
Whether going away from home for a long period of time, or even just for a weekend, it’s important to be prepared. That means making sure your place is tidy, packing sensibly and getting all the latest info on your destination.
Here are a few things to consider when venturing outside your familiar circles.
Preparing at home
- Just before you leave on your adventure you will need to do the obvious, pack your bags! Make sure you have the correct sized luggage for your trip. The perfect luggage is one you can transport by yourself and that can hold everything you want to bring. Double check your airline’s luggage restrictions (size and weight) as well to ensure you can take your bags with you without having to pay extra.
- When packing, don’t be afraid to make a list. It can feel time consuming if you don’t have a habit of keeping notes and lists, but it can help you remember crucial items in the final packing rush such as your passports or sunglasses!
- Comprehensive travel insurance is a must. Not getting adequate coverage could be a nagging worry when traveling – and a serious financial risk. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Preparing for the Airport
- If you are traveling to the airport by car it makes sense to book your parking spot in advance with the help of a price comparison site such as Looking4Parking US. Booking beforehand avoids the stress of finding a spot last minute, on the day of departure, and there are often deals for early bird bookers.
- When preparing for your flight, always keep in mind the airport security checks. You should wear comfortable clothes for the plane journey, but also layers and shoes that are easy to take off and put on again. Make sure you don’t forget anything in your pockets, your belt or any metal accessories when going through security.
- While you are packing double check you didn’t forget your scissors, sewing needles or your skin lotion in your check-in bag.
Preparing for the Destination
- With your destination in mind, it’s best to prepare a detailed itinerary for each day, including maps. Make sure to print your documents or keep them safe on your mobile, whichever you prefer – an itinerary doesn’t mean planning every single minute of your holiday. It’s a case of knowing where you’ll be going, being informed about the neighborhood and having a backup plan for each day.
- If you are flying out of the US the government site on international travel can help you stay safe and aware of any issues at all (reversely, here’s a more humorous take on other countries advising on travel to the US).
- Keep the U.S. Embassy telephone numbers for your destination with you, as well as any bank emergency contacts and a note of your relatives’ phone numbers (in case your mobile goes missing).
- Make sure you always have access to money – be it through ATMs, sufficient cash (exchange before you travel) or a valid credit card. There are also pre-paid travel cards available, that you can simply load with a set amount of money. Speak to a bank employee if you need any more advice on foreign currency or money abroad.
So, when you are setting off on an adventure, lists and research are the king and queen of travel preparation. Being prepared in advance means that you can relax at the destination, as you know everything is taken care of and you have nothing to worry about. Being spontaneous doesn’t hurt, just make sure you don’t take any unnecessary risks and stay safe!
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