Travel documents are as indispensable as the suitcase you pack – and yet they are often collected at the last minute. Who doesn’t know it: You are about to leave and are frantically looking for your passport or international driver’s license. But don’t worry, in this article there are five life-saving tips that will guarantee that you will have everything important at hand on your next trip – and without any stress!
Know the basics: Essential documents for every trip
Let’s start with the basics: At the top of the list, of course, is the passport. It is the universal door opener for international adventures. You should always make sure that it is valid for at least six months, because some countries are particularly strict about this.
The identity card is often sufficient for EU travel, but outside of it? The passport is indispensable. Visa? Not always necessary, but better check beforehand! Then the driver’s license – if you’re planning a road trip. And not to forget: the documents of the travel insurance. Because better safe than sorry, right? Just like the booking documents, it makes sense to print these documents – but this is only possible with enough printer ink, such as the Canon PIXMA TS 3150 cartridges! With these documents in your pocket, you are already well equipped.
Digitization: Travel documents secure and within reach
Now it’s going digital: In our networked world, it is a real plus to have all important documents with you digitally. Simply scan everything – passport, visa, driver’s license and insurance documents. Then take it to the cloud or smartphone. So you have access anytime and anywhere, even if the original is not at hand.
But beware: safety first! It is best to use encrypted apps or secure cloud services. This means that the data is protected, but available at all times. This is particularly practical! If you are offline, saved copies on the device will help. Being digitally prepared can be a real lifesaver!
Copies and backup: Always have a plan B in your pocket
Plan B is the be-all and end-all: Even if you store everything digitally, you should not underestimate the power of the good old paper copy. It is clever to make copies of all important documents – passport, visa, insurance papers. These replacement documents are then stowed in different places: one copy in the suitcase, one in the hand luggage. So if the original is lost, you always have a joker up your sleeve.
It is also helpful to entrust a copy to someone at home. After all, who knows when a fast fax or e-mail service can be the salvation? With copies in your pocket, you are prepared for all eventualities!
Up-to-dateness and validity: Check documents before departure
A few weeks before the trip, you should take the time to check the validity of all documents. The passport should be valid for at least six months after your return – some countries are really strict about this. The visa also deserves a second look: Is all the data correct? And then there is the driver’s license – is it still up-to-date? If not, it is better to take care of an extension in good time. One look at the expiration dates and you can start your vacation relaxed without any nasty surprises at the airport. Sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it?
Order and accessibility: Always have the documents ready
Order is half the battle, especially when traveling: A well-organized document bag or folder is worth its weight in gold. Here, all important papers – from passports to hotel bookings – are sorted in such a way that they can be accessed quickly. No more nervous rummaging around at check-in or security!
It is also practical to always carry the most important documents on your body – in a fanny pack or a hidden inside pocket of the jacket. So they are safe from thieves and always at hand. With a little organization, you always have everything important at hand and can enjoy the trip in a relaxed way. This is a carefree start to your holiday.
Result
With these tips, you are well equipped: Know important documents, save them digitally and as a copy, check validity and organize everything clearly. This way you avoid stress and surprises when traveling. Good preparation of travel documents is the key to a relaxed and worry-free trip!
