Traveling is a profoundly exciting and rewarding experience. You get to see new places, meet new people, and break out of the everyday routine. However, preparing for a trip usually gets stressful and overwhelming.
You have so much to do and usually don’t know where to start. You debate what to prioritize and what to leave for the last minute. To make your preparations more accessible, we compiled a pre-travel checklist.
Keep reading this article to go through the eight essential things you need to prepare for a trip.
Get Your Home Ready
Whether you’re leaving for a short or a long trip, you want to be sure that your home is safe and secure. To protect it against any possible burglars, set up your alarm system and install security cameras and motion sensor lights if possible.
All of these features will serve as deterrents to anyone who might target your home. To protect yourself against inclement weather, ensure all your doors and windows are properly shut and locked.
Next, you should unplug all the appliances that won’t be in use to avoid worrying about possible accidents in your home while you’re away. That includes your TV, stove, washing machine, and even fridge if you’re going away for longer.
Finally, the best way to have peace of mind when traveling is to hire a house sitter – someone who will stay in your home while you are away. The other option is to have a trusted person, a friend or family member, check on your home periodically.
Documents
A visa might be one of the entry requirements in the country you choose to travel to. Getting one can occasionally be lengthy, so make sure you apply in time for your trip.
You will need a passport to go overseas. So make sure you check the validity of your documents – if you need to renew your passport, you can take a passport photo online via Perfectpassportphotos and, along with the other papers, file the application.
Finally, research the regulations of the country you travel to for travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and vaccine cards. You can always contact the diplomatic representation in your country to be entirely sure.
Prepare Your Finances
Most importantly, you can pay overseas with your credit or debit card. And while this method is the simplest and most secure, it doesn’t mean you should solely rely on it. Before you travel, make sure you have a certain amount of small bills of the official currency of the country you’re visiting.
Cash will enable you to pay at stores and markets that don’t accept card payments while providing an alternative in case anything happens to your card.
Another excellent alternative is smartphone payment. This method is just as secure as a bank card and is even more convenient because you carry your smartphone everywhere.
Finally, before you travel, contact your bank, and inform them of your trip, so that your bank accounts don’t get frozen when you pay in a foreign country.
Prepare Your Tech
Electronics can make your trip even better, and not just for entertainment. You can use them for communication and navigation, meaning that when you are in a foreign country, you can quickly look up information and a map of the area.
So, ensure your tech is working well and adequately charged before traveling. Buying power banks is an additional way to ensure you won’t be left with a dead battery. It is also good to download offline map apps, translation apps, and even itinerary apps.
Book Your Flight
The earlier you book your flight, the better. Why? Firstly, you will have your pick of seats because almost all of them will be available. Furthermore, the tickets will be much cheaper months in advance.
Airlines also offer special promotions and bonuses available for a limited amount of time, so if you book your tickets early, you might be able to take advantage of them.
Check in via the airline’s website or the official app to make your boarding easier. That way, you can avoid the crowds and long waiting lines and head to the gate where you will be boarding your flight.
Pack Your Baggage
Select the right size bag for your trip, but make sure its dimensions and weight are per the airline’s regulations. If you need to pack more than you are allowed with your particular ticket, you can pay a little extra and check another bag or additional weight in your current one.
One pro tip to protect your luggage is photographing its contents in case it gets misplaced or stolen. You can avoid having it tampered with by buying baggage locks; however, you must ensure they comply with the airport authorities.
Get Your Carry-on Together
Your carry-on is the hand baggage you can take on the plane. The carry-ons are best used for your most essential items, such as wallets, keys, passports, and other IDs, and the electronics you will need for your flight.
Research Travel Restrictions and Requirements
Before you travel to a foreign place, you should look into the restrictions that are in place, especially for foreign nationals. Find out what areas are free to explore and what parts are forbidden.
A country’s authorities might restrict tourist access for several reasons, including safety, wildlife preservation, and even weather warnings. So, make sure you don’t skip this part – nobody wants to spend their travels dealing with foreign governments.
Conclusion
Today, it’s pretty easy to travel anywhere in the world. And as much as the journey is fun, getting ready for the trip is an inevitable and a little tedious part that nobody likes. However, those pre-travel preparations will make your entire trip seamless and enjoyable. So follow our checklist and get ready for an adventure!
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team
