With so many of us traveling and with busy lives, it's often easy to forget one or two things. The following are some pre travel tips to help keep your trip enjoyable.
BANK
• Notify your bank(s) and/or credit companies of your itinerary.
• Find out if any of your banks offer favorable international programs such as waived exchange fees, partner banks, etc.
• Carry with you the equivalent of USD $100 in local currency for quick purchases. With advance planning, this can often be obtained through your own bank. Otherwise, carry some US cash in small bills for exchange at the airport or hit the ATM at your destination airport.
• Carry newer US currency. Some exchange bureaus won't accept old or tattered bills. Also, in many countries, you get a better exchange rate for larger bills - $50, $100
DELIVERIES
• Arrange for your mail to be held by the post office in your absence. https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/
• Place any scheduled deliveries on hold (newspaper, milk/wine/veggies, packages, etc)
• Ask a neighbor to remove and hold any delivery notices/door tags or other obvious signs that you’re not home. If you’re really good friends, ask them to accept the package for you to retrieve on your return.
PACK/BRING
• Sunblock, insect repellent, lip balm, hand sanitizer and lotion
• Collapsible Water Bottle
• Small umbrella
• Rubber soled footwear / moisture wicking socks
• Sunglasses
• Copies of your passport in each piece of luggage
• Ziplock type plastic and waterproof bags/carriers for any electronics that MUST be brought along.
• Electrical converter for charging or using anything that requires electricity.
• Over the counter meds: motion sickness/upset digestives, pain reliever
• Prescription meds
• Keep in your wallet a list of health issues and allergies.
PHONE
• Notify your mobile phone carrier and check for or arrange coverage or have a communication plan - if you have a phone that takes a SIM card, you can often purchase a SIM in your destination to use while you’re in that country.
• Unplug. Many places have Wifi but connectivity may be intermittent.
REGISTER / CONTACT
• Leave contact numbers and share your itinerary with close friends for any emergencies or issues at home or at your destination.
Help the U.S. or Canadian Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
• For US Nationals, register your trip with the US State Department via Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://step.state.gov/step/
• For Canadian Nationals, register your trip with https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
And most of all, don't sweat the small stuff! Enjoy yourself!