Travel Advice You Should Know Before Travelling to Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most touristic destinations in Asia. With its snowy mountains in the north to its sandy beaches in the south, the country harbors some of the most gorgeous views the world has to offer. It is also the home to Mughal architecture and historical sites that date all the way back to the Indus valley. If you want to plan a spontaneous trip to Pakistan, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you embark on this beautiful journey. We bet after you read this article, you’ll want to buy a ticket PIA Birmingham to Islamabad today!

Plan Your Trip

It’s better to be safe than sorry. For this reason, we highly suggested that you plan ahead of time and leave nothing of importance to chance. Make arrangements for basic needs, such as transportation and accommodation beforehand. This will help you mitigate any unnecessary inconvenience along the way. Furthermore, make an itinerary for your trip, even if it is a tentative one. This will help you stay organized and allow you to shortlist all the destinations you want to visit. Additionally, there are a few places in Pakistan that require a No Objection Certificate (NOC ) from foreigners. Before you start your trip, be sure to get one made for yourself.

Learn The Language and Cultural Norms

Many urban dwellers in Pakistan have a comprehensive understanding of English. However, we recommend that you polish your Urdu speaking and learn a few basic pleasantries in Urdu to ensure ease. Speaking the national tongue will also help you win the hearts of the locals. This is a great gateway into the culture and customs of Pakistan. Additionally, knowing the basics about the cultural body language, food customs, and tipping will help you fit in and avoid embarrassment. It could also get you a good deal at a bazaar or shop where haggling is expected and even encouraged.

Be Considerate of Cultural Sensitivities

Pakistan is a mix of many ethnicities, such as Punjabi, Pashtun, Sindhi, Haraza, Baloch, and the “Urdu speaking” among many others. People from each group have their own unique language, food traditions, cultural practices, and customs. That said, there is a common code of conduct that every group follows. For instance, people take a lot of caution before interacting with the other gender. Furthermore, a significant percentage of Pakistanis favor modest attire. We advise you to keep this in mind while packing your clothes as to not offend the locals or disrespect their culture.

Carry a First-Aid Kit

We suggest that you make sure to check your travel insurance before making this trip. Additionally, remember to carry a first-aid kit with you as well. This is especially very necessary if you plan on taking part in adventurous activities that can cause wounds and scabs.

This will help you avoid making trips to the doctor and searching local pharmacies for medicines and ointments. Prepare a first-aid kit with enough supplies to last you the entirety of the trip. The kit should include medicines for common ailments like altitude sickness, headaches, and dysentery. Also, make sure to pack items to treat cuts and sores like antiseptic cream, band-aids, and surgical tape.