I think most people would agree that moving abroad is equal parts daunting and exciting. Daunting, because you’re never one hundred percent sure what to expect. Exciting, because you know you have a whole new adventure waiting for you. Whether you’re moving abroad for retirement or relocating for work, you’ll likely have to travel quite a lot. And, unfortunately, there are a lot of scary things that can happen to both you and your belongings while travelling. So, rather take some extra measures to ensure that you are as safe as possible.
Medication
Make sure that you have all necessary medication on you while you travel. Even if not’s strictly necessary, any chronic medication should also be carried onto the plane, since your body is used to it and may react negatively if you miss a dose. Keep in mind that you’ll likely go longer in between prescriptions than usual, since you’ll need to sort all of that out once you’re abroad. So, it’s absolutely essential that you have enough medication to last you on your journey, and that it’s easily accessible. It won’t help much if it’s in your luggage instead of your hand luggage, because you won’t be able to reach it.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must, since it encompasses so many different things. People often think that they don’t need travel insurance because they have medical insurance, but the truth is that the two are very different. Yes, travel insurance does often include cover for any medical emergencies that may occur while you’re travelling, but it also encompasses so much more. For example, certain travel insurance companies may also cover occurrences like lost luggage or cancelled flights, thereby sparing you those expenses. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest travel insurance you can possibly find, you should try and find the best travel insurance that you can. This is one situation where there’s too much to lose and it’s not worth the risk. Rather safe than sorry, as they say.
Look after your luggage
There are often people who will attempt to steal luggage at airports. While there’s nothing you can do to ensure that there is zero chance of this happening, there are a few precautions you can take in order to lessen the risk. Thieves are less likely to steal luggage if they know it will be hard to access what’s inside, or if it’s clearly marked and stands out. A few things that you can do are to get a lock for your suitcases and then wrap them in baggage wrap. You should also have luggage tags on with your name and contact details. If possible, try to get your luggage in bright colors and patterns so that it stands out from the rest.
Get a reliable container
While you may be able to take some of your valuables on the plane with you, such as jewelry, bigger items will need to be shipped across the world in a container. These are often the most valuable items, like furniture or televisions. This is another case where it’s not worth it to try and find a cheap option. I’m sure you’d rather pay a little bit extra and have your belongings arrive on the other side in on piece. Getting a container at a price that seems too good to be true can lead to various issues, like damaged, broken or stolen items. Before you start researching containers though, you should consider whether it’s worth it to take your furniture over with you. When considering the shipment of larger items, it’s crucial to choose a reliable and secure transportation service; platforms like Shiply offer a range of options to ensure your belongings are safely transported to your new home abroad.
Safety precautions
This is probably quite obvious, but it’s worth a mention, since it’s so important. While you can’t always eliminate accidents from happening, you can do your best to minimize damage from them. This means always wearing a seatbelt in a car, and when the seatbelt sign on an airplane is on. Listen to the pilot or captain if you’re on a plane – they are professionals and know what’s best for you. If you’re walking to get somewhere, be sure to follow any pedestrian rules and be extra cautious, as you’re in unfamiliar territory. Be logical and use common sense. If your instincts are warning you that something is off, be on alert.
Self defense
You might very well have to travel through some unsafe areas on your journey. Whether your plane is stopping over there, or you need to travel through it to get to your new home, it’s always a good idea to be safe. You probably won’t need to use them, but knowing a few self defense moves may help you feel a bit safer and more confident if you’re in an unknown area and feel uncomfortable. It’s also always a good idea to never go anywhere alone unless you’re familiar with the area.
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