protects you against some unpleasant experiences, such as trip cancellation, trip interruptions and travel delays. It also offers 24/7 emergency help and baggage protection to its customers.

On top of this, many insurance companies provide COVID-19 coverage as well. So, in case you test positive during your trip and require treatment, the cost will be covered by your travel insurance. So, make sure you look out for plans which include COVID-19 coverage and compare accordingly. Always choose the plan which fulfills all your requirements and travel in peace.

Spend a good amount of time on your research! When planning a vacation, the internet is one of the most important resources you can utilize. You can purchase travel insurance, check multiple hotels of your choice, restaurants and other amenities in the city. Also, before making a reservation, don’t forget to take a glimpse of the hotel through online pictures. Read reviews about the hotel to ensure a good stay. If you have children make sure that the hotel is kid-friendly. You can also check places to visit and look for other fun activities available in the region. Don’t forget to check if your travel insurance covers injuries caused while indulging in these activities. River rafting, paragliding, and other risky activities are covered by travel insurance. If you want to indulge in such adventurous sports, make sure your travel insurance plan covers them.

Airfares can be expensive, so it’s better to get the best deal on them. Whenever you plan to travel, remember to keep an eye on airfares as airlines provide huge discounts on early bookings. Booking air tickets well in advance can not only save you money but also prevents any last-minute rush. Make sure you compare the costs of different airlines to grab the best deal. As time is crucial when booking air tickets but booking way too in advance will not help you much. So, take advantage of low fares but keep a balance between booking way too early and waiting till the last minute.

Whenever you think of flying abroad, the first thing you should do is get your passport. If you already have a passport make sure it is valid for at least the next six months. In case your passport is about to expire in less than six months, get it renewed before you plan to travel. Also, you will need to apply for a tourist visa for the country you wish to visit. The application process differs from country to country. In some countries, visas on arrival are also available. So, before you plan your vacation to a new country, make sure you understand its visa requirements and make the necessary arrangements.

Before traveling to a foreign country, it is advisable to inform your insurance company. If you're ever in a situation where you need to claim your travel insurance and the insurer is aware of your trip, the procedure will be faster and you’ll be free from any financial stress. Make sure that your travel insurance covers everything you'll need throughout your journey. After all, you don't want to be financially stuck in such a situation, especially on your vacation.

Lastly, pack your bags wisely, don’t carry unnecessary luggage and burden yourself. Make your bucket list in advance, so that you are aware of your expenses and can manage your finances accordingly. For hassle-free payments, inform your bank that you are on a vacation. That’s all, now grab your passport and travel as free as a bird. Bon voyage!