I can’t believe it’s February already – and in less than 2 weeks I am off on my first overseas trip of the year… to Egypt! Pyramids, camels, and falafel, here we come.

Now while I’m getting pretty excited about what I know is going to be an incredible (and very intrepid!) adventure – including a stopover in Dubai – there has been quite a few more things to think about and organize for this trip than what I needed for say, my Europe or UK trips.

And while getting these aspects organised in advance has been a little bit more of a hassle (and not to mention a little bit more expensive than expected at times), I thought it would be good to let you all know about them as they are actually pretty important.

So whether you’re heading off to an African/Middle Eastern country, or even a shindig to Europe, check up on these 5 things to make sure you’re covered and organized… and ready to enjoy your holiday when you land!

Visas

Get on to sorting out whether the countries you’re visiting require visas as soon as possible (to allow for processing). These requirements can different for each country of course, and can differ for each member of the group you are traveling with, depending on what country you’re from! As a traveller from New Zealand, I was able to apply for a visa for Egypt online (before I left), or I could have bought it at the Cairo airport. But I like being super organised, so I got it sorted beforehand! 😉

If you’re in doubt about what is required from you, and Google is not being helpful, get in contact with the Embassy or a website akin to Safe Travel NZ, and get the correct information from there.

Vaccines

Yes I know, at times this can be a controversial topic, so if you’re an “anti-vaxxer”… maybe stop reading here, haha! But in all seriousness, check up on what shots you need (or what ones are “recommended”) for the countries you are visiting – at least 6 weeks before you go. I’ve had four different vaccines in preparation for my Egypt trip, and while they all add up money-wise, I’d rather feel safer knowing that I’ve had them before I go, than getting bitten by a monkey or dog and risking rabies while I’m there! Eeek!

Meds

Don’t rely on pharmacies while you’re at your destination – come prepared!! I’ve always taken run-of-the-mill medications like throat lozenges, nasal spray, plasters, Panadol and cold/flu tablets on all my overseas trips, but check up on what other items you may need for your specific destinations. For Egypt, I have bought a (very fancy) water bottle with an in-built filter. I’m taking strong mosquito/sandfly repellent and lots of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer and wipes. I also have been prescribed meds for the tummy bug that can be quite common to catch. You can never be too prepared – and no one wants to be stuck in the toilet for the duration of their trip! 😉

p.s. Just for the record, I’m no doctor – so always seek professional medical advice!

Appropriate Clothing

Yes, I know, we all need to bring clothing along on our travels! But consider this: are you going to a type of country that requires (or prefers) that you wear a certain style of clothing? Clothing suitable to the cultural and/or religious background of the country?

Although I’m not down with the whole “cover your shoulders and knees” when it comes to us women travelling in certain countries – and that your clothes are most definitely not ever “asking” for anything – I still think it’s important to be respectful of the places you are visiting. (And if it means feeling more comfortable and “attracting less attention” from locals, then that sounds good to me too). I am packing long skirts and pants that go below the knees, and a number of blouses and tees that cover the shoulders. Also us women need to cover our hair in mosques, so I have bought a large scarf to cover me up for that too.

Fortunately we’re going in their winter – which means about 20-odd degrees each day (i.e. not toooo sweltering in our covered-up clothes, phew!).

Cultural rules, laws & regulations

Speaking of suitable dress… it may pay to read up on any local laws and customs in the countries you are visiting. For example, it is recommended that women sit in the back seat of a taxi/Uber/transfer in Egypt. During Ramadan it is impolite to eat and drink in public in front of locals. Read up on other travel advice sites with threads specific to the countries you are visiting. Being more educated and aware of what is the norm in these places will make you feel a lot more alert, yet comfortable, with where you are going.

And lastly (yes I know this is #6, but it’s important) it goes without saying for any travels but always make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance in place before you go.