Are travel restrictions getting you down?
Even people who don’t consider themselves globe trotters are starting to fantasize about their next vacation. In truth, we all need a vacation from the monotony of being stuck in the house without social interaction.
We all look forward to the days of lounging on the beach and exploring new cultures.
And actually planning those trips can help it feel like a reality.
Here are some things you can do during quarantine to plan for your next trip abroad.
Research destinations
You may already have a destination in mind, but consider that things are changing rapidly. And you may want to reconsider. For one, choosing a destination that’s managing the COVID-19 pandemic well might mean earlier travel for you.
The sooner a country can flatten the curve, the sooner they can go back to normal. Whether they’ll let foreigners back in is another story.
Get antibody testing
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), has publicly admitted that they’re discussing immunity cards for the American public. And if that becomes a reality, we can expect that these cards might be helpful for overseas travel, if only for a short time. If you know or think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, it won’t hurt to get antibody testing. Because if you can prove that you have some immunity, you may find it easier (and less scary) to travel by air.
Prepare your documentation
If you need a new passport, now is a good time to get that process started. In order to get a new passport, you’ll need an original proof of citizenship document, which could be a social security card or birth certificate.
If necessary, you can order your birth certificate online. The process can take a few weeks, so it’ll be helpful for you to begin it now.
You’ll also need an acceptable photo ID and photocopies of your documentation. The process of getting a new passport takes six to eight weeks. So if you need a new birth certificate and a new passport, it could take 12 weeks in total. There are ways to rush your passport application, but there’s no way to rush your birth certificate.
Start Saving Money
Many of us have received a first round of stimulus money, and there are talks of at least one more. If that happens and you don’t need the money to survive, consider putting it away for your next trip abroad. And even if stimulus money doesn’t apply in your case, you may be able to start saving some money now for your next trip. Every little bit counts. And since we don’t really know when we’ll be returning to overseas travel, you might be able to store a good chunk of change.
Keep in mind that there are also alternatives to traditional savings accounts that offer better interest rates. Consider a bank account that’s backed by cryptocurrency to find more competitive interest rates.
When you start planning for your next trip overseas, you can have hope that it’s coming. It’s easy to succumb to feelings of despair, but we all must do what we can to maintain hope of normalcy.
