Planning for a trip abroad can be both exciting and fun. Regardless of your final destination or how long you’ll be away from home, you’ll want to get started packing and planning long before you go. If you’re planning to live abroad any time soon, here are a few things you’ll want to do.
Plan to secure your home.
Before leaving, you need to figure out what you plan to do with your house. If you’re a homeowner, you could consider renting it out or asking your family to look after it for you. Small details like remembering to place a cover over your pool, locking up windows, and securing personal property will all be important too. Before you leave, make sure you call your homeowner’s insurance company and make sure your policy is up to date. Knowing your things are covered while you’re away is the best way to give you peace of mind before traveling. For renters, this applies to your renter’s insurance policy too.
No matter how far you’re traveling or for how long, you’ll also want to read the fine print on any contracts in your name. Your lease, for example, could have a clause about abandonment. If that’s the case, even if you plan to pay rent while you’re away, you’ll want to notify your landlord or roommates about your plans to be away.
While planning to leave, consider where you’ll store your vehicle and other personal belongings. For those who will be leaving without an apartment or home to return to, it’s time to call a storage company or family for the personal items you don’t intend to take.
Find new housing abroad.
Before you lock the front door on your home, you’ll obviously need to make arrangements for your living situation abroad. Houses for Rent in Karachi, temporary hostels, student trade agreements, long and short-term rentals, and more are all things to consider long before you leave the safety of your home.
The best option for finding a place to stay is to work with the employer or academic institution sending you abroad. If you’re on your own, a travel agent might be a good person to call. But ask about long term living situations instead of short-stay hotels or motels. Depending on where you’re traveling, you might even be able to lock down a long term Airbnb.
Make sure you’re covered.
The same way you secured your personal property coverage on your home while you’re away, you’ll also want travel or other personal insurance like engagement ring insurance for while you’re living abroad. While some homeowner and renter insurance policies will cover personal items while you’re traveling, not all policies are the same. To be sure, call your current insurance companies and ask about any additional coverage you’ll need for the items you plan to take.
To save time, before you make the call, make a list of the exact type of jewelry and other valuable items you plan to bring. Knowing ahead of time what level of coverage you’ll need will help you make a more informed decision on any new or additional coverage policies.
Travel insurance can apply to more than personal items. Make sure your health is covered, too. Your current health insurance provider will be able to help you and tell you where you stand or recommend additional international health coverage. The last thing you want is an accident or illness far from home where you’re uncovered. If you’re still in doubt, at least call for an insurance quote. You might be surprised about what’s available to you.
Pack Smart
Packing smart for your trip abroad is imperative. You’ll only be able to bring so much with you on the plane. When packing, consider choosing items that honor the local culture of the country you’re traveling to. Where possible, leave expensive items at home. Where you can, opt for costume jewelry instead of the real two-carat diamond ring. While additional protection through travel coverage will give you peace of mind, filing insurance claims overseas can be a hassle.
In the end, how you travel and plan for your time abroad is really up to you. But thinking ahead, paying attention to tiny details, and making sure your affairs are in order before you go will make your trip something you can better focus on. A once in a lifetime, important adventure, the last thing you want to do is be worried about what’s happening at home. Happy travels to you! Pack your camera and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
