As the temperatures drop, weather changes, and days get shorter, it can be tempting to pack a bag and chase the sun. For some people, this doesn’t have to be a dream; it can be reality. You can skip the cold and dreary winter months and spend that time somewhere much more enjoyable.
With around 5% of American adults experienced Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is partly caused by less sunlight and shorter days, it’s unsurprising that many people would opt for sunnier climates. Whether you want to spend December, January, and February in the Maldives or Australia, this is entirely possible if you put in the preparation and your lifestyle allows it.
So, if you are one of the lucky ones who can jet off and avoid the chilly winter season, there are four tips mentioned in this post that will benefit long-term travelers.
Select a Long-Term Insurance Provider
Before you choose a travel insurance provider, you must consider a few factors first, such as the duration of your trip, where you plan on going, and your current health. This will help you determine what specific criteria the insurance plan must have to keep you adequately protected in a foreign country. Plus, not all plans will cover pre-existing health conditions.
If you travel throughout the year, an annual travel insurance plan might be the best choice for you. Multi-trip coverage does just that; it will cover a full year of trips under the one plan. Each trip should meet the duration requirements, with most providers letting individuals choose from 30, 45, or 60-day coverage. This will allow you to enjoy a month or more in the sunshine.
However, if you do select a multi-trip travel insurance plan to cover your winter escape, be sure to check the policy start and end dates, the claims process, and add-on options, such as trip cancellation coverage, before you click “buy.”
Get the Required Travel Vaccinations
Protecting your health goes further than just eating right and taking flu medicine when the need occurs. When you travel abroad, you must research if vaccinations are required depending on your chosen destination. This will protect you against diseases and illnesses your immune system might not be able to fight effectively.
The vaccines you will need depend on the country you are visiting. A lot of the warmer, tropical climates will require a few vaccinations or more. For example, if you plan on travelling to Thailand, you might want to consider Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Tetanus, and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on the public healthcare in your home country, you might need to pay for these vaccinations.
Vaccinations are not the type of thing you can leave to the last minute, either. These must be booked in advance as some vaccines require multiple jabs over several weeks to be effective. The rabies vaccine, if required, should be administered over six weeks as three shots.
Check Your Passport and the Visa Requirements
A passport is an essential item for travelling. You must check that your passport is valid before your trip, and that it will remain valid for the entire duration of your stay, too. If your passport is expired and will expire at any point during your travels, this can cause delays and other issues.
Visa requirements for your destination should also be considered. Some countries only allow limited stays, such as a month or two, which means a visa might be required if you plan on staying in the sun for longer. Other countries are more lenient with the length travelers stay, so this should be researched ahead of your departure.
Pack Everything You Will Need
When you are packing for an extended trip, there is a lot more to think about than on your ordinary vacation. Whereas you might have only packed a week’s worth of clothes and a few essentials, a longer trip will require a lot more clothes, toiletries, and further preparation.
One of the most vital items to pack is medication. Any prescription medications you take should be planned for in advance. You will need to doctor to prescribe enough medication for the duration of your trip to ensure you can take the correct dose. Spare doses might be required in case you lose some during your trip, too.
Still, you should aim to pack as lightly as you can for your trip. Less is more to an extent. Try to take non-bulky items with you, especially if you will need to work when you are away. Clothing should be washable, which is handy if you have a washing machine of laundromat near your accommodation. And be sure to pack some sunscreen, too!
By following the four tips outlined in this post, you will have an enjoyable winter in a sunnier and warmer climate.
