Stress can be very prevalent ahead of a major trip. This is especially the case if you’re the one organizing everything. While things can get hairy, the best thing involves slowing down and being methodical about preparation. Make a checklist, and go one item at a time until you’ve accounted for everything necessary. In terms of accounting for some of the more major items, this checklist should help your list out considerably. Have a look and plan accordingly!
Important Documents
Any international trip requires a passport. It’s ideal to designate one specific person to hold onto everyone’s passport. Keep them together in some sort of carrying device — whether a binder or folder. From there, the holder will have easy access to doling out the passports when it comes time to go through customs. At the same time, you don’t necessarily want to be walking around town with your passport on you.
As such, here are two suggestions: Have a photocopy of your passport on you, and also upload a copy of your passport to an email you can access. In the event you lose your actual passport — or need to show some sort of actual ID, you’ll be covered in multiple ways. Additionally, have a printed-out list of the addresses in which you’re staying. Also, include emergency numbers for the country you’re staying in should you ever need it in a pinch.
Chargers, Anyone?
Your phone/tablet/laptop charger in the U.S. is not compatible with the outlets in other countries for the most part. Before leaving on your trip, research the adapters you may need. These can normally be bought online or in a department store. There’s the possibility you won’t have to bring a different adapter depending on your destination. However, more often than not, you’ll have to pony up the cash and bring one with you.
Currency
It’s always a smart idea to have a bit of money on you when traveling. There are times when you need to pay for something with small bills — either out of necessity or convenience. I wouldn’t suggest having large sums of money on you at any given time. Most establishments today accept cards. With pickpockets targeting tourists specifically, you don’t want to be in danger of losing hundreds of dollars. Instead, get some of the currency from your local bank before leaving on your trip. Have just enough to get you through the day.
Buying a money belt is also a smart move. This Snap-on strap goes around your stomach with a small pouch to zip up your money in. You can hide it under your clothing and no one will suspect anything. Additionally, contact your credit card company before taking a trip abroad. Some companies may shut your card off if they see purchases being made in foreign countries. By alerting them that you’ll be abroad, you won’t have to deal with that headache.
Appropriate Clothing
This is a key point to understand. If traveling in foreign countries, you may encounter terrain that you’re not used to walking on for long durations of time. This could include dirt, cobblestones, or mud. You want a good, sturdy pair of walking shoes whenever you go on vacation — regardless of vacation. Also, be sure to bring a light jacket, a heavier jacket/sweatshirt, and comfortable clothing in general. Lastly, pack an extra pair of clothes in your carry-on. It’s somewhat common to lose your luggage over a multi-leg trip across the pond. Landing in a new country with no change of clothes is a true nightmare.
