Traveling as a nurse can be very ambitious and exciting. You never know the places you could end up seeing, the people you meet, and the connections you make until you plan your first trip to Europe. International travel nursing in Europe provides an ideal chance to visit various destinations in the region. Europe has a lot to offer in terms of exploration and travel, especially through Italy: especially owing to the site remediation practices in the region.
Before going on a travelling nurse trip to Europe, there are certain things one needs to know about planning a trip to Europe. Many people would love to travel but do not know where to begin the planning process, which can be difficult if you are new. If you are one of these people, this information is for you! It is good to know some things before embarking on your journey, so be sure to take note of each step-in preparation for your travels overseas or across the country.
Here is what you need to know about planning a trip to the region during international travel nursing in Europe:
The Time of Year Will Affect Everything During Your Trip
When embarking on international travel, nursing in Europe time is of the essence. The time of year that you will travel greatly affects everything from weather to events in town that might affect your daily routine. For example, suppose your plans include spending time outside hiking or exploring different cities. In that case, it is generally best to visit between April and June before the summer heat becomes too unbearable. If possible, avoid being in Northern European countries during the winter months. Not only will you encounter chilly weather, but most attractions are closed for the season, and lines for subways can be extra-long due to sparse staffing.
In the cold season, you may want to choose a place that has installations from a solar company to ensure the place you choose to stay during your trip is warm. This helps in maintaining good health and avoid the negative impacts of cold on your body.
Keep Track of Important Documents
For successful international travel nursing in Europe, get a passport. You cannot legally travel without one! A lot of travelers forget that they need to apply for this first before anything else can happen. You should plan and allow about six weeks for processing time or more to get it closer to your departure date. If you want to expedite the process, consider paying an additional fee when applying, which guarantees delivery within three weeks (that is, unless there are national emergencies or other circumstances out of their control).
When planning for international travel nursing in Europe, it is always best practice to keep copies of your passport, visas, itineraries, and any other important documents such as your Christian insurance policy documents in an accessible place online. Be sure to keep this information private so that no one else has access to it.
You can use Google Drive or Dropbox to store these files for free and even share them with friends or family with who you might be traveling. This is especially helpful if you are the type of person who likes to plan out every detail of your trip beforehand. Still, unexpected emergencies are harder to manage when they involve giving someone sensitive information over the phone while trying to enjoy yourself! It is ok to change plans on a whim.
You’ll Need Multiple Currencies
One crucial aspect when planning on international travel nursing in Europe is that debt accumulates quickly. The exchange rate can make anything seem cheaper than it is when looking at prices in another country. Be aware of the total conversion before you finalize any plans, and do not spend more than you can afford. One easy way to save money is to bring a reusable water bottle with you from home. You will not have to buy water every day, which will save you a lot of money after a few weeks abroad. Also, keep in mind that there are certain cities where food and drink prices are generally higher than others, so do your research beforehand if possible.
Between exchanging currency at the airport or going to an ATM as soon as you land, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all the expenses involved in international travel nursing in Europe or generally a trip abroad for an extended period. The best thing you can do for yourself is visit your bank or credit union beforehand and let them know that you will be abroad.
Most financial institutions now offer International Debit Cards that are linked to your checking account. A few benefits include cheaper conversion rates, free international ATM withdrawals, and no monthly fees. Depending on how often you plan to withdraw funds while traveling, one option could be better than the other, so be sure to do your research beforehand!
Make Sure Your Phone Plan Works in Other Countries
Depending on where you are going during your international travel nursing in Europe, it is a good idea to check with your cell phone provider beforehand because many companies offer certain packages that can save you quite a bit of money when overseas, especially if you make calls to the United States regularly.
There are other options, such as Google Project Fi, which offers affordable international calling plans. If you plan on bringing your phone with you regardless, make sure it is unlocked and purchase a local SIM card once you arrive to take advantage of local rates.
Understand the Transport System
Before arriving for your international travel nursing in Europe, it is important to research how they manage public transportation such as trains, trams, and buses. While traveling on foot may work for some destinations, it will not always provide access to every place you want to go. Before booking a trip or using public transportation, make sure that you understand the route and where to get off, how often the stops come up and which lines connect with others if you need to transfer lines. When traveling on buses, look into each line’s schedule so that every traveler is prepared for the time they will have to arrive at a designated stop based on either knowing what time it departs from their hotel or via an app made available by the bus company itself.
Make sure you research train stations in advance. Europe operates several types of trains that provide multiple options when traveling around (local, national, and international). If you plan on using public transportation, make sure you research train stations in every city you will be spending time in before arriving, or at least map out where they are located for easy access once you arrive. Train stations can become easier to navigate over time, but if you do not plan accordingly, you could get lost and waste precious time, which will limit your options while you are there.
Research Individual Travel Safety Guidelines
Knowing about the travel guidelines is a crucial aspect when planning international travel nursing in Europe. The public transportation systems in European cities are extremely good. It is easy to navigate from one place to another by using their subway, buses, and trams, as well as the local trains that pass through most of Europe’s major cities. In some countries such as France, Spain, Britain, and Greece, citizens can even use a guided bus route system called the Route bus, which makes traveling even easier for those on a budget, allowing you to focus more on what you want to see instead of trying to figure out your way around the city!
If you are visiting multiple countries within Europe, you must take time to understand each country’s guidelines for travelers. It is very important that you (and all your fellow travel companions) are aware of their own country’s guidelines and keep up to date with any information on the different countries throughout your trip that might affect each other!
Consider Purchasing Travel Insurance
Suppose you travel through Europe for an extended time, such as during an international travel nursing in Europe or when pursuing the best CRM for higher education. In that case, it is good to consider purchasing travel insurance if a pre-existing policy does not already cover you. Depending on the length of your trip, how much it costs, and whether or not your bank offers added protection. At the same time abroad, travel insurance can be an inexpensive way to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage, stolen money/credit cards, hospital visits, or accidents.
It is always a good idea to check with your pre-existing travel insurance plan before going on a trip to make sure they cover your destination and plans! Most plans only provide coverage for certain European countries, so it is important to ensure that yours covers where you will be visiting. Also, note which activities are covered, what is required of you as the traveler in your agreement, and any additional services that might be included that you can take advantage of during your trip!
Research Before Buying Anything
Before going for international travel nursing in Europe, research all store options, including local convenience stores and markets, because sometimes things might be cheaper than expected. Whether it is asking locals or doing research online, you will be able to understand what certain things are worth without getting too over your head with currency exchanges. This also helps understand different price ranges, so if you see something way outside of what you typically spend on certain, keep this in mind when traveling into an unknown city.
When traveling within Europe, it is highly recommended to bring a few different types of credit cards and cash. Banks such as Capital One, Chase, and Citibank all offer credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, which means you can use them to purchase things without having to pay a fee (sometimes as high as 3%). You should also bring at least one debit card that allows you access to your bank account and cash. This will prevent you from having to carry around all of your money in Euros at times when there is a possibility of theft.
Be Aware of the Weather Forecast and Dress Accordingly
With many festivals happening in Europe during the summer, it is important to understand what weather you can expect while attending these events to ensure that you pack clothing for them! It would be a shame to bring clothes that only allow you to explore one day at a time because it rains or snows on another day-ruining an opportunity for exploration and fun when on international travel nursing in Europe! Some festivals such as Glastonbury hold annual music festivals where attendees who camp out enjoy multiple days of dancing in tents to live music, so keep this in mind when packing and planning for your trip. In some scenarios you may need to consider a place that has a portable restroom or have one for your group during travel. Be keen on the different aspects of planning a trip to Europe to maximize your travel.
Make Reservations at Popular Locations
When planning for international travel nursing in Europe, it is always a good idea to make reservations at popular locations before arriving, especially if an event you are looking forward to has limited seating! This can be done through the website or calling directly, but either way, it is important to plan so no one is left behind. Reservations are an integral part of bookkeeping services in accommodation facilities. Many people enjoy using Airbnb for accommodations since they provide photos of all listings, addresses, and nearby amenities. Unlike hotels, this option provides more flexibility when it comes to location and price range.
Ensure you do not underestimate travel time when planning on international travel nursing in Europe. For instance, you should know for how long you will be attached to the assisted living center you wish to work with. While most destinations in Europe are pretty close together, it still might take some time to get from one place to another depending on the type of transportation you are using. Whether you are flying or driving, research or get pre need counseling on how far each city is before booking your flights/renting a car just in case there are special circumstances that require changing plans day-of.
You do not have to be an accountant to know how to budget and plan for your international travel nursing in Europe. Most people in different regions plan their European travel during the summer, whether for a vacation or businesses like international travel nursing in Europe. During this time, multiple festivals are happening in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year, making it even more fun. Not only do these extravaganzas give you something to see and enjoy, but they also provide a great opportunity for you to meet other travelers and exchange travel tips and advice, as well as share your experiences!