Preparing for a trip is one of the most essential parts of your actual trip. It requires attention and expertise and with time you will master the routine that best works for you. However, if you don’t know where to start, have a read through my advice on how to prepare for any trip!
1 – Visa
This is not always applicable, but it is a good habit to check whether or not you will need a visa for your trip. If you do need one, be sure to check how to get it – usually, the online option is the best choice, but for some countries, it is actually cheaper and faster to get a visa at the airport.
2- Travel insurance
This is a must for every trip. When travelling, anything can happen. You can get sick, your luggage can get lost, your flight can be cancelled and so on. By purchasing valid travel insurance you make sure to cover some or all of the risks associated with your trip.
There are many websites that compare different travel insurances:
You can use one of these to find the policy that best suits your needs.
3- Copies of your documents
It’s very important you always carry a printed copy of your travel documents – i.e. passport, visa, insurance etc. in case you lose them. Of course, a copy has no legal validity, but it’s at least proof that the document existed.
It may be useful to also leave a copy of your travel documents with your family at home.
4 -Check phone network
This is something I always do as soon as I know what my destination will be. I check first if my operator has some kind of international plan that I can use in the country I am going to. Alternatively (as happened for example on my trip to Egypt) I check if I can buy there a temporary sim card.
5- Leave at home unnecessary cards
If you are anything like me, your wallet is probably full of cards that you don’t even know about. Not only bank cards, but also point cards, club cards, public transport cards and so on. You won’t really need all of them so empty your wallet at home to avoid losing them or – worst, have someone stealing them.
With bank cards especially, I always recommend to leave your debit card at home and bring the credit one with you. As you know, the debit card is the on that is directly linked to your current account – you don’t want to lose it abroad! Make sure you check out my 5 tips on how to be money smart while travelling for more tips like this one.
6- Send the itinerary to your family
I have started doing this mainly because my father forced me to every time I went somewhere. But thinking about it, it’s actually a good habit to let your family know where you will be during your trip, especially if travelling solo. In the unfortunate event that your family can’t get ahold of you while you are away, at least they will know where you were supposed to be.
7- Do your due diligence
If you want to be an expert on how to prepare for any trip, you know that this is something that should be done for every destination. Buy a guide (Lonely Planet ones are every traveller’s favourite!), search the Internet, ask fellow travellers… Anything that will help you be prepared and know anything there is to know on your destination.
8- Packing checklist
If you have a tendency of forgettting things like me, a packing checklist will be your best friend. Just write down everything you reckong you will need and can’t for any reason leave at home. You can update it over the days if new things come to mind!
9- Prepare your home for your absence.
Last but not least in this guide on how to prepare for any trip. Most people don’t think about it, but if you intend to leave your house for a week or more you need to take care of a few things. First, remember to empty your fridge – you don’t want to come home to mouldy tomatoes and butter. Remember to switch off any electric device or – even better, unplug them. This will reduce the risk of short circuit or even fires. Water the plants and think about a plan on how to keep them watered – e.g. ask a neighbour. Clean your home! You will be grateful when you come back tired and jet-lagged that at least your house is clean and tidy.
Do you have any other recommendations? Let me know in the comments section!
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