Tips for a Safe and Successful Trip to Sri Lanka

Planning a journey to Sri Lanka may be pretty exciting, but it’s also important to take all the necessary steps to ensure your safety during the trip. However, with the proper precautions, you can make your travel to Sri Lanka safe and successful.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a few tips on how to ensure an amazing journey. With the right preparation, it will surely be an unforgettable experience. We’ll cover topics such as the best ways to plan your trip and the most iconic places to explore. Are you ready?

Prepare a detailed travel itinerary

To truly get the most out of your trip to Sri Lanka, you could prepare a travel itinerary before leaving for the journey. There are numerous benefits to having an organized travel plan!

Firstly, a detailed travel itinerary provides a clear route, timeline, and budget, which may help you plan an efficient trip and ensure you don’t miss out on any iconic sights. Secondly, a detailed itinerary can help you manage the practical aspects of your journey, such as buying flight tickets, booking accommodations, and organizing transport.

A clear plan will prevent you from getting lost in a foreign country. Moreover, a detailed itinerary is also a great idea, as it can keep your friends and family informed about your estimated location. Preparing a travel itinerary before the journey may be of great help for those with anxiety – with an itinerary, you’ll be equipped to face any problem.

Get your passport and the Sri Lankan ETA

Before leaving for a trip abroad, it is always important to ensure you have all the necessary documents. You should remember that you need an ID card or a passport.

If you plan a visit to Sri Lanka, your passport should remain valid for at least six months from the scheduled departure date. If its validity period is shorter, you may be forbidden from crossing the borders of Sri Lanka. The document cannot be damaged as well.

Moreover, each foreign visitor should apply for the Sri Lankan ETA. Electronic Travel Authorization is an electronic visa allowing entry to those traveling for tourism and business purposes. The approved ETA will be valid for 30 days (or 24 hours in case of transit).

You can easily apply for the Sri Lanka ETA using the https://visafly.com website. All you need to do is complete the application form, submit the required documents, and cover the fee payment. The authorized visa will be sent to you electronically.

Don’t drink tap water and wash your hands

In general, it is recommended not to drink tap water in Sri Lanka due to the high risk of catching the E. coli bacteria, which can cause severe stomach problems.

Many claim that tap water in Sri Lanka is not safe for consumption, as it can be contaminated with chemicals and parasites and cause cramps or fever. To stay safe, avoid consuming tap water and drink bottled water instead. Whenever possible, wash fruit and vegetables with bottled water to reduce the risk of illnesses.

To stay healthy, it’s also highly recommended to wash your hands often, especially before eating. Although it may seem a little extreme, you could wash your hands with bottled water to decrease the chances of becoming sick during your travel to Sri Lanka. Before the trip, you may purchase a special travel-sized hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes.

Choose the date of your trip wisely

Another important notion that should be taken care of while organizing a trip to Sri Lanka is choosing a suitable time to travel. Not every season is favorable for sightseeing and hiking.

According to travelers from all around the world, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is the dry season between December and March. The temperature remains moderate, with an average of 25ºC allowing you to enjoy long walks through the most iconic attractions. Keep in mind this is the time of the coolest temperatures.

While traveling to Sri Lanka, you should avoid the summer season, which lasts from May to September. Organizing journeys during this time may be dangerous as there is a high risk of facing extreme weather conditions (floods, landslides). It is also not recommended to visit Sri Lanka between October and November due to strong winds and heavy rain.

Pack breathable clothes and sunscreen

You should pay attention to all the clothes you’re packing for travel to Sri Lanka. Take into consideration the humid, tropical climate while choosing what clothes to take with you.

If you’re packing for a journey to Sri Lanka, choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for good air circulation. Cotton and linen would be the best choices for the hot and humid weather of the tropical Sri Lankan climate. Such clothes will make you feel comfortable during long walks and should prevent you from the dangers of overheating.

What to pack in your suitcase? It’s recommended to select items such as T-shirts, light skirts, and breathable trousers. As the evenings in Sri Lanka tend to be quite cold compared to the everyday scorching sun, bring some jackets to cover up at night. Do not forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Carry some extra rupees in cash

Another thing to remember while leaving for Sri Lanka is to carry some cash. Although it is much more convenient to use a credit card or debit card, a few coins may prove helpful.

Remember to exchange some of your money prior to the journey – it’s recommended to carry extra cash because there is limited access to international ATM machines. Moreover, debit and credit cards are not accepted in smaller Sri Lankan shops and restaurants.

Carrying cash is essential to shop locally in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Sri Lankan transportation services cannot be paid with a card – if you wish to pay for a taxi fare, a tuk-tuk ride, or a bus ticket, you must have some cash on you.

Remember that having both the electronic payment method and some cash exchanged in bills is a great way to avoid problems with pickpockets. In the worst-case scenario, your card may be stolen, but you will still have some cash on you.

Lay back and relax your body

Although organizing a journey abroad may be a challenging task, the main goal of such a trip should be relaxation and leisure. For your Sri Lankan travel to be truly successful, allow your body and mind to rest.

A well-deserved rest during holidays helps you recharge your batteries and gives your body a much-needed break. By letting yourself indulge in the blissful relaxation, you’re protecting your mental and emotional health – you’ll return to daily tasks feeling rested and energized.

So do not feel guilty after a lazy day of doing nothing, as it is essential to make you feel rejuvenated and ready to work again. Moreover, it’ll allow you to gain new perspectives and clarity of mind. And most importantly, taking a break from the pressure of expectations helps build a sense of autonomy and independence.