Travel advice for students headed abroad

Travel advice for students headed abroad

Travel advice for students headed abroad

Travel is a rite of passage for many students and whether it's taking a gap year abroad, spending a term studying at a foreign university or taking a well-deserved break in an exotic location after a tough semester, it can often be a life-changing experience. Foreign travel is not without its pitfalls, however, and it is important to fully prepare for your trip before leaving the UK to reduce the chances of something going wrong while you are abroad.

If you are headed to the tropics or outside of Europe and North America, you will need to investigate whether or not you need vaccinations against the most common and dangerous tropical diseases. The Foreign Office regularly issues travel advice updates which also contain details of vaccinations needed for some of the most popular destinations for students, including Thailand, India, South Africa and Vietnam. Arrange an appointment with your GP six to eight weeks before travelling to seek further advice and any necessary immunisations.

It is also vital that your passport and visas are in good order - a valid passport is required for UK citizens to leave the country. Those who have never held a passport will need to apply for an adult passport from the Home Office. It can take up to six weeks for applications to be processed so it is best to leave plenty of time to ensure that you get yours before you are due to travel. Those with expired passports must be sure to renew them, which takes around three to four weeks. If you're in a hurry and need a passport in under two weeks it may be possible to avail of an express service but this usually costs more.

Visa requirements vary greatly from country to country so it is of the utmost importance that you fully research whether the countries you will visit on your trip need one. Those travelling in the EU or to the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand purely for a holiday will be able to obtain a visa at immigration control when arriving in the country, although those who wish to stay for longer than a few months or plan to work will need to apply for the appropriate documentation in advance. Many other countries around the world require you to apply for a visa so be sure to research all the requirements and complete your application with plenty of time to spare.

Whether you are travelling short haul or long distance, for a couple of weeks or several months, it is always a good idea to take out travel insurance. Many providers offer special travel insurance for students which is perfect for those taking a gap year abroad. these often cover emergency medical expenses, cancellations and baggage loss or theft, ensuring that every eventuality is accounted for.

With just a little preparation, you can leave your worries at home and spend your student trip abroad broadening your horizons and enjoying yourself.

The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa Insurance. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.

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