Save unnecessary expense and worry with some common sense, practical tips for things to do at home before you leave.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Several weeks before departure
Here's How:
- Make sure your passport is in order and good for at least six months after you plan to return home.
- Obtain visas, as required, for the countries you'll be visiting.
- Obtain medical insurance, particularly if you are on Medicare or other like programs.
- Research the places you'll be visiting.
- Copy passport, credit cards, driver's license, vaccination certificates, even airline tickets and travellers' checks. Take a copy with you and leave one at home with someone who can fax you the information.
- Find out before you depart whether there is a departure tax, and how much it is.
- Check out travel options and times. Choose what works for you.
- Find out the costs of local transportation. Buses, taxis and domestic flights vary by country.
- Start your packing list depending on your destination(s).
- Get required vaccinations early so you don't travel with side effects.
- Make address labels for the people you'll be sending postcards and letters to.
- Make sure your luggage is in good shape and easily identifiable.
- Cancel mail and newspaper delivery or have someone pick up and/or house-sit.
- Make sure you can withdraw cash with your ATM card in the countries you'll be visiting.
- Find out about extra costs, such as admission fees to museums, attractions and the like.
Tips:
- Read travelogues from other travelers for an idea what to expect.
- Use this site to research your destinations.
- Discuss your plans and experiences on the forum.
What You Need:
- Trip Itinerary
- Travel Documents
- Innoculations if needed
- Reservations
