33 THINGS TO DO BEFORE TRAVELING

Vacations are the best time of the year, so why not make the best of them? A properly planned vacation is the one with the most memories. I know travel troubles make memorable adventures, but many things to do before traveling can make it easier and happier. So, let’s quickly get through your “to-do list” before the plane takes off.

1. Update Passport and Visa

Make sure that your passports and visa are in accordance with the laws of your destination country. Ensure that the expiration date of your passport is not less than six months. And, don’t forget to get a copy of your passport and visa.

2. Medical precautions

Important information regarding a crime or medical facilities must be well researched. So, don’t forget to check Centers for disease control and prevention ‘CDC‘ website before traveling. The CDC has a checklist for any vaccines or medical precautions before flying. Also, contact your doctors about other medical precautions.

3. Travel app

There are a lot of travel apps to arrange your trip. It will be easier if you update your travel app with all your bookings and itineraries. In my opinion, the best travel app is Tripit; also, they have a website.

4. Print the Maps Out

Although it is an electronic age, print your destination maps out in case the internet facility is too expensive or not available. Sometimes the weak signals make it impossible for travelers to locate the locations in a foreign land. Subsequently, the printed maps come handy, and the locations can easily be mapped out with the help of cab drivers. Also, you can try to save Google maps offline.

5. Pay bills

In every trip, uncertainties are very much expected. Departure dates can be extended. Therefore, the entire bill must be paid before taking off for the journey. Who wants to get charged with late bill fees anyway? So, get rid of your housing expenses, credit cards, and monthly bills.

6. Contact your Bank

Cash withdrawals in foreign countries can be really hectic. Also, contacting your bank reduces the fun, and often the travelers have to bear the extra charges. To this end, it is crucial to get in touch with your registered bank. They might levy you off from the additional fees in case they are partnered with a foreign bank. Moreover, notify them of your travel dates and visa cards. Also, inform your credit card issuer of your travel plans to avoid your card denial.

7. Manage Cash

Most countries do not accept traveler’s checks, so make sure that you carry one or two credit cards with you. To withdraw money, use your bank card in an ATM through which a suitable exchange rate is also possible. So, it is better to get some cash before traveling. Also, find currency exchange in the country you are visiting can be challenging and time-wasting.

8. Manage your Appointments and Mails

To make your trip carefree, manage your mails, calendar, and work arrangements in an effective way. Generate an automatic “out-of-office” response for your emails. Put your mail delivery service on hold for a few days and alter your calendar accordingly. All the appointments need to be either taken care of or rescheduled.

9. Hunt for Travel Insurance

If insurance can cover your trip expenses, then why pay extra? Travel insurances are designed to assist travelers, so if available, make the best use of them. Travel insurance is never a money waste, and even it can be lifesaving.

10. Call your Mobile Company

Affordable call packages and fast internet access on the smartphone is essential. To this end, prior contact with the cell phone company must be made for the best service abroad. Many cell phone companies offer affordable customer service for international calls, texts, and data plans. Make use of it.

11. Contact airlines

So this is my top hack and must do before travel. Contact the airlines to confirm all reservations. Also, select your seat, depending on your personal settings. Confirm all reservations. Ask about if you can get access to the lounge; your credit card could help you with that.

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12. Contact hotel before traveling

I have discussed in previous articles how to find cheap hotel deals and how to save money while you stay at a hotel. So this tip I can say it can be article number three. Contact your hotel either by Email or better by phone. Ask about amenities, upgrades, and other services available. Guess what? I am sure that you will be surprised by what you may get.

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13. Replicate Important Documents

In a foreign country, documents are more important than finances. They ensure the safety of the traveler. Therefore, make several copies of your passport, credit cards, or identity cards. Ensure that you possess both the electronic and hard copy so it can be easily retrieved if required. Moreover, renting a car in a foreign country eases the transportation cost and effort; hence, make sure your driving license is valid in the foreign land.

14. Leave your itinerary

Here is maybe my most valuable tip to you. Because you don’t know what might happen in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home. So, you can print your itinerary and hotel stay or send it by Email to a friend or family member.

15. Clean the Fridge

You do not want to return from a perfect trip to a pungent-smelling fridge. Get rid of the extra food in the refrigerator by either giving it away or finishing it before the departure. Definitely, you will be tired, and that will restrain you from clearing the mess. So, avoid the undesirable beforehand.

16. Wash Bathroom and Bed Sheets

It might feel like an unnecessary chore while leaving, but once you reach back home, all you wish is for a clean bathroom and fresh bedsheets. Half of your jet lag will be erased at the sight of a neat and tidy house. So, trust me on this because you will appreciate it later.

17. Bring-in Open-air Furnishings

Outdoor furniture must be adequately cared for; otherwise, they get ruined. Extreme weather conditions back home can destroy the patio chairs or your beautiful cushions. Make sure to place all the pool equipment inside. Moreover, you do not want to lose your furniture at the hands of the thieves.

18. Accommodate your Pets:

It is hard leaving your pets behind; however, make sure that they are properly looked after while you are away. Settle them in either at a relative or a friend’s place. Ensure that all their food requirements will be fulfilled. Arrange favorite treats for them as well because they deserve that special treatment.

19. Prepare airplane meal

I have a good idea, why don’t you pack the food you are going to eat during travel? Fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts are healthy and potentially safer than airplane food. Another option, order a hot meal when on the airplane or online before travel.

20. Be mindful of your liquids

The water is essential during travel. Please get extra attention to take adequate amounts of water during the journey. Always bring a bottle of water, especially when on the beach or sunny regions. In some countries, tap water can be valid for drinking. So, you can save money by getting tap water for free instead of by mineral water.

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21. Medications list

Don’t forget to bring enough amount of your medication. Check your medicines are in date; otherwise, you would be in a big problem. Even if you buy pills from the destination country, changes in dosage and manufacture can be harmful.

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22. Media upload

Possibly you are going to have to wait for long times at the airport, in the flight, or transit. Imagine that, minutes and seconds pass very slowly and you have to kill time. So, upload the media such as movies, music, documentaries, or pdf books to read. Some movie streaming services, such as Netflix allow you to download videos and watch it offline. Enjoy!

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23. Fully Charge the Devices

You won’t get easy access to charging facilities until you reach your destination. So, don’t forget to charge your devices as it can be frustrating when your phone is dead. So charge up your phone tab power banks or any other device you are using. Avoid unnecessary trouble by ensuring a little effort beforehand.

24. Keep Extra Pair of Clothes in Carry-on Luggage

Make sure that you carry a basic set of clothes in your carry-on luggage. I think you will be grateful for this if your luggage gets lost or delayed at the airport. You don’t want to be roaming in the same clothes for days and feel uncomfortable when God forbid; you are already in a mess.

25. After packing your luggage

Have you packed your luggage? Well, now open your bag and remove half of the clothes you brought! Yes, I am serious. You must have noticed that most of the clothes you brought in previous trips were nothing but a load. So, save space in your luggage and fill it with the souvenirs you will buy when travel.

26. Create a Checklist

Even if you have a sharp memory, you will still forget to pack one or two things. Make a list of all the items you need on your trip and keep updating it until required. Note down the important medical prescriptions, passports, chargers, and clothing. Nothing is left behind if this technique is undertaken. What do I do? I write all items I pack then take a photo-shot by my phone. This way, I can recheck again before I come back home. Also, it will work as a checklist and remind me of what to bring on my next trip.

27. Good Night’s Sleep?

If you travel over many time zones, you should get ready for jet lag. Previously, I discussed the full details of jet lag and how to get override it. To summarize, “Get up and go to bed early if preparing for a long flight towards the east. Wake up and sleep later if you are preparing for a westward trip. You can use the jet lag recovery calculator for planning flights and reducing jet lag symptoms.”

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28. Check weather

Despite being an apparent fixation, most travelers forget to check the weather conditions and rely on assumptions. Weather conditions can destroy hours of planning in seconds. So, make sure that you packed the clothing in accordance with the weather. And don’t forget that umbrella in case the rain welcomes you at the airport.

29. Get a Lock for Luggage Safety

The possibility of pickpockets or thieves can never be put down in a foreign land. You cannot carry all your valuables with you while exploring; hence, a lock for your luggage is imperative for its security. Put the locks on your backpacks too. This way, you can enjoy the tour carefreely.

30. Clean the Wallet

Only the necessary matter should be present in your wallet. You do not need any gift cards, loyalty cards, or any additional credit cards with you on the trip. The extra burden is not required on your leisure days. Also, you do not want them to get lost, so better keep them safe at home.

31. Switch-off Electronics

The last thing you want on your trip is your electronics still running back home. Save your money and energy by unplugging the electronics throughout the house. A slight mishap can create havoc in the house, so invest a bit of your time upfront.

32. Bring your chargers/adapters

Make sure that you keep the adapter and chargers with you; otherwise, you will have to repurchase them. Even worse, you could get in trouble if you are not connected to the internet.

33. Put Essentials in Carry-on Luggage

In any case, you cannot afford to lose your valuable luggage and necessary documents. Keep your passports and other essentials with you in your carry-on luggage at all times. There is also a slight chance of your checked baggage getting lost or damaged, so take the necessary precautions in advance.

So now I think you know what are the things to do before traveling that will give you trouble-free travel. You can schedule the tasks on your phone or Email. How about you? Is there anything extra you do before the trip? Well, let me know in the comments.