The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we travel, that’s for sure! Before the appearance of this pesky virus, travelling was all about hopping on a plane or train and jetting off to your destination of choice. It finally took us a good two to three years before COVID-19 took a backseat and things were safer and fairly back to normal.
Now that travel is back, it’s time to start planning your amazing holiday getaway! But don’t forget the most important part — ensuring your safety and wellbeing during your travels. Here’s what you need to do before setting off:
1. Find out the latest travel regulations
First off, the most important thing is to find out what you need to do to safely cross the customs. If you don’t stay up to date with all the requirements put forth by different countries, cities, and airlines – you may risk running into some unfortunate surprises at the airport.
Today, you’ll be able to find most of the important updates online. For example, you can find out Singapore’s latest travel departure advisory on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. This goes for other countries as well.
2. Familiarise yourself with the location
Familiarising yourself with a new location can help you make the most of your travels. Knowing how to get around, where to find hidden gems, and when special events are happening can help you make the most out of any trip. It’s especially important to check out the local weather forecast to ensure that you’ve packed the right type of clothes and remember to stay hydrated especially if you’re travelling to tropical climates!
Plus, having an understanding of local customs and etiquette makes it easier to avoid any potential cultural faux pas. Don’t forget to read up on potential scams to stay alert when travelling around!
In case of emergencies, it’s best to note down a list of important contacts such as embassy details and local emergency phone numbers before your trip! Ultimately, knowledge is power – so don’t be afraid to do some research before taking off on your next adventure.
3. Plan ahead
After all the planning and preparation, you definitely don’t want to end up laid up with injury or illness during your getaway. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you plan ahead to be well-prepared. First things first,if you’re taking medication regularly, be sure to bring that along with you in adequate amounts as local pharmacies may not carry the same medication or may even require a doctor’s prescription!
If you happen to be recovering from an injury or have a chronic medical condition, it would be ideal to continue keeping up with your rehabilitation exercises. For example, if you’ve previously suffered from an ankle sprain, do check in with a foot specialist and get an exercise regime tailored to fit into your holiday plans. And don’t forget footwear when packing for those walking tours and city breaks. Make sure to choose shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning for your feet, even if you expect to be walking near to your accommodation. This will help you avoid injuries like blisters, sprains, and foot strain.
Now you’re all ready for some well-deserved me time in an exotic land or with your friends and family members!
4. Update your friends and family members
Speaking of friends and family members, if you’re travelling alone especially, don’t forget to share your travel information and plans with them. It’s always a good idea to keep your friends and family informed so they know where you are and can stay in touch. That way, your loved ones will have peace of mind knowing that no matter where you are, they’re just a call or text away!
It also gives them the chance to share in the excitement of all the amazing places you get to visit and experience – so why not make sure everyone stays in the loop? Keeping friends and family updated on your travel plans ensures everyone is connected no matter how far apart you may be. So don’t forget – give them regular updates as soon as something changes!
Travel With a Peace of Mind
Travelling can be relaxed and hassle-free if you are well prepared. Most travels, however, involve a lot of walking. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your feet are in good shape. A visit with an orthopaedic specialist like OrthofootMD is the best way to guarantee that you will have a smooth trip with no unexpected surprises due to foot issues.
At the appointment, our friendly and professional doctors will assess the condition of your feet, check for any existing problems, and discuss additional preventative measures such as proper footwear and stretching exercises. You will also receive tips on how to care for your feet during long days of sightseeing or when you may need to stand for extended periods of time.
If you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation overseas – such as a sprained ankle, don’t forget to ask for the proper documentation of your medical treatment! That way, when you make it back home to Singapore, you can rest assured that all your follow-up care will be taken care of. Don’t let an emergency abroad leave you feeling stranded – get those papers signed and stamped so you can get back in tip-top shape!
Safe travels and we hope our safety tips will be just in time for your travels this festive season! Book an appointment with us today to get ready for your getaway today.
