A vacation is one of the most eagerly awaited event on many a calendar. Some save for years to travel to a destination of their dreams. The anticipation is almost as exciting as the vacation itself. But as in all things, if you fail to plan, your vacation may just give you a headache so big before you even step foot on a foreign land.

If you are planning to go on a vacation to a destination off the beaten track, the first and most important thing to find out is whether you need a travel visa for your target country. It may come in the form a piece of paper, a card or just a stamp on your passport. Given the state of heightened security at most airports, it is crucial that you have all travel visa documents in order before you travel.

A travel visa is a document issued by a foreign government giving you permission to enter their country and stay for a designated length of time. There is no international right to travel. Therefore, when you request for a travel visa, you are asking for a privilege and not claiming a right. Each country has the right to determine who they allow into their country, the length of stay and what requirements must be met prior to entry. Determining these requirements is the first step in obtaining a visa. Then prepare your passport as you will need to include your passport for the visa application. You should have a least two blank pages in your passport for each country you intend to visit.

Here are some tips to help you start your vacation on the right track:

? Firstly ask your friends who have visited the country recently.

? Check a current guide book for the country you want to visit. While this is a good starting point, visa requirements can change. Always check with the country's consulate or representative office for the latest requirements.

? Ask your travel agent. A good travel agent that specializes in international travel should have the latest visa requirement.

? If you are visiting several countries, you may need multiple visas for each country.

? Whenever possible, obtain all your visas before you travel, even if it is possible to get one upon arrival. This will allow you to deal with embassy personnel in your own language and reduce the chance of having to pay "additional fees" to local immigration officials.

? Even if a visa is not required for entry you may still need one, or other special permissions, to go to the specific area you wish to visit. Make sure you check before you go.

? Most visa applications ask your profession. Some answers, such as missionary, journalist, or unemployed may create problems.

? When asked your reason for entry, always tick holiday or tourism when you are on vacation.

? It's important whenever possible, book your hotel well ahead and provide the address of where you will stay during your visit.

? When asked your religion be as broad as possible. Christian is a better answer than Evangelical, Lutheran, Baptist, etc.

? Specify the length of your visit. It's a good idea to add a day or two to your intended departure date in case you have a last minute change of plans to stay longer.

? And last but not least, from my own experience, if your kids are traveling with you, it's always prudent for them to have their own individual passports and visas.

Some countries may have other entry requirements in addition to a visa. Common requirements include; possessing onward departure tickets, having sufficient spending money for the duration of your stay, showing proof of vaccination, etc. These additional requirements can usually be obtained from the same source as your visa requirement information.

So always remember to plan well ahead and you and your family should be on your way to a stress free, trouble free vacation. Bon Voyage!