6 tips to prepare before extended trips abroad

12.07.2024 - 16:32 / thepointsguy.com

Last year, my husband's job afforded us the opportunity to live in Zurich for the summer. It was our first time doing something like this, and it was an eye-opening experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, delicious food and, of course, some challenges.

With remote work becoming more prevalent, many families are considering similar extended stays abroad. The chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, explore different settings and create lasting memories can be hard to pass up.

As we prepare to embark on our second summer abroad in Europe, I've compiled a list of essential things to consider before an extended international trip, especially when you have kids in tow. Here's a guide to ensure your adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

One of the most critical preparations you can make is securing travel insurance that covers both routine and urgent care. This is especially important if you're traveling with kids like I am.

Over a long period away, there are bound to be bumps, bruises and the occasional virus. Travel insurance that includes coverage for these minor but frequent issues can save you a lot of stress and money.

It's essential to research plans that offer comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits and emergency care. Look for policies that cover outpatient care, prescription medications and hospital stays. This way, you're prepared for anything, from a scraped knee at the park to a fever in the middle of the night.

Luckily, we didn't have an incident last year, but given that our son is prone to getting strep, it gives us peace of mind that our travel insurance would cover the visit to a local clinic.

As with any type of insurance, before you purchase a policy, be sure to read what is covered and what is excluded, adhere to any time limitations (some policies will only cover trips up to 30, 45 or 90 days) and check that it includes any benefits you think you might need in case of an emergency.

Managing your mail while away for a long time is another crucial aspect to consider. You don't want to return home to a mountain of letters and packages, or, worse, miss important correspondence while you're away.

There are a couple of ways to handle this: You can have your mail held at the post office or forwarded to a trusted friend or family member.

Last summer, we opted to forward mail to my sister's house. She kept us updated on anything urgent and even opened a few letters for us to handle immediately. We'll be doing the same again this year.

The United States Postal Service also lets you sign up for a scanning service to see the mail you receive so you can stay on top of any significant items. Another option is to have your mail come to your home as usual and have