The Ultimate Checklist for Stress-Free Travel in 2022

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Embarking On Your Travels 

• Is my passport expiry date looming around the time of departure? Note: some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave.
• Is my vaccination/(s) accepted by the country I’m traveling to? Unfortunately, not all countries recognize all kinds of vaccinations (i.e. Sputnik, Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac ) - so make sure to check.
• Do I need any other health checks in the lead up to my departure?
• What are the cancellation terms of my transportation, accommodation & the activities I’ve booked? 
• Do I need to convert my vaccination certificate? For example, an Australian International Certificate with a QR code is not valid in any EU state. You must have the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
• Is the place I’m staying at located near quick emergency access points (medical facilities, hospitals, police, etc.)? Falling sick while you’re traveling can be really stressful, but if you’re already aware of where you need to be, swift action can be taken.
• What are the country’s vaccination regulations for international arrivals? (Check your transit points too!) At the end of December 2021, the EU ruled that 2 doses of vaccination are now only valid for up to 9 months, you need a third shot after that.
• What are the quarantine requirements of where I’m traveling to? Some countries offer a home quarantine option as opposed to a hotel one.
• What will my travel/health insurance cover? 
• What are the COVID conditions and regulations in place? Much like the research you need to do about the difference in cultures, diversity and approaches - understand that every country has had to enforce their own rules when it comes to mask mandates, dining and indoor entertainment capacity, curfews, etc., so it’s important that you are aware of them.
• What happens if I do test positive upon arrival or during my trip? 
• In the event that I do have to extend the trip, is there enough support for the person caring for my house, belongings, plants, pet cover etc.?

Items To Consider Pre-departure

• Is there an App for QR check-in or required to show vaccination at your destination? Download it before leaving in case it requires more info from your home country.
• Check your airline conditions to travel. Some airlines require a PCR test and vaccination certificates even if your destination may not require it.
• Pay attention to PCR test validity details and when you should be taking it. The acceptance of the test validity may vary according to different airlines (eg. 72 or 48 hours) and your country’s status.
• Print out your tickets. Paperless is great but just to be safe, it’s always good to have back up because these days, you just never know.
• Double check your visa requirements - a must-do regardless of a pandemic.
• Keep your travel insurance policy number handy
• Keep scanned copies of your passport, tickets and visas on your phone so it will be easy to whip them out when required anytime, anywhere.
• Make sure to have your international vaccination passport ready
• Notify your bank that you will be abroad
• Have your travel SIM card ready and packed

Staying COVID Safe On the Flight

• Feeling unwell just before your flight? It’s best to postpone your travels. As much of a letdown it is, it will be even more stressful if your symptoms escalate during your travels. 
• Practice good hygiene (be vigilant and wash your hands frequently, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers & disinfectants, and avoid touching your eyes, face and mouth)
• Antibacterial wet wipes 
• Extra disposable masks

Essential Documents List

• Passport
• COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
• Hotel booking
• Official ID
•  Itinerary
• Insurance documentation

Personal Health Kit

• Thermometer
• Bandages
• Band-Aids
• Antacids
• Antidiarrheal Medication
• Fever Reducer
• Pain Reliever
• Antibiotic Cream/ Antiseptic Cream
• Insect Repellent
• Oral Rehydration Solution 
• Vitamins & supplements
• Hand Sanitiser/Disinfectant
• Extra masks - check out our Simcorner masks here