Travelling is exciting and wonderful and looking forward to go to all kinds of places makes us sometimes forget that there are some rather mundane things in life that are a nuissance but need to be considered if you are traveling for a longer period of time.
Passport
If you are only staying in European countries, you do not need one. Your normal “Perso” is enough.But even only going to England means that since 02.04.2025 you need an extra document called ETA for which you need to apply for and that costs extra money. Also, obviously, you need a valid passport.
Most countries that you need a passport for require that your passport is at least six more months valid from the moment you enter the country onwards.
At least in Berlin passports take time if you do not want to pay extra money big time for an emergency passport. And getting an appointment is another story. So if you know that you are travelling to countries outside the EU, quickly check your passport’s expiration date.
Costs for a passport in 2025: 70 Euros. Express 102 Euros. Valid for 10 years.
Visa
Some countries require a visa, some don’t and it is recommended to check at least a month in advance, because regulations might change. I think in general it is not difficult to get a visa if you are a German national but it might take extra time and for sure will cost a bit of money.
Health Insurance
If you are working, you have a health insurance and as I explained before if you are not taking an unpaid holiday as well. Nevertheless, your German health insurance only gets you that far.
If you are travelling for a longer period of time and outside the EU you should definately have an extra health insurance that also covers extra costs if you have an accident or need to be treated for a period of time in a hospital etc.
Comparing prices saves you tons of money! I personally will be insured with Hanse-Merkur but prices in this business can change quickly. When I postponed my trip they were amazing and changed the date within 48h witout any extra costs. The prices depend on the length of the trip, your age and places you want to go to.
If you have one of those 20 Euro per year travel health insurances, please do not think they will be enough, as they normally only cover a few weeks per year.
The V-Word
It does not stand for victory. Vaccinations is the thing that some people might be reluctant about. If you are going on a trip that only covers places with no major health issues and you are mainly staying in cities there might be no reason to be bothered with it. But if you are like me planning to also travel to countries in Asia or Africa and hiking in the middle of nowhere, you really should be prepared.
On the website of the Auswärtigen Amt you will find an overview of countries and the recommended vaccinations.
But be warned, they can cost you an arm and a leg. The vaccinations I am getting including malaria prophylaxis are 1.000 Euros.
Though you might not need to pay for them yourself. My health insurance offers a refund of roughly 85-90% under the following conditions:
a) I went to a physician, who is recognized by state health insurances and is allowed to advise and vaccinate.
b) The vaccinations are officially recommended by the “STIKO”.
To find a physician who has this recognition is not the easiest thing in the world, but again, it will save you money. If you click on this link, you will find the one I went to here in Berlin.
But make sure you check with your health insurance in advance.
Also, some vaccinations need to be given more than once over a longer period of time. Hepatitis B is one of them and should be started with half a year before you leave.
Safety First
The world is constantly changing and not always in a positive way, so here is once more two links for the Auswärtige Amt. The first one is a list of places the German foreign offices does not or only partially recommend to go to. Aktuelle Reisewarnungen
The second one is a list you can register for to receive help if you are abroad. Krisenvorsorgeliste
Money
I will mainly travel cash free. Though I always check in advance how accepted credit cards are in the areas I travel in. For example in Sweden it is no problem. except you are above the Polar Circle and want to pay a ferry man….
One thing that really annoys me with my Visa Card that I have with my main account (ING) ist the extra costs when I pay with the card in non Euro countries.
I have a second account and card with C24. They do not have those extra charges and again over the course of a year, that will safe me some money.
And last but not least: Have your affairs in order. Whatever that is for you, do it. 🙂
And now: happy travels
One Year - Five Continents 