What I Wish I Knew Before Travelling: Your Questions Answered

Travelling for the first time and wondering what you may need to know before you go? It’s completely normal to have lots of questions before going abroad, from packing essentials to travel insurance, spending money and problem-solving if plans change.

It’s why we hosted our partnered livestream with global travel insurer, World Nomads! So in case you missed it (and until we see you on the next livestream, free to all booked travellers), here are your top travel advice questions answered.

1. Which Travel Insurance Plan Should I Choose?

It’s important to choose a Travel Insurance plan that best suits your needs. This can include whether you are doing a single trip or multiple trips, any adventure activities, and any gear you may wish to take.

World Nomads provide worldwide travel insurance for backpackers and adventure seekers. This includes anything from coverage for 150+ adventure activities (such as trekking, mountain biking, and scuba diving) to baggage protection and necessary trip cancellation.

2. When Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed. Travel insurance can provide coverage even before leaving the country.

Did you know that World Nomads can offer cover against circumstances like exam resits, flight cancellations, and so much more? Be sure to check out their policy before booking.

3. Backpack or Suitcase?

We generally recommend backpacks, although it’s okay to take a suitcase if you prefer or depending on the trip. When it comes to choosing the perfect backpack, we recommend the following considerations:

Luggage capacity: 

50L to 70L is perfect for first-timers or longer journeys. Meanwhile, 30 to 40L (carry-on size for most airlines) can be suitable for shorter trips or budget travel.

Design:

A clam-shell design (zips all the way open and lays flat) is great for organising your essentials in a way that feels almost like a suitcase.

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering everything you may wish to consider before purchasing a backpack for your travels (plus a 15% online discount for Mountain Warehouse!). Check out Backpack or Suitcase? Here's How to Decide.

4. What Are Group Tours Like?

Booked onto a group tour and unsure what to expect? Feeling nervous is completely normal, yet there’s a reason why group tours are so popular – for both first-time travellers *and* seasoned backpackers heading to a new destination.

Group tours are all about making friends with like-minded people and exploring a new destination together. Joining you for the experience is a dedicated group leader who looks after everyone’s well-being and ensures the trip runs smoothly.

Every group tour is a bit different, so we highly recommend getting in touch with one of our friendly travel experts. You can also request group demographics for a start date of a tour.

5. How Can I Find Out Entry Requirements and Visa Information?

For those travelling on a British passport, we recommend checking the Foreign Travel Advice provided online by the UK government. The FCDO is regularly updated with the latest travel information and safety guidance. You can access country-specific requirements there.

Always check the entry requirements for any countries you have a layover in, alongside the countries you’ll be visiting.

6. Should I Get a SIM Card or eSIM?

Staying connected abroad is key. Both SIM cards and eSIMs are great options, although eSIMs are the most popular option, as you can keep your original phone number and data.

They’re super easy to set up and switch over in your phone settings. Many eSIM providers will include detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, so you can get instant connectivity after landing.

7. What Should I Do If My Flight Gets Delayed or Cancelled?

The airline you will be flying with has a responsibility to get you onto the next available option to your destination. So if your flight is cancelled before you are due to travel, they will contact you with the available options. 

If your flight is cancelled at the last minute, such as at the airport, your airline should also provide options. Please contact us with your new flight details, and we will talk you through the next steps. If the cancellation means you will arrive late for the tour, let us know so that we can inform the local teams and guide you through the next steps.

8. How Can I Access Travel Documents If My Phone Breaks?

Having a printed copy of your travel documents is highly recommended as a backup option in the event of your phone being inaccessible. This includes travel insurance documents, flight itineraries, arrival information, and any emergency contact numbers. Please store these in a safe compartment.

It’s also recommended that you keep a backup copy at home or stored securely online, such as on iCloud or Google Drive.

9. What Should I Do If My Passport or Bank Card Gets Lost?

Firstly, speak to your group leader. They can help you with the next steps. We also provide 24/7 Emergency Support to all our travellers; this number can be found in your bookings portal, so please write it down or save it to your phone for your travels.

If you lose your passport, you will need to report this to the local police. You will then need to cancel your passport, which for British citizens can be done via the UK Government website. Here, you will also need to apply for an emergency travel document.

If you lose your bank or credit card, the first step is freezing or cancelling the card immediately with your bank so that no one else can use it. Many banks will allow you to do this through their app, but it is always good to check beforehand.

Depending on your bank or credit card, you may be able to get a replacement sent overseas, but this may be costly. It’s always a good idea to carry a couple of cards with you and keep them separate and secure in case of emergencies.

10. Cash or Card?

Taking a combination of cash and card is highly recommended for your travels. Registering for an international debit card, such as Wise, allows you to save money on exchange rate fees. All booked travellers with us can get a fee-free transfer of up to £2,000 when you make your first Wise exchange.

Visiting a currency exchange at least a few weeks in advance of your trip is encouraged. Your group leader will make you aware of ATMs where you can withdraw cash on our group tours.

11. How Much Spending Money Should I Take?

It depends! For Southeast Asia, we generally recommend around £20 to £25 per day. When visiting Australia and New Zealand, Europe or North America, this may be closer to £40 per day.

Getting in touch with one of our travel advisors is highly recommended, as they can provide a simple cost breakdown for your chosen destinations.

Although it is completely possible to travel on a tight budget, you may wish to factor in spending around 15% to 20% over budget. This can account for any shopping or spontaneous activities whilst you’re abroad, or for any emergencies.

12. What Should I Pack?

The biggest essentials to pack are your passport, money, phone, charger, adaptor, and a small first-aid or medication kit.

We have put together the ultimate checklist, so you can tick off the essential items as you read along and pack like a pro. Check out What to Take Travelling: Your Travel Essentials Packing List.

13. What Item Does Everyone Forget?

A universal adaptor! Plug types are different around the world, so this can help you to plug in and charge your electronic devices. Make sure to remember your device chargers, too!

14. Do I Need Vaccinations for My Trip?

Gap 360 has partnered with Masta and Nomad Clinics, which is one of the UK’s biggest networks of private travel clinics. Through Masta, you can arrange a phone or in-person consultation and book your vaccinations at your nearest clinic.

Please always allow at least 8+ weeks to visit a GP or travel clinic before your trip starts.

15. How Can I Find Out Trip-Specific Details?

Once your trip is confirmed, one of our expert travel coordinators will be in touch and share your pre-departure details. This can also be accessed in our bookings portal.

Our travel coordinators are here to answer any questions you may have before travelling. Prefer a free 1-to-1 advice session? Visit our Bookings page, and from there you can set up a phone or video call, or an in-person meeting at our Tunbridge Wells office.

Ready for your travels? Catch us on our next livestream, exclusively for booked travellers, by keeping an eye on our newsletter. You can also read about our previous livestream, The Essential Travel Guide for Southeast Asia, for more details. ✈️