Travelling: What Are The Essentials?

In order to fully enjoy your trip, try not to forget anything. For that, we have listed the documents, accessories and equipment that are essential during your stay. Let’s discover them together in this article!

What are the important documents to travel?

Before travelling, pay attention to the various documents you may need. Also, check their validity. To fully enjoy your trip, bring your :

1. National Identity Card or CNI 

Whether you are travelling within the country or internationally, it is always important to have your CNI.

2. Passport 

The state authorities of a country issue this document. It serves to authenticate the nationality and identity of a person who is about to travel abroad. The application must be submitted to the town hall. There are also counters equipped with a registration station to record it. The production of your passport generally depends on the date and place of submission of your application. This period is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. For a biometric passport, the manufacturing time is at least 4 weeks. It is valid for 3 to 6 months after the date of return.

A passport is generally valid for 5 years for a minor and 10 years for an adult. If your passport is forgotten, lost or stolen, you may be refused boarding at the airport. To avoid this inconvenience, be vigilant and keep it safe. To do this, photocopy it. If necessary, keep a copy in your mailbox. This will make it easier to obtain an emergency passport from the consulate of your host country.

3. Visa 

This is a document that allows a foreign national to enter another country for a specific period of time. It is required in some countries, while in others, it is not. It is also a prerequisite for travel. However, it can be obtained upon arrival. To do so, find out about the entry formalities of your destination country and the cost of issuing it.

Good to know: some countries offer an “on arrival” visa. This is sometimes issued at the main airports.

4. Driver’s license 

Once you arrive at your destination, you may need to travel by car. So don’t forget to bring your driver’s license. For travel within the European Economic Area (EEA), a French driver’s license is sufficient to drive abroad. Outside this territory, an international driving license may be required. For more information, contact the embassy of your destination country or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

5. Vaccination booklet 

Regardless of the country you plan to visit; it is recommended that all your vaccinations against tetanus, polio, whooping cough, diphtheria, tuberculosis, measles and rubella be up-to-date. To do this, go to the Vaccination Institute or your doctor with your vaccination booklet. In some continents, such as Asia, South America and Africa, you are also required to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, rabies, yellow fever, meningococcal A and B, Japanese and tick-borne encephalitis, and typhoid.

Please note: With the Covid-19 pandemic, a PCR test less than 48 or 72 hours old is required by airlines and authorities in all countries.

6. Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is mandatory to be able to cross a foreign territory. This is the case for China, Algeria and Russia. This insurance also allows you to cover a certain number of claims. Even if the offers differ from one travel agency to another, your contract must include hospitalization expenses, medical expenses and repatriation to your country of origin if necessary.

What accessories and equipment are essential for travel?

Whether you plan to travel in a group or alone, you must equip yourself with the following:

• • Luggage organizers or a carry-on suitcase and a backpack 

• • A large and functional changing bag for travel with baby 

• • A toiletry kit and a first aid kit 

• • A cap, an umbrella, hiking boots 

• • A sleeping bag 

• • A Swiss Army knife 

• • A travel pillow and a sleeping mask 

• • A universal plug adapter and an external battery 

• • A roof box, back seat organizers and a cooler for a car trip 

• • TSA lock and electronic luggage scale for air travel, etc.

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