Considering the worldwide situation due to COVID-19, it is clear that we will not be travelling for leisure for the foreseeable future. So, when the storm passes and travel restrictions are lifted, you will want to be completely prepared to embark on your long-awaited trip abroad.
No location is the same. Before you pick the supplies that you need, you have to do ample research on the place you are planning to visit. Certain aspects of the locality such as the expected weather, language spoken, potential safety hazards, and availability of facilities, should all be accounted for in your preparation. That being said, some things would be universally useful for any trip.
Here are some of the essentials that you should prepare to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is necessary for any trip abroad, whether it be just across the causeway or across the sea. While travel insurance is usually bought closer to the trip, there is no harm in doing your research early. Try to find a policy that gives you all the coverage you need. These needs will depend on the nature of your trip. You would need a different coverage for a trip to a resort compared to a hiking trip in the mountains, for example. Coverage for lost luggage or stolen items is useful, as is coverage for medical fees.
First aid kit
An absolute necessity for any trip, a well-stocked first aid kit is your first line of defence against any medical issues. An effective first aid kit should contain supplies that can handle a wide range of medical situations, including minor injuries and illnesses. In the case of a severe injury, the supplies should facilitate critical treatment before professional medical evacuation.
General supplies like gloves, saline, gauze dressing, assorted bandages, medical scissors and tape, and over-the-counter medication should be in any first aid kit. If you are uncertain, there are plenty of official online guides for stocking your first aid kit. You can also purchase a pre-stocked first aid kit from a reliable supplier.
However, there are several additional supplies you can include based on your destination. Here are some examples:
- If the location happens to have a high risk of certain illnesses, you may want to consider bringing medication to treat it, in case a doctor is not available.
- More gauze dressing can be included if you are planning to engage in high-risk activities.
- Waterproof your stuff with Ziploc bags if the location rains frequently or is close to a water body.
Once again, it is important to do your research on the location you are visiting and stock up accordingly. Most of these supplies can be found at any local pharmacy.
Clothes
Depending on the country and the time of year, you may not have the best clothes for the climate. Unlike in Singapore, many countries experience wildly fluctuating climate depending on the time of year, ranging from extremely hot in the summer to extremely cold in the winter. While most Singaporeans would be well-equipped for the more hot and humid climates, not many would have winter clothing.
Several online shops in Singapore sell high-quality winter apparel. There are several types of winter clothing, including fleece jackets, down jackets, and thermal undergarments. Be sure to do adequate research before making a purchase, because every kind of clothing has a particular purpose, and they can be rather pricey.
Translation book or app
Not all countries have locals fluent in English or your mother tongue. While you can always try to learn their language, this is not always feasible, especially if you are planning to tour several countries. A simple solution is to get a phrasebook or mobile app that can do the job for you.
These resources usually include the most common sentences that you need to get around, as well as other local terms you may need to know. Some apps even have live translation features to help you converse directly with the locals. It is crucial to get these resources from a reliable source. The last thing you want is to have inaccurate translations in your guidebook.
Early preparation is necessary for a worry-free, safe trip. We may have to stay home for our health, but we can still prepare for trips down the line. While it is not nice to think about, it is important to account for even the worst outcomes. Here at EMA Global, we provide air ambulance services, staffed with highly experienced healthcare personnel. Our services help you maintain a peace-of-mind, as your medical needs are taken care of in the event of an emergency.
