There’s a lot of research that comes with planning a trip, so I can’t fault anyone who would rather hire a travel agent to do the dirty work for them. Whether you hire a travel agent, or doing the planning on your own, here are the top 7 questions you should research.
- What are the entry requirements of the country? Many will require a visa.
- What is the religion and cultural norms of the country? It’s important to be respectful when traveling. As a woman, it’s important to abide by the dress code in conservative Muslim countries i.e., loose clothing that covers shoulders and go past the knee. As a couple it may be required to stop the PDA e.g., in Dubai where it’s against the law.
- Are there any vaccine requirements? In addition to proof of COVID vaccination, some countries will also require a Yellow Fever vaccine.
- Are drones allowed in that country? Don’t be me and get your drone confiscated, yes taken away(!), due to not doing your due diligence. Some countries completely ban them, e.g., Kenya and Egypt due to terrorism attacks, while others ban certain locations where drones can be flow, e.g., no drones in Paris but other parts of France is ok.
- What is the exchange rate in the country? You want to know if the rates will have you at a surplus or deficit as it’ll effect your budget.
- What are the main tourist attractions and cities to visit, but also what are the most popular cultural experiences? Results for this search will help you better plan your itinerary, get off the resort grounds, and truly immerse yourself in the culture of the country.
- When is the best time to visit and what is the country’s climate during that time? While traveling during a country’s low season is generally cheaper, it also often equates to poor weather i.e., torrential downpour. The last thing you want to do is choose to travel to your dream destination and encounter poor weather that’ll impact your itinerary.
