Overview

If you are about to join us in the United Kingdom for an internship or for some English lessons at Twin, you need to read these very important travelling mistakes so that you don’t make them during your trip.

Packing too much

It’s easy to pack too much; you aren’t always certain what you’ll need when you go away. It’s best to only pack the essentials, because it is easier to transport your luggage from the airport to your accommodation and if your bags aren’t too full it means you have space for gifts and memories that you buy during your travels.

Losing your passport

Take this from someone who has been there and done that, you do not want to lose your passport when you’re in another country. Your heart will pound so hard that you will hear it in your head and you will feel your blood begin to heat up, as you think “Oh no, I’m stuck in a foreign country” (or perhaps something with a few more swear words). As soon as you get to your accommodation, make sure you store your passport away somewhere safe and do not take it out with you when you are sightseeing. It is also handy to take a photocopy of your passport with you, just in case.

Not having the correct documentation to enter the country

You don’t want to fly to the country where you are going to study or work in and then get turned away at passport control because you don’t have the right documentations to get into the country. Make sure you check (with plenty of time in advance – at least a month beforehand) any visa requirements you may need to enter the country.

Forgetting to buy travel insurance

This is a big no no, you might think that nothing will happen to you, but even if you are completely careful, there still might be a cancellation of your flight or a reason you aren’t able to make it to your flight in time. Being insured means that you don’t need to worry about the cost if things go wrong (like missing your flight) because the insurance company take care of it.

Not doing your research

Make sure you do your research, it’s always good to have a rough idea of where you are going, how to get from A to B, have a look at maps and familiarise yourself with the area and also book any attractions you want to visit, so you aren’t disappointed when it is fully booked and often online prices are cheaper, especially if you book in advance.

Relying on your phone battery

It is useful to have two copies of everything, especially if one is a digital copy i.e. a ticket on your phone. It is also useful to have any maps and excursion tickets printed, so that you can access them if your phone battery has died.

And finally. remember to keep an eye on your budget – don’t spend all your money in the first week, and most importantly remember to have fun, embrace your new surroundings and culture, and try to learn as much as you can whether you are taking an English course at Twin or taking part in some work experience that we have organised for you.