Getting Ready

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The steps one takes before one sets out plays a large role in how enjoyable the travel experiences may end up being, and what comes after, too! Before I start listing some of the items worth taking extra consideration into, I must add that they might not be as relevant depending on the kind of traveler you are.

I. First steps
      
Have a travel plan and consult with your physician about what vaccinations you may require. 

If your pet/s are coming along you have to consult about travel regulations, and they’d also need an appointment with the vet, and must take extra steps to look for accommodation that is pet friendly.

Research and try and avoid areas with ongoing civil unrest, or violent crime isn’t uncommon. Unless you enjoy living dangerously. 

Do contact the relevant people about the leave of absence well ahead of time when required. Other people knowing where you’ll be is also for your own safety. Hopefully you won’t go missing, or anything of the like, but you never know.

If there’s diplomatic representation of your country in your destination you want to keep their contact information at hand in case something arises.

II. What we are leaving behind

In or out home pet sitting would be required if you are leaving your pets behind. Got to make proper arrangements for the well being of them good boyes.

In the event that the residence is left uninhabited it should be safer to disconnect your electricity and gas. Of course, if you want to have your surveillance system running, you’d need to keep those powered. For longer trips, you could even save you some money by suspending some of your accounts for the period. Even if it’s just your residence’s internet service, or car insurance.

III. It’s a packing time

Checklist for everything you might need, while still keeping it as light as possible. Oh, and do check for what items are currently being restricted first!

The bags:

    • Solid or carry on luggage is preferred for anything that’s fragile or simply stuff you want to keep at hand.

    • Whereas collapsible bags are very convenient in that they are only a bit more voluminous than what they carry, and you can easily fit many of them into one when they aren’t required.

What’s in the stuffing:

    • All relevant documentation. Make sure everything required is there and up to date, be it NID, SSN, passports, or vaccination records. It’s worth having copies, or backups of them in case they are misplaced.

    • Payment options. Have multiple ones ready, you might have trouble with some of them, so it’s best to have many an option ready. Not a bad idea to have separate bank accounts for withdrawals to be made during these holidays.
      While not relevant for some countries, in much of the less developed areas you’ll have the least trouble paying in physical currency. So it’s worth having a small amount of cash in hand. This one’s also worth splitting up, in case it gets stolen or lost in any other way.

    • Change of clothes and personal hygiene items. Check the weather ahead of time to get an idea, but be ready for the unexpected. If you’ll be out hiking you might need some extra pairs of thick socks.

    • Basic first aid kit. Can help prevent small problems become bigger problems.

    • Spare batteries and alternative charging methods. Not everyone’s as reliant on their devices during these trips, but worth considering for those that are. 

Have a safe trip! Or not.