Essential Travel Preparations: Booking, Health, and Documents Tips for a Smooth Journey

Check Your Documents

1. Is your passport still valid? It's important to check this in advance, as getting a new passport takes time.
2. Are you planning to drive a car while traveling in another country? Apply for an International Driving Permit if you don't already have one. If you have such a license, check the expiration date of your driver's license and renew it if necessary.
3. Buy travel insurance. To be wise about this, compare the cost of insurance with your potential loss and check the coverage in case of a claim.
4. Make paper copies of all your documents.
5. Make a list of valuable items you're taking with you. Note the serial numbers of electronics, their brands, and models. If you photograph your belongings, these photos will serve as documentation for the insurance company and the police in case of theft.

Handle Financial Matters

1. Before you go on an international trip, be sure to notify your bank about your planned travel. Inform them that you will be using your debit and credit cards. This will help you avoid sudden card blocks due to suspected fraud when transactions are detected in, say, Australia. Also, inquire about transaction fees and obtain the PIN for your credit card.
2. While you usually don't need to bring currency on your trip, as you can use local ATMs, make sure to have enough cash to cover some immediate expenses during your travels. In some countries, cash payments in the local currency are common, and you might even encounter places without card readers, like restaurants or local markets. Therefore, be sure to bring sufficient cash with you.

Make Reservations

1. Book your international flights, both outbound and return. You can often save a lot on ticket prices by booking well in advance.
2. Check the airline's policies regarding carry-on luggage. Ensure your baggage meets weight restrictions. You can find the current weight requirements and a list of allowed items on the airline's website.
3. Reserve a rental car if such an adventure is part of your plans.
4. Consider your transportation within the country. If you’ll be taking domestic flights, book these tickets in advance. If you plan to travel by train, in most cases, you can buy tickets just before your journey. However, it’s best to check for exceptions ahead of time.
5. If you’re traveling during peak season, it’s wise to book accommodations and restaurants in advance.
6. Regardless of the season, find a guide in advance that matches your preferences (gender, age, language, experience, services). Check out GuidesFinder's list of local guides. Find your ideal guide and contact him directly to discuss all the details.

Take Care of Your Health

1. Check your health before the trip. Get a medical check-up, visit the dentist, and complete any necessary medical procedures.
2. Ensure you have enough medication. If you take prescription drugs, stock up before your trip and bring your prescription with you.
3. Check vaccination requirements. Some countries require tourists to be vaccinated against certain infectious diseases. This is a World Health Organization requirement.

Manage Your Mobile Connectivity

1. Change your mobile plan to reduce costs and check Wi-Fi availability. Follow reasonable safety measures to protect your phone and data.
2. Consider useful mobile apps for your journey and download them in advance. These might include maps, a translator, schedules, etc.
3. If you enjoy watching movies while traveling, download them to your mobile device beforehand to avoid paying for foreign streaming services.
4. Don’t forget to check your portable chargers and charging cables to ensure you bring them with you.