8 Important Tips If You're Planning To Travel Overseas Now That Borders Are Open

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However, there are a few things that you should remember before setting off to another land, because not adhering to these new set of rules might cost you, your trip, and in some cases, your money!

From additional SOPs, arrival requirements, travel insurance, and more, we've compiled a list of practical tips that you ought to take note of when you're out gallivanting. That way, you'll be able to enjoy your holiday with peace of mind knowing that you have everything ready.

If your passport is about to expire within the next six months, it's time to get it renewed. The expiration date is very important because certain countries bar you from entering if your passport is nearing its expiration date.

Regardless of entry restrictions, it's always a good idea to renew your passport ahead of time to prevent long lines during peak travel periods and possible delays. It's also easier to renew your passport now since you can do it online. 

Let's face it — holidays can be expensive. But, it doesn't have to be if you plan ahead and give yourself time to hunt for the best available prices. In fact, buying early is not always cheaper — you can sometimes snag a good deal if you know where to look, including travel websites like CIMB OctoTravel. 

Besides that, you will also be able to get additional discounts and rewards on activities that can be done throughout your holiday. That way, you get to enjoy new experiences, all on a budget!

Travel insurance is becoming increasingly popular among travellers who wish to be protected following the pandemic, making it good for domestic and international travellers. It's also important that you get travel insurance that comes with COVID-19 protection, in case you contract the virus while you're abroad and have to cancel your trip.

The good news is that you can get COVID-19 insurance coverage from CIMB OctoTravel whenever you book on that platform.

The last thing you need when you're travelling is to be denied entry upon arrival. That's why it's important to be certain of the country's entry and arrival requirements. Things like your vaccination status, COVID-19 screening tests, and even quarantine periods will affect your vacation, so it's best to stay on top of those.

Failing to adhere to these requirements may result in deportation, so remember to have these things on hand before you visit other places. Another thing you may have to study in detail beforehand is your transportation, because getting stranded isn't exactly something you want when on a vacation. Try to rent a vehicle or make arrangements before you land for extra peace of mind.

With the virus still at large, flying to another place when you're sick may not be the best idea. Going into an airplane when you're unwell poses a risk to those around you, as sicknesses can spread quickly in planes because of the small, enclosed settings.

Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, it's still important to stay vigilant and guard yourself against the spread of the disease. Some precautions that you should take include avoiding touching your face, washing your hands regularly, and trying to lessen contact with sick individuals as much as possible. Another good practice is to get the flu vaccine before travelling, just to ensure that you don't fall sick throughout your trip.

When travelling, one way you can keep tabs on your spending is to use a credit card. Despite the fact that you will still need some local currency, charging most of your transactions to your card will mean that you don't have to carry too much cash.

Some credit cards also have additional rewards, benefits, and privileges when you use them overseas. For instance, the CIMB World Mastercard gives you unlimited 1.5% cash rebates on selected overseas spend, so you can get your money back even while you shop! You'll also be awarded automatic travel coverage, and 50% off green fees in selected countries and courses, wah!

Places or attractions that are off the beaten path tend to attract smaller crowds, making it a perfect destination if you wanna skip the mob. Looking for tips to get you started? It's easy, just ask the locals.

It's exciting for travellers to find something new in an area, especially if they're one of the few outsiders to visit. It's possible that the local attraction you've stumbled onto is a long-standing favourite of the area's natives. Because of this, it's more fun to explore locales that pique your interest.

Besides allowing you much more privacy, private tours are much more flexible, allowing passengers to tailor their vacations to their specific needs and desires. There's no need to stick to a certain schedule. With a private tour, you get exactly what you want out of your vacation. With CIMB OctoTravel, you can book international activities for 10% off, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled if you're interested in an overseas private tour deal.

On the other hand, you'll also be able to escape the crowds, which is a great advantage especially when it comes to preventing the spread of the virus. Just one less thing to worry about when you're enjoying your holiday.

That's why it's important to follow all these steps in order to ensure that you have a safe holiday. If you're not sure where to get started, you can check out CIMB OctoTravel.

The great news is that when you book your overseas holiday with CIMB OctoTravel, you’ll automatically get covered with travel insurance and complimentary COVID-19 coverage. Besides that, you’ll get to enjoy lots of deals and promos on flights, hotels, and tours for both international and domestic trips, wah!

What's even more awesome about CIMB OctoTravel is that it's an all-in-one app, meaning that you can book attractions and tours as well, at great prices. :D That way, you can be sure that you'll get bang for your buck.

- Enjoy 10% off international flights and hotels
- Enjoy 30% off domestic flights and hotels
- 0% Easy Pay Instalment Payment Plans up to 12 months
- 50% cashback on all purchases on the CIMB OctoTravel website or app
- 10% off on all international activities
- And so much more!

However, please take note that only CIMB Debit and Credit Card members can enjoy these rewards, so go ahead and sign up for one if you haven't already.