Preventing is always better than cure, especially when traveling. Yeah, because the unforeseen are the worst enemies of travelers and you can only have lost luggage or a trivial accident to compromise a business trip or long-time holiday dreamed. Not to mention the economic consequences of an accident or an indisposition abroad, which in some countries, such as the United States, can be really honest. In order not to have unpleasant surprises, or at least to limit them to the maximum, it is enough to follow some simple rules of common sense in the phase of preparation of the journey.
- Rule number one of every traveller: make sure you have a valid passport. It seems obvious, but it's not. While there are no discounts for those who show up at check-in at the airport with the document expired: it remains on the ground without an appeal, losing the flight and giving us the ticket money. In addition, in case the visa is required, activate for time to request it to the Consulate of the country of destination, without waiting for the last days, with the risk of having to take over for the emergency procedure. Before leaving, remember to make a photocopy of personal and travel documents that you will keep apart from the originals, so you have them available in case of theft or loss.
- Before departure, visit the website ViaggiareSicuri.it by the Crisis Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for check the safety conditions of the country in which you are travelling. Even if your goal does not appear in the list of states in which the fateful "unconflict" is in force, however, take a look at the country sheet in which useful information is reported, also related to the local health situation. As long as you're there, please read the local medical emergency numbers, so you always have them at hand, you never know. If you are travelling alone or leaving for a destination that is still unsafe, register on the website DoveWe arenelMondo.it of the Farnesina, in order to be quickly tracked in case of serious social or health emergency.
- And about health: Did you vaccinate yourself? There are few countries where compulsory vaccination is required, but if your destination is in the tropical belt and you expect a prolonged stay, check with your health office whether or not you need to vaccinate yourself against yellow fever or renew ordinary vaccinations such as diphtheria, tetanus or typhoid fever. While if you are planning a safari in Africa, make sure it runs in a free malaria zone. If not, please inform your doctor about your prophylaxis or medical prescription measures for antimalaric treatment.
- Pack the medications that you normally use, difficult to find on site in case of need, in addition to antipyretics, lactic ferments and intestinal disinfectants, which can always be useful. As well as an insect repellent to prevent dangerous punctures that can occur in any circumstance.
- At this point, to start really quiet, there is only one last thing to do: stipulate a travel policy that guarantees assistance and coverage of medical expenses, with a sufficiently high ceiling, but also possible air repatriation, if necessary. Among the many offers on the market, better contact a company specialized in travel insurance and services to the person, as for example Allianz Global Assistance, which proposes a wide range of policies dedicated to travellers (for vacation, work, study), able to cope with any kind of risk you can run on the road, from the simple weekend in the mountains to the journey across the world. The beauty is that you can easily take them online, linking you to website and paying by credit card. Simply enter your data to have a customized quote and discover the most suitable policy for your needs. A few clicks and the holiday is guaranteed.
