Feeling scattered? Check out these 15 that we all forget to do before travelling.
15. Check your health insurance plan
If you get sick or injured while you are away, what is it going to cost? Can you visit the doctor for free or will it be a crippling expense? Know your options and get yourself covered for basics.
14: Registered with the embassy
You never know what might happen when you are away. Spend a second registering yourself with your government travel site so that you can get travel alerts and help if needed.
13: Make sure you are bring the right card
Will your credit card work at your destination? If you are going to be in Europe, don’t forget that you’ll need a chip-and-PIN card. If you are going to the less developed work, don’t count on being able to use your card anywhere.
12: Check on bank fees
It’s rare that you will be getting the best price at a currency conversion counter. Check with your bank to see the cost of converting cash at the ATM, getting cash back or paying by card.
11: Bring your adapters
Make sure that you have a way to charge all of the electronics that you’ll be bringing. Don’t forget or you’ll waste your cash getting adapters at the airport.
10: Plan for lost luggage
It is very possible to have lost luggage. Plan for it. Bring at least one spare change of clothes in your carry-on.
9: Bring a copy of your passport
Keep a copy of your passport tucked away in your wallet, just in case you lose your passport and find yourself stuck.
8: Leave a copy of your passport
If the worst happens and you lose it all, it’s good to have a copy of your passport at home.
7: Keep offline copies
If your phone isn’t working, it gets lost or you simply don’t have internet, are you still ready to go? Make sure you keep hard copies of essential info like hotel names.
6: Have contact numbers handy
Save the phone number of your hotel, bank, embassy and anyone else you might need to contact in an emergency so you aren’t scrambling.
5: Ready the guide book
You don’t want to leave the country and realise that you missed some amazing sights! Get excited for your trip and start exploring online before you hit the ground.
4: Know how transport works
Know all of your options. Can you take a train from the airport? Are there shuttles at the hotel? Is it better to rent a car or go by public transport? Do a little research to prevent a ton of frustration.
3: Check the weather
If you are uncomfortable every time you go out, your trip won’t be nearly as enjoyable. Forget about fashion and focus on bringing functional pieces.
2: Ask about local shops
Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy things after you arrive. Ask to see if there are local shops near your hotel. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy toiletries than to check a bag.
1: Be sure everything is set at home
Do you need someone to watch your pets? Water your plants? Make sure that everything is covered two weeks before you go so there are no last minute surprises.
