before travel
1. Planning and Preparation
- Compare prices on travel websites for best deals.
- Consider proximity of accommodations to attractions.
- Read guest reviews for insights on quality.
- Confirm booking details and cancellation policies.
- List must-see attractions and their operating hours.
- Plan daily activities, allowing for downtime.
- Include transportation options between activities.
- Share itinerary with family or friends for safety.
- Visit official government travel websites for updates.
- Review any health alerts or warnings for the area.
- Stay informed about any political or social unrest.
- Register with local embassies if necessary.
2. Documentation
- Verify passport expiration date.
- Check travel dates and duration.
- If needed, renew your passport promptly.
- Research visa requirements for destination.
- Apply for visa well in advance.
- Keep copies of visa approval or documents.
- Use a scanner or smartphone for copies.
- Store copies in a secure location.
- Email copies to yourself for easy access.
- Consult your doctor or travel clinic.
- Review CDC or WHO recommendations.
- Keep vaccination records accessible during travel.
3. Financial Arrangements
- Contact your bank via phone or online.
- Provide travel dates and destinations.
- Ask about potential foreign transaction fees.
- Inquire about using ATMs abroad.
- Confirm that your cards will work internationally.
- Use reliable financial websites or apps.
- Compare rates from different sources.
- Check for any associated fees.
- Monitor rates leading up to your trip.
- Consider signing up for rate alerts.
- Visit your local bank or currency exchange.
- Order currency in advance if necessary.
- Check for any service fees.
- Determine how much cash you'll need.
- Consider using a multi-currency card.
- List all expected expenses (accommodation, food, activities).
- Estimate daily spending limits.
- Include a buffer for unexpected costs.
- Use budgeting apps to track expenses.
- Review and adjust your budget as needed.
4. Packing
- Review your itinerary for activities and weather.
- List essential items for each day and location.
- Consider any specific cultural or dress requirements.
- Include any special gear needed for activities.
- Select versatile clothing suitable for the climate.
- Include layers for changing temperatures.
- Choose comfortable footwear for walking.
- Pack swimwear if applicable and appropriate accessories.
- Gather travel-sized toiletries or refillable containers.
- Pack medications and a first aid kit.
- Include personal hygiene items like toothbrush and deodorant.
- Add any special items like makeup or grooming tools.
- Identify all devices needing charging.
- Pack chargers for each device.
- Include a universal adapter if traveling internationally.
- Consider a portable power bank for convenience.
5. Home Preparations
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbor.
- Provide them with a key if necessary.
- Explain the frequency of visits.
- Consider leaving a list of important contacts.
- Thank them in advance for their help.
- Purchase programmable timers for lights.
- Set timers to turn on/off at different times.
- Use random intervals for a more natural effect.
- Test the timers to ensure they work correctly.
- Consider adding timers for radios or TVs.
- Identify appliances that can be unplugged.
- Check for items like chargers and kitchen gadgets.
- Unplug devices to prevent phantom energy use.
- Consider a power strip for multiple items.
- Make a checklist of unplugged appliances.
- Check all windows for proper closure.
- Lock all doors, including garage and basement.
- Ensure sliding doors have security bars.
- Inspect window locks for functionality.
- Consider installing additional security measures.
6. Health and Safety
- Compare different policies based on coverage and cost.
- Ensure coverage includes travel disruptions and medical emergencies.
- Read reviews and check the insurer's reputation.
- Purchase insurance well before departure.
- Keep a copy of the policy and emergency contact numbers.
- Include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze.
- Add pain relievers, allergy medication, and any personal items.
- Consider including a thermometer and tweezers.
- Check the kit for expiration dates and replenish as needed.
- Pack the kit in a waterproof container.
- Gather all required medications and their original packaging.
- Include a copy of prescriptions for each medication.
- Check regulations for carrying medications at your destination.
- Pack enough supply for the entire trip plus a few extra days.
- Store medications in a cool, dry place during travel.
- Identify nearby hospitals and clinics.
- Check reviews and ratings for quality of care.
- Note the operating hours and contact information.
- Find out if they accept your travel insurance.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in the area.
7. Final Checks
- Review booking confirmations via email or app.
- Check for any last-minute changes or alerts.
- Ensure all names and dates are correct.
- Contact providers if necessary for clarifications.
- Fully charge phones, tablets, and laptops.
- Pack chargers and power banks.
- Verify battery health for older devices.
- Consider bringing a universal adapter if traveling internationally.
- Review each item on your list methodically.
- Ensure travel documents are included.
- Check for essentials like medications and toiletries.
- Pack according to your destination's climate.
- Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up.
- Consider time zone differences if applicable.
- Place alarms in different locations to avoid snoozing.
- Add reminders for final packing and check-out times.
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