Traveling can be an incredibly enriching time for you, whether you’re a pro at navigating the big wide world or embarking on your first adventure with trepidation and excitement. There is so much you can gain from expanding your wings and getting out and about to see what the country and shores further afield can offer you.
However, that being said, there are some things you need to know before setting off to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible and that you don’t face hiccups or hurdles at any point, especially before things even get going.
Reiterating the Importance of Trip Planning
Planning is the key to a successful trip, whether it’s a local getaway or an international adventure. These tips are versatile and can be applied to any type of trip, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Know Your Trip
Before you make any plans that are set in stone, you need to know that you are making the trip to help you plan and pack accordingly. Are you planning on backpacking through Europe, Asia, or across Australia? Then, you need to be able to prepare for traveling light for the duration of your trip. Are you planning on undertaking extreme sports or adventures?
Or are you planning on an extended getaway doing absolutely nothing by relaxing by the pool or on the beach with a few day trips thrown in for good measure?
Each of the scenarios is wildly different, and understanding what your trip entails and what you expect to happen or want to happen can help you prepare and cover your bases so you are ready to go with the right tools, equipment, or information to hand.
Paperwork, Passports, and Visas
Next on your list should be identifying any paperwork you might need for your trips, as well as visas or passports. Travel within the United States of America does not require a passport if you’re going to and from US territories; however, countries out of this require a passport, and some countries such as Australia, for example, Vietnam, Cuba, or Turkey require Americans to hold a valid visa for the type of trip they’re undertaking and not obtaining a visa or entering on the wrong visa can lead to you being turned away.
Other paperwork you might need includes any agreements you might have with accommodation providers, such as booking confirmations, transfer paperwork, your right to work, proof of employment, how you will support yourself for longer trips, etc. Again, this all depends on the reason you’re traveling, and it’s better to have too much information, especially when traveling outside of our borders than too little to help you avoid any potential problems.
Finances
When planning your trip, it’s not just about the destination but also about how you’ll manage your finances. Whether going on a short city break or a week-long vacation, it’s essential to consider how you’ll support yourself. This level of financial planning will give you a sense of security and control over your trip, knowing that you have the resources to handle any situation.
However, a top priority is to consider how you will pay for your expenses when traveling. Are you going to rely on debit or credit cards only? Do you prefer to have cash? If so, how much are you legally allowed to travel with or enter different countries with? The UK, for example, does not have any monetary limits, but any amounts in cash over £10,000 need to be declared upon entering the country, and the same applies to Australia, too.
In any type of travel, it is always best to pre-warn your bank or credit card that you will be traveling between certain dates so they can expect any transactions to occur from your destination. This way, you will not be left stranded and unable to access funds if you’re not taking cash with you. It also helps prevent your bank from flagging your transactions as suspicious, which could lead to your card being blocked.
Practicalities
Consider the practical aspects of your travel arrangements to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey. This includes planning transfer times, connecting flights, and managing your devices’ battery life. By taking these practicalities into account, you can plan accordingly and feel at ease during your trip.
This means things like times between transfers, connecting flights, moving between cities or countries, etc. Do you need to take a power bank or charger with you to power up devices while waiting at airports, etc.? Do you need to download any games or movies to keep you occupied, such as spider solitaire or your favorite show to binge-watch to help pass the time during delays? Do you need to carry snacks or water bottles with you to avoid buying items at overpriced outlets? Or do you need to keep your medications on you at all times or separate so you can have easy access to them in case of any delays?
Think about what you need during times like these or what you can do to make things easier on yourself so you won’t be left stranded and twiddling your thumbs, or worse, panicking
Research The Area
Even if you’re only going to a new state, knowing the area you’re visiting can make a significant difference. It can help you be prepared for local events, understand the local customs, and avoid common tourist traps, making you feel more informed and less likely to fall victim to common issues affecting tourists.
Research local customs, tourist traps, and scams. For instance, in Europe, be wary of overpriced restaurants that don’t have a menu and charge high prices for basic meals. In South Africa, it’s advised not to venture out after dark if you’re not a local resident. Also, be aware of the weather, public transport, safety in the area, and the location of amenities such as cash points and the local embassy, if there is one.
The more you know, the more prepared you can be and the less likely you will fall victim to common issues affecting tourists in foreign countries.
Know What To Do In An Emergency
Emergencies can occur at any time and in any form. You might fall ill, have an accident, be involved in local trouble, be the victim of a crime, or experience a whole host of other things. Unfortunately, these can happen at home or abroad.
Knowing what to do in an emergency can be invaluable. It can provide a sense of preparedness and confidence, knowing that you have a plan in place should the unexpected occur.
Having travel insurance is a massive protection against things like needing hospital treatment so you’re not left out of pocket, covering the cost of lost luggage, or ruined travel plans outside of your control. Knowing the local emergency services number might serve you well. Having copies of important documents like passports, travel itineraries, medical conditions and medications, and banking details is also a good idea. These can be crucial in an emergency, helping authorities identify you and provide the necessary assistance.
Know who to call, what to do, and make sure others can track you if you’re worried or are visiting a high crime area; you can get apps for your phone so loved ones back home can keep track of you. Having a spare cell phone can be a great idea with an international prepaid sim loaded with significant numbers for you to contact people if you lose your cell phone, as can having vital details written out in the language of the country you’re visiting in French, German, Spanish, Chinese, etc so native speakers and emergency services can assist you faster.