17 Essentials to Check Off Before You Travel

Getting ready for an overseas trip? Before you head out, there are some important things you need to sort out. From double-checking your passport to figuring out what to pack to sorting your budget, being prepared can make a big difference. Here are 17 simple but essential steps to help you enjoy a smooth and worry-free overseas trip.

Double Check Travel Documents And Visas

Before you pack your bags, make sure that you have all your documents in order and also have electronic and hard copies of all the important documents, like your passport, visa, and travel insurance. But be sure that the copies and originals don’t get mixed up. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and recheck visa requirements.

Clean And Secure Your Home And Valuables

You wouldn’t want to come home to a messy home after hours or even days of traveling. Before you leave, clean the house, unplug electronic essentials, clear your fridge, and make sure all the doors and windows are locked. You should also hand over your valuable items to a trusted family member or friend for safekeeping.

Arrange Household Care And Maintenance

Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to collect mail and occasionally visit to give a hint of occupancy. You could also do that by buying timers and plugging them into your lights and lamps. For peace of mind, you can snap pictures of the stove and other electronic items.

Plan For Pet And Plant Care

If you’re going for a long time and have pets, plants, or a lawn to be taken care of, then you’ll have to arrange for a pet sitter and a friend or neighbor. This will make sure that your pets get taken care of, the plants are watered, and the lawn is mowed, which also indicates that the house is occupied.

Set Up Financial Safeguards And Alerts

It’s crucial that you set financial safeguards before you travel to secure your finances. Set up transaction alerts and notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel so they don’t freeze or hold your account for any suspicious activity. You should also have double verification to ensure your banking information remains safe.

Purchase And Review Travel Insurance

Make sure that you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, luggage loss, and trip cancellations. Review the policy and coverage details so that you can make arrangements accordingly, and don’t forget to keep a copy with you. This will save you a lot of financial trouble in case of unforeseen events.

Compile An Emergency Contact List

An emergency contact list is a must. In addition to keeping emergency contacts in your phone, compile a list that includes your country’s embassy number, local emergency services, and contacts of close friends and family members. Make sure the list is easily accessible to you at all times.

Perfect Your Packing Strategy

A great deal of thought goes into packing, so making a packing list a few days before you plan to pack your luggage will save time and help a lot. Don’t forget essentials like toiletries, first aid, or gadgets. Plan your wardrobe according to the number of days you’ll be away, but don’t overpack.

Prepare Health Essentials And Medications

Visit your doctor before you travel for a check-up and get the necessary vaccinations for your destination. Before you pack anything else, it’s important that you keep your medication, prescriptions, and first aid and make sure that these are enough to last the entire trip.

Organize Your Travel Itinerary And Reservations

An organized travel schedule is essential for maintaining a smooth trip. It prevents you from missing an important reservation, event, or activity. Sharing this schedule with trusted persons back home will help them get in touch in the event that anything goes wrong during your vacation.

Prepare Your Tech Gear And Backup Devices

You can never go wrong with your tech gadgets when traveling. For your trip, you should get a phone plan that covers international roaming or purchase a local SIM card upon arrival. Pack necessary chargers, power banks, adapters, and a universal charger. Your devices should contain all the useful apps, offline maps, and a backup of important data.

Arrange For Data and Wi-Fi Access

Make sure you’ve got your internet and phone needs sorted before you travel, especially if you plan to work. Look into getting an international phone plan or grabbing a local SIM card once you arrive to avoid those crazy roaming charges. Reliable Wi-Fi or data is a must for staying in touch, navigating around, and keeping up with your travel plans easily.

Suspend Subscriptions And Services

You won’t need many of your daily subscriptions and services while you’re traveling, so you should cancel or pause them until you’re back, especially if you’re traveling for a longer period. It’ll save you both time and money, preventing unnecessary charges while you’re away.

Obtain Local Currency And Cards

Get a small amount of local currency beforehand so that you have cash for immediate expenses like meals and transport. Always keep a backup card and ensure that you’ve multiple payment options. A travel-friendly card helps a lot with international transaction fees.

Conduct Pre-Trip Research And Finalize Plans

Learn a bit about famous local spots, destinations, culture, etiquette, and attractions before your trip. This will help you plan activities and reservations in advance. Learning a few important and basic phrases in the local language will also help you converse with the locals.

Share The Itinerary With Someone You Trust

Make sure to give your travel itinerary to a trusted friend or family member before you leave. Include all the important details like flight times, where you’ll be staying, and how to reach you. This way, someone knows where you are in case anything unexpected happens. It’s a simple step that adds a lot of peace of mind.

Prepare For A Stress-Free Departure Day

Get a good rest before your departure. Make sure you’ve everything packed in an organized and orderly manner, with your documents and snacks present in an easily accessible carry-on. Wear an outfit that is comfortable and double-check your flight status a day before, make sure you arrive early to avoid any hassle.