While travelling internationally is fun and exciting the preparations for it are far from thrilling.
The reality is that it takes a large amount of time to planning and getting ready for such an endeavor. Furthermore, travelling to your destination can be difficult if y0u are not prepared. Things that have helped me are:
1. Start thinking about your trip, if at all possible, months in advance and start a list of things in a book or somewhere safer than the back of a receipt or and old kleenex, so that when you think of some random thing, while showering, brushing your teeth or riding the bus that you have some place dedicated to write it down.
2. Set up a preliminary itinerary and budget sheet in excel so that it is easily editable, and keep it updated as the time comes closer. This is then easily printed or emailed.
3. Start shopping around for good airfares or transport deals and getany medical check ups, long in advance as to avoid any unnesessary surprises later.
4. Check online to see if you need a visa or other special documents when travelling to your destination country . If you so then contact the appropriate places and book an appointment as soon as you can, if you dont you may have a LONG wait, which could potentially hamper your plans. Make sure you read ALL the requirements CAREFULLY before applying, if in doubt ask someone in a travel agency or call the consolate.
5. Pack as LITTLE as possible it helps having a smaller suitcase. Then last thing you want to do is drag a bunch of JUNK (that you're really not going to use more than once) across the world. LESS is definitly MORE in this circumstance - TRUST ME! If not grab a suitcase throw some books in it to make it heavy and walk down your street and then imagine...
6. Make back up scans or copies of all important documents and email them to yourself or give them to co-travellors or leave copies with realtives, just incase, you never know WHAT could happen.
7. Go EARLY to the airport, it may mean you wastse an hour or so, but it sure beats running to the terminal and almost having a heart attack. When possible get to your gate an hour before take off. That way not matter what happens, even if you fall asleep, you are right there!!!
8. Call your bank and make sure you know WHAT to do if your card is lost or stolen. Imagine what it would be like being in a foreign country with no access to any monay. BE PREPARED!
9. Be smart with your hand luggage. I like to pretend it is an overnight bag, pretend you are sleeping out somewhere, so what kinds of things would you need. It sucks if you are on a long flight with multiple transfers and you can't wash your face or brush your teeth for 2 days.
10. Make sure you have emergency phone numbers and other important contact details on your person or in your hand luggage. Again be ready for ANYTHING.
11. Take sleeping pills and noise cancelling headphones. Lets just say that economy seats are like sardines in a tin can - its squishy. Sleeping at least for me is difficult in the vertical or verticl with a 2-inch recline is difficult. Make sure you ONLY take a pill you are used to and give your self enough time for it to wear off. While noise cancelling headphones are pricy, they are a worthy investment into your own travel sanity, especially if there are a bunch of kids on the plane - and there always is a crying baby for some reason!
12. Don't eat alot while flying, but drink ALOT of WATER. Warning apple juice keeps you awake! And get up when ever possible to stretch and move your legs.
These are just a few tips. There are MANY more, but certain things you only learn once you experience them.
GOOD LUCK & ENJOY!
posted by Jacqueline @ 7:26 PM
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