Preparing for Your Departure by Plane

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At Quotatrip, we love distant destinations. And even though France is full of sublime landscapes and grand vacation spots, the desire for adventure and cultural change is often what drives long-haul travelers. The first essential step for a successful trip is to properly prepare your departure by plane! For many travelers, it can feel like an epic journey, especially when you have to endure 22 hours of flight before being able to relax on an Australian beach. In short, preparing your trip by plane is crucial, and we provide you with all the right tips for a successful vacation.

Choosing the Destination

The first step for a successful trip is choosing the destination, which alone can determine the success or failure of your vacation.
First, consider defining your budget as well as the duration of your stay.
Indeed, traveling to the other side of the world for just a few days can potentially mean spending a third of your vacation either on the plane or in full jet lag.
The same goes for finances: make sure to budget your stay by considering all additional costs. Destinations like New York, for example, combine relatively expensive airfare (although things are improving a bit) and high cost of living on-site, requiring you to be mindful of your wallet to avoid blowing your vacation budget within three days—especially if you plan to stay for two weeks.
Finally, the last important point when choosing your destination is to think about what you are looking for during your vacation. Leisurely relaxation, family vacations, backpacking adventure or tourist stay: never forget that the activities offered are not quite the same whether you are traveling to the Seychelles or Nepal.

Checking the Weather Before Leaving

Are you planning to visit Tokyo during your July vacation but struggle with heat and humidity? Bad luck: this is when the Japanese capital experiences its worst heatwaves and humidity levels worthy of a tropical rainforest.
Are you thinking of perfecting your tan in August on a dream beach in Thailand? It's monsoon season, and depending on where you go, it rains 20 days a month during this period.
When preparing your trip, researching the weather conditions at your vacation spot is crucial, and you should not hesitate to consult travel blogs, which often provide valuable information through articles, photos, and videos.
Last point not to forget: in the southern hemisphere, seasons are reversed. Good to know before flying to Argentina in the middle of January wearing a winter coat and snow boots.

Thinking About Important Documents

Nothing is worse than being blocked at the airport for administrative reasons when heading to a distant destination for an extended period.
Forgotten identity papers, an expired passport, or a missing visa are all events that can ruin your vacation.
Remember that while you will always be asked for a valid passport, some countries require it to be valid 3 to 6 months after your return date. This is the case, for example, with Thailand, a country very popular with globe-trotters.
If you're flying to the United States, you'll also need a proper visa or an entry authorization like ESTA. When in doubt, never hesitate to contact the relevant embassies since each country has its own protocols.
Finally, note that while you can drive with your French driver's license in most foreign countries, destinations like New Zealand require you to have an International Driving Permit.

Being Well-Equipped for a Long Flight

Preparing for your departure by plane also means ensuring you have everything in your bag to make the upcoming hours of flight as comfortable as possible. And often, it's not easy in an airplane...
Here are the essentials to bring with you: a mask, earplugs, neck pillow, and a water bottle you've filled beforehand (and we do a little something for the planet; the carbon footprint of a long-haul flight is already significant...).
You'll also want to slip into your bag a scarf or shawl to handle air conditioning for eight hours or more.

A long journey is also an opportunity to dive into those books you've never had time to start. Consider visiting your local bookstore before arriving at the airport! If you have one, an e-reader takes up less space... Bringing your tablet is also a good option. You will have previously loaded it with your favorite games or series.

Don't forget to bring some snacks as well. The food served on board is generally not the best balanced since it's often too salty or too greasy. Take fruits, dried fruits, or even a nut mix like walnuts or almonds.

Traveling with Peace of Mind

A trip around the world often means several days or even weeks away from your country, home, and car as well.
How can you be sure you'll find it intact—or find it at all—when deciding to use it to get to the airport parking lot or train station on departure day? To avoid worrying throughout your stay, solutions exist. Ector, for example, is a valet service at train stations and airports that offers to park your vehicle during your absence. The handover takes place at drop-off points, instantly; parking lots are secured, and valets are punctual. The icing on the cake: the service is cheaper than a taxi or regular parking and can be easily booked on their website or mobile app.