A vacation is always exciting.But nothing can be as thrilling as planning an overseas trip! The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) forecasts that by the end of 2020, there will be 50 million Indian outbound tourists.Compare this to a decade ago, when 8 million Indians took an international trip. These figures reflect not only our love for travel but also the increasing number of Indians who are able to fulfil their dream of an international holiday now.
If you too are planning a getaway, here are a few hacks to help you be a savvy traveller.
Opt for Loans
Check with banks for personal loans that can cover most of your trip expenses. To make an estimate of the required amount, chalk outall the costs, such as air tickets, meals, transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, and visa fees. Once you have an idea, get in touch with your bank for the loan. You can apply online and check your eligibility. Relationship managers can simplify the process by picking up all your documents for the loan from your home. The last step is a verification and face-to-face discussion with the bank officials.
You can also consider consumer durable loans, with which you can purchase commodities like laptops, cameras and mobiles. Expenses will no longer hold you back from having a worry-free and memorable vacation.
Open a Savings Account
Some early financial planning can go a long way toensure a hassle-free holiday. When you deposit a certain amount in a savings bank account, you get to earn a decent interest over time. This is one of the most reliable ways of making your money grow. There are no risks involved, and you can withdraw cash whenever you need to. Also, if saving money seems a difficult task, you can set up auto payments. Here, a portion of your salary is automaticallytransferred to your bank account each month. Over time, you will be able to gather enough money to fund your international vacation.
Learn the Language
There is a fair chance that English is not the official language of the country you are travelling to. Try to familiarise yourself easy words and phrases like, “Hello,” “Yes,” “No,” “Thank You” and “How much?” This will help break the language barrier and connect you better with the locals. Also, there is no harm in getting accustomed to the traditions and culture of a particular destination. Figure out what is considered normal and rude in various places. This way, you will save yourself from awkward situations.
Visa and Passport Needs
After choosing your destination, find out about the mandatory visa and passport requirements. Check if visa on arrival is available or whether you have to make prior arrangements. A fewcountries need several documents to verify your identity and your purpose of visit. Also, many visas take months to get processed. Prepare and plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute hassles.
A week ahead of the trip, take good care of yourself. Eat and sleep well to avoid falling sick right before the day of the journey. Lastly, don’t forget to pack your camera to bring back many memories.
