TRAVEL TIPS

Travel Check-List

• Passport expiry date (many countries require at least 6 months of validity left). It can be useful a digital/photocopy of the passport
• The expiry date of other personal documents (driving license, etc..), international driving license, if required
• Vaccinations
• Visas
• Climate  — check on mTm
• Country safety (health, political stability)
• Health/Travel insurance
• Accommodations bookings if needed — Booking.com
• Credit card/bank habilitations, local currency cash
• GPS maps download
• Embassy registration
• Flight tickets/travel documents (bookings, car rental, etc..), flight apps
• Emergency/embassy telephone numbers
• Medicines kit, insect repellent, hydration tablets
• Electricity power adapter
• Guidebook
• Emergency snacks
• Phone credit / data roaming / virtual SIM app
• Remove garbage from home
• Go
  
  How to pack like a pro for your next trip
  

International SOS Travel Risk Map

Check the updated world map for health and security risks:

International travel and health

Before travelling, always check well in advance (usually you need to book an appointment) with your health service which vaccination you will need in the country you are going to visit.
You can check for vaccinations on the World Health Organization website or NHS Fit For Travel website.

Disease distribution maps (links):

Coronavirus COVID-19
Chikungunya
Cholera
Crimean Congo HF
Dengue
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
HIV infection
Japanese encephalitis
Malaria
Meningococcal disease
Poliomyelitis
Rabies
Schistosomiasis
Tuberculosis
Typhoid Fever
Yellow Fever
Zika

When travelling to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika, it’s crucial to have a solid plan to prevent mosquito bites.

How to prevent mosquito bites

When it comes to travelling in areas with a high risk of diseases from mosquitoes like malaria, dengue, zika and other serious infections, having a good plan to prevent being bitten by those mean and annoying insects is vital.

The best repellents are the ones containing N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, commonly known as DEET. The recommended and most effective dosage is 50% DEET in high-risk areas.

Another proven effective method to protect you against the malicious insects (yes, we really don’t like them!) is spraying your clothes with Permethrin, an insecticide also used in agriculture, which acts as a proper barrier and it’s even able to kill the little enemies. It is important to note that Permethrin sprays do not have to be used on your skin!
Treating your clothes with Permethrin will ensure barrier protection which can last up to 6 weeks or 6 washes (with only one application, which is great!)

Combine these two methods to build an efficient insect’s Kryptonite shield.

Flight and accommodation booking

Pay attention to the day you book: flight prices depend on the day and the time you book during the week, not just on how much in advance the departure date you book.
Check the website of your destination airport; you can find more flights, including charter airlines not shown on online flight websites.

Connect to a VPN network before booking. Hotels and airlines’ prices change depending on your location. Change your location to a lower-income country or your destination country and you will have lower prices.
It is suggested to always clear your browsing history and your cookies, or browse from an incognito window before you start searching.


How Travel eSIM Helps You Save on International Roaming

International travel is an exciting experience; however, staying connected while abroad comes with its own price tag. The majority of travelers suffer through exorbitant roaming fees, making mobile internet access a costly necessity. But advances in technology have made it so that more and more travelers are picking eSIMs as a cost-effective and convenient alternative. The difference between an eSIM and a traditional SIM card is that an eSIM allows travelers to hook up to mobile networks from anywhere and everywhere in the world without the hassle of having to change physical SIMs. This means no extra charges from your home carrier and no hassle of searching for a local SIM upon arrival anywhere in the world. This article will discuss what an eSIM is and how it can help travelers, including how to get one from TooSim.com.

Understanding eSIM Technology

An embedded SIM, or an eSIM, is a digital SIM card that is built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or any other connected gadget. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card into your device, for instance, you’ll be able to activate an eSIM profile by scanning the QR code the provider gives you instead. It’s that easy! And it saves you from carrying around innumerable SIM cards or visiting shops in every country to buy a local plan. Subsequently, the eSIM connects the device to the best available mobile network in the region, thereby enabling not only its data but also voice connectivity.

Unlike traditional SIM cards that require physical handling, eSIMs are purely software-based and hence more convenient and secure. Lose your device or steal it; an eSIM cannot just be removed or swapped out, which reduces your chances of any unauthorized usage happening within it.

Also, when you have these eSIMs, you can easily have different profiles and switch between them without inserting or removing a SIM on the surface so that you can just have the freedom to switch between different plans or carriers.

Why Travelers Benefit from eSIMs

The ever-so-important act of connecting with the outside world might almost always entail heavy bills for the frequent traveler. The international roaming charges come with unforeseen charges and exorbitant rates, especially while using mobile data. Most of the travelers go for cost-cutting through one means or the other: free Wi-Fi services being used in hotels, cafes, and airports. But unreliable networks, with the added risk of security thoroughly compromised, hardly help. With an eSIM, you get to enjoy uninterrupted internet access without hunting for Wi-Fi or going through the hassle of buying physical SIMs in all countries.

And due to another feature, eSIM offers almost instant activation. The eSIMs are purchasable online before the traveler hops on his flight; so, he can arrange his mobile plan beforehand. He can then simply log in to the internet as soon as he lands in his destination, without going to a store or waiting in long lines. This convenience comes in handy if a business traveler requires immediate internet access upon landing or if traveling for pleasure on a tight schedule. 

On the flip side, eSIMs give freedom in that they come with several options for data plans to cover diverse travel needs. This could range from a not-so-huge plan with a limited amount of data just for the purposes of navigation and messaging to one that permits binge-streaming and video calling. Travelers, therefore, will not be bound to expensive international roaming plans but will be able to select one plan based on their usage needs.

How to Choose and Install an eSIM

Of course, you know it best. Choosing the right eSIM plan can vary depending on the destination, the duration of travel, and data consumption. A good example of this would be TooSim.com, which has many prepaid travel eSIMs at a very reasonable cost to all in different regions. For most devices, checking if it is equipped to utilize eSIM is an important part of the travel preparation process, as there are many smartphones, tablets, and devices that do not support eSIM. Most of the latest devices, particularly, iPhones, recent Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixels, are well-equipped with eSIM support. 

Once the plan is selected, activating it is a way of simplicity itself. The QR code for scanning is sent directly via e-mail once the purchase is completed. The user just scans this code in their device settings, which automatically downloads and installs the eSIM profile. Consequently, the telephone works in conjunction with the specified network and allows instant usage of mobile data without putting in a physical SIM. Due to the possibility of eSIMs storing multiple profiles, a traveler who visits multiple countries will only need a few taps on the settings of the device to switch between plans for different countries.

Travel eSIM Prices from TooSim

Many travelers are already using TooSim.com for their mobile connectivity needs, as it provides competitive prices and seamless activation. Below are some of the most popular destinations and their starting prices for a 1 GB eSIM plan:

Travelers stand to benefit from drastically reduced costs for a reliable connection by choosing eSIMs over conventional roaming for their trips. TooSim.com offers inexpensive prepaid data plans for uninterrupted connectivity across countries. Be it short-term trips or lengthy trips; An eSIM is an affordable solution for those who want to stay connected without the burden of roaming charges.

Baggage tips

Take pictures of your baggage: in case of loss, this will help to identify it.
Label with “fragile” your baggage: it could be handled with much care and placed on top before being carried on the plane and you can claim it faster at the airport.

If you suffer from motion sickness, book a seat close to the plane’s wings: there the turbulences are minimized. Always carry with you additional clothes: air conditioning on the plane could be really annoying.

When travelling with budget airlines with a cabin bag only, a backpack is a wiser choice than rolling luggage. If your rolling suitcase is even slightly over the size limit, you may face hefty excess baggage fees. Backpacks, are more flexible and easier to squeeze into the malefic size-checking baskets at the boarding gate, reducing the risk of incurring additional costs. Airline staff also often prioritize checking rolling luggage over backpacks.

Where to change money? 

Before leaving:

• Your bank: you can order foreign currency at your bank (ask for the amount of the exchange fees), you could have to wait some days, so order money in advance;
• Online websites: you can order currency from websites and you will receive it at home by secure delivery service, but in addition to exchange fees you will pay shipping fees too.

Abroad:

• Withdrawal at ATM is usually one of the best ways to get local currency, exchange fees depend on your credit card and your bank.
• Exchange offices: always check exchange fees before changing money, sometimes you can find a convenient office, but sometimes it could be the worst choice; avoid exchange offices in airports or hotels, as they add high fees to your transaction
  
  Additional Tips:
  
  
• Credit and Debit Cards: Using credit and debit cards with no foreign transaction fees is a great way to avoid exchange fees. However, be aware of potential ATM withdrawal fees.  
• Prepaid Travel Cards: These cards allow you to load a specific amount of foreign currency onto a card, which can be used like a debit card. They can be a convenient option, but fees may apply.  
• Mobile Payment Apps: Some mobile payment apps, like Google Pay and Apple Pay, can be used abroad, but check with your bank and the app provider to see if they are supported in your destination country.  
• Research Exchange Rates: Before you travel, research the current exchange rates for the currencies you’ll need. This will help you budget and avoid getting ripped off.
• Security: When using ATMs, be aware of your surroundings and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

List of left-hand driving countries

Oceania

Australia, Bermuda, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu

Asia

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Macao, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Africa

Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Europe

Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Cyprus, Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Malta, United Kingdom

South America

Falkland Islands, Guyana, Suriname

Caribbeans

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbados, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands

Other Islands

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

General travel tips

Visit the local tourism office: there you can find additional information you haven’t in your guide, especially events happening during your stay, free activities and more.
Take care of your personal effects and documents: never carry your wallet, your phone, or your passport in your back pocket.

Ask local people for every kind of travel information; remember that local people always know their own country better than you and they could give you important information and tips about your trip.

Photography basics for beginners

Travelling to Hot Destinations? Here’s How to Sleep Cool and Wake Refreshed

When summer adventures call, there’s nothing quite like hitting the road or catching a flight to a sun-soaked paradise. But let’s face it—sleeping well in hot climates can be a challenge. Whether you’re camping under the stars or staying in a tropical Airbnb, waking up drenched in sweat is never fun. If you’re planning a getaway and want to stay refreshed, start by packing smart—yes, that even includes the right cooling mattress for road trips. Here’s how you can beat the heat and wake up feeling ready to explore.

1. Choose Lightweight, Breathable Bedding
   Before you even step out the door, prep your travel sleep setup. Heavy comforters and thick flannel sheets? Leave them at home. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like:
   Cotton: Soft, natural, and airy.
   Linen: Wicks moisture and gets softer with use.
   Bamboo: Naturally cooling and hypoallergenic.
   For road trips or camping, pack a compact cooling blanket. These are designed with temperature-regulating technology and can be a lifesaver when the night heat won’t quit.
   
   
2. Invest in the Right Travel Mattress or Pad
   Sleeping bags and air mattresses may be convenient, but they’re often stuffy and unbreathable. The solution? A cooling mattress for road trips. These mattresses are made with gel-infused memory foam or breathable open-cell foam, helping regulate your body temperature even in a warm RV or tent.
   If you’re flying to a hot destination and staying in accommodations with limited cooling, consider portable mattress toppers that offer the same temperature-control benefits. Compact, rollable, and perfect for tropical travels.
   
   
3. Stay Hydrated (But Time It Right)
   We all know hydration is essential in hot weather, but your timing matters. Try to consume most of your water intake earlier in the day and taper off a few hours before bedtime. This reduces the chances of waking up in the middle of the night for a bathroom run—interrupting precious sleep.
   Also, avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages in the evening, as they can dehydrate you and increase body temperature while you sleep.
   
   
4. Shower Before Bed
   A quick cool (not cold!) shower before bed can lower your core temperature and help you fall asleep faster. Don’t overdo it with freezing water—lukewarm or mildly cool water works best to relax your body and prep it for sleep.
   Pro tip: Let your hair stay slightly damp to keep your head cool through the night. If you’re camping, wet a washcloth with cool water and place it around your neck or forehead before bed.
   
   
5. Optimize Your Sleeping Environment
   Where you sleep matters—especially in hot destinations. If you’re in a hotel or Airbnb:
   Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out heat.
   Use fans or request extra ones if there’s no AC.
   Sleep low: Heat rises, so sleeping on lower floors or closer to the ground can help.
   If you’re on a road trip, ventilate your tent or RV properly and avoid parking in direct sunlight before bedtime. Even just a few degrees cooler can make a big difference in sleep quality.
   
   
6. Wear the Right Sleepwear
   Just like bedding, your sleepwear should be breathable and moisture-wicking. Look for:
   Loose-fitting cotton pyjamas
   Bamboo sleepwear
   Moisture-wicking athletic wear
   Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which trap heat and can cause overheating. Less is more—sometimes sleeping in minimal clothing or just under a breathable sheet is best.
   
   
7. Embrace Natural Cooling Tools
   Sleeping cool doesn’t always require a high-tech solution. Sometimes the best hacks are the simplest:
   Frozen water bottle in your bed (wrapped in a towel to avoid wetness)
   Damp socks in the freezer, worn to bed for cool feet
   Cold eye mask or gel pack across your forehead
   These are especially handy if you’re travelling to remote areas with no access to AC or fans.
   
   
8. Time Your Activities Wisely
   Often overlooked, your daily schedule affects your body temperature at night. If you’re sightseeing or hiking under the blazing sun all day, your body retains that heat well into the evening.
   Try to:
   Limit strenuous activities during peak heat hours (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
   Rest or stay indoors in the late afternoon
   Shift major activities to early morning or after sunset
   This gives your body time to cool down before bedtime and promotes better quality sleep.
   
   
9. Eat Light in the Evenings
   Heavy meals before bed not only affect digestion but also raise your core body temperature. Stick to lighter dinners with cooling foods like:
   Cucumbers
   Watermelon
   Leafy greens
   Yogurt
   Skip spicy dishes and fried foods, especially in hotter regions. Not only will your sleep thank you, but your gut will too.
   
   
10. Consider a Portable White Noise Machine or Sleep App
    Travelling to hot destinations often means unfamiliar and noisy environments—think buzzing fans, outdoor nightlife, or jungle sounds. A portable white noise machine or a sleep app can mask distractions and help you stay asleep through the night.
    Look for apps that offer “cool sounds” like rain, ocean waves, or wind—all of which can create a psychological sense of cooling.
    
    Travelling in warm weather doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights. With a little preparation and the right tools—like breathable fabrics, hydration hacks, and a cooling mattress for road trips—you can sleep comfortably and wake up energized for the day’s adventures.
    Don’t let the heat steal your rest. Instead, sleep smarter, travel lighter, and enjoy every sunny moment—refreshed and ready for more.