OK, so here we go.
Traveling is a fun and worthy experience. However, before you enjoy that moment, here are the list of basic documents needed:
1. Passport
Is a travel document issued by a country’s government to its citizens, that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder primarily for international travel purposes. It contain information such as the holder’s name, place and date of birth, photograph, signature and other relevant details.
Please check your passport issuing authority for the complete requirements on both new and renewal applications.
For Filipinos, please click here: https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/passport
Please note that as a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally though passport requirements often differ from nation to nation. Be sure to check the entry and exit requirements for each country you plan to travel as these requirements can change regularly. Ensure that your passport also have blank pages for stamping and/or sticking the visa.
2. Visa
Is a conditional authorization granted by a territory to a foreigner, allowing them to enter, stay for a certain period and/or to leave the territory. It may also include limits on areas within the country they may enter. For example: a Philippine passport holder may enter Russia but only in St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Region. Take note that visa is subject to entry permission by an immigration official at the time of actual entry and this can be cancelled at any time.
Moreover, to learn more about visas, you need to answer these two major questions:
a. What is your nationality?
Every nation has their own visa exemption agreements. For example: a Philippine passport holder may enter Malaysia without paying a visa fee and this falls under the category of Free Visa. Otherwise, you may opt to visit your dream destinations by obtaining a visa.
Visas can be issued in four (4) different ways:
- Free Visa, meaning you can enter the country without a visa fee. You only need to present valid passport and booking/itinerary (if required).
- Visa on Arrival (VOA), meaning you are required to have a visa before entering the country but this can be obtained upon arrival on your port of entry. Take note that VOA’s are only issued on designated port of entry, so please do check on it. Visa sections are located before the immigration counters. Fees may vary depending on your length of stay.
- Electronic Visa (E-visa), meaning you need to obtain a visa prior to your scheduled travel date and this can be done online. Fill up the online application form, attach the necessary documents, pay the required fees and wait for the visa grant. In most cases, it will take two to three (2-3) working days to release. Upon receiving your E-visa, print it and bring the hard copy with you on your travel date.
- Visa via Embassy, meaning you need to obtain a visa prior to your scheduled travel date by applying it directly to the embassy of the country you wish to go. Just follow their visa issuance procedure, bring all the necessary documents and pay the required fees.
For Filipinos, please click here for the list of countries with visa exemption agreements: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/08/1983100/how-powerful-philippine-passport-2020
b. What is the purpose and duration of your travel?
Basically, for leisure purposes, you need to obtain a Tourist and/or Visit Visa. For visa validity, please review the visa exemption agreements on how long you are allowed to stay. Again, policies may differ from nation to nation. If you wish to stay longer, visa extensions are allowed on most cases.
Moreover, take note on these visa frequency types:
- Single entry, meaning you can enter and exit the country once. Thus, if you exit and wish to come back even though the visa is still valid, you are required to obtain another visa.
- Multiple entry, meaning you can enter and exit the country many times as long as the visa is valid.
3. Air Ticket
Is a document or electronic record, issued by an airline or a travel agency, that confirms that a passenger is entitled to a seat on an air flight.
Furthermore, there are so many airlines to choose from. However, it will depends on your selected country of destination and you can decide later which airline best suit your needs. Budget friendly airlines, economy class and a seven (7) kg hand carry bag option are common for short trip backpackers.
You can book your air ticket online or find a travel agency near you.
4. Travel Insurance
Is a type of insurance that is intended to cover some of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggages, flight accidents and other losses incurred while traveling. It is required mostly on international flights and can be arranged at the time of your booking. Take note that the longer duration of your trip, the higher the travel insurance cost will be.
You can also ask for assistance with your trusted local travel agent.
5. Accommodation Booking
Is an arrangement and/or reservation that you make when you book a room for a definite time in advance. It can have different terms and conditions like: pay at the property, no credit card required, no prepayment needed, free cancellation, non-refundable, etc.
In line with this, there are lots of hotels ranging from five (5) stars to one (1) star, you may also opt for hostels with different room types depending on your budget and preferences. Some travelers choose to stay with privately, rented units at a good rate through AirBnb.
You may check hotel bookings with the following websites:
6. Itinerary
Is a travel document, self-made or arranged, that will serve as a guide for your entire trip and this include: arrival and departure dates, airport transfers, list of sightseeing and activities with definite time and dates, etc. Besides, travel tours are just around the corner. They are offering a variety of packages to choose from and it’s less hassle if you are in a hurry and wanted to see some of the major attractions of your selected country.
However, for backpackers like me, preparing own itinerary will be highly recommended since it will be tailored as per preferences and most importantly, the budget.
Please do check the below Pros and Cons of Package tour and Independent travel:
Package tour
Pros
- No language barriers since there will be an English speaking tourist guide
- The tourist guide will explain into the details
- Ready transport, no commute
- You can view more in a short period of time
Cons
- Too much travel companions
- Plotted schedule and/or timings, not flexible
- Tours mostly arranged on famous attractions
- Required stopovers for shopping and eating at tourist-oriented restaurants
Independent travel
Pros
- You can do it on your own way or with your travel buddy
- Flexible time
- Select only your desired attractions and destinations
Cons
- Communicating with non English speaking local especially when you needed help
- Extensive plan and research
- Do all the bookings
- Commuting is often time consuming, worst when you get lost
As a guide, I will share my thoughts on how to make a budget friendly itinerary. Sounds great? So check out my next post. It will be amazing!
360° with Trvl pAL 