These days a lot of people travel abroad for a holiday. It is extremely rewarding and a lot of fun. Traveling overseas also needs more preparation and research. Here are some easy suggestions that can help you have a wonderful time.

1. Before you book your tickets and plan your trip check the State Department website for any travel advisories that are active. Sometimes there are restrictions for travel to certain countries either for health or political reasons. In both cases it is preferable to delay or modify your travel plans.

2. Take stock of your health insurance and call them to see if you will have coverage at your destination. If you are not comfortable with your coverage shop around for plans that will offer you protection abroad. There are many different plans; some are purely health insurance plans and some are trip cancellation plans with medical benefits.

3. Most trip cancellation plans require you to purchase insurance within a certain number of days of paying for the trip to cover your pre existing conditions. Check the requirements carefully to get the maximum coverage. Trip cancellation benefits can be obtained only if the trip is cancelled for a covered reason.

4. Always pack some extra doses of your prescription medication. Keep a file with you that contains information about your medical treatments, allergies, blood type, and phone number for your physician. Phone numbers of an emergency contact can also be included in the information.

5. Purchase some recommended travel guides and maps of your destination. Plan your trip based on what interests you. Determine how you want to travel between the different locations. Include the travel times while you plan your itinerary.

6. Try not to include too many activities in one day. Try to relax on the day you reach your destination. If you travel across several time zones be prepared for jetlag.

7. Only carry those credit cards that you plan on using during the trip. Take local currency so you can minimize credit card transactions to avoid fraud. Always keep the credit card company phone numbers safely (not along with the credit card) so you can contact them immediately to report a lost or stolen card.

8. Learning some basic sentences in the local language can help. Make sure you are aware of the local customs and practices so you do not insult anyone inadvertently. A translation guide may be a useful investment.

9. If you have a medical emergency contact the assist numbers for your insurance company to find doctors/hospitals you can visit. Your passport must always be in a secure spot. Carry several photocopies of it in your luggage. You can contact the consulate if you need emergency assistance.

10. Do not drink tap water unless you know it is safe. Uncooked foods can harbor bacteria so try to avoid them. While eating outside use good judgment to stay healthy.

Following these simple tips can help you have a great holiday. Get packing!

Article Contributor Suchi V is an insurance professional. She specializes in visitors medical insurance and provides advice on visitor health insurance.