So, you’ve planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and you’re raring to go. You’re starting to get organized: You’ve got a packing list printed off and a new backpack ready to fill. Think you might be forgetting something? Follow this checklist to make sure you have the essentials covered.
Table of Contents
1. Check Visa Requirements
Countries worldwide have different entry requirements, and for some, you’ll need to have organized your visa well ahead of your arrival. Make sure to check where you’re going and get the visas sorted.
2. Do You Have a Valid Passport?
Many people don’t realize that some countries ask you to have upwards of a year left on your passport’s validity to be let in. Don’t get caught out at the border: Check and renew now. Get it done with passport photos Calgary smoothly.
3. Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is so important. You never know what might happen while you’re traveling, so why risk it? Get backpacker travel insurance to cover you for any eventuality.
4. Get Vaccinations
Depending on where you’re planning to go, you might need to be vaccinated. Some countries will not let you pass border control without a vaccination certificate, so do your research and get it sorted before you leave.
5. Make Copies of Everything
It’s easy to rely on a smartphone or tablet to show tickets or reservation numbers these days, but you never know when it’s going to run out of battery or get lost. Make sure you’ve printed out copies of all your reservations and tickets, so you’ll be good to go no matter what happens to your phone.
You should also make copies of your passport in case you lose that. You can take a copy to the embassy and have more chance of getting home.
6. Pack up Your House
If you’re going on a long trip, it doesn’t make sense to leave everything at home—it won’t be safe. Instead, put your prized belongings into storage. If you live in Florida, use Jacksonville storage or find another option near you. It’s easy to find a storage facility that suits your budget and gives you peace of mind while you travel.
7. Get an International SIM Card
Using your existing cellphone plan from abroad is expensive. Many hostels offer good Wi-Fi connections these days but calling and messaging is costly when you’re out and about. Consider an international SIM card to save you money—don’t forget to unlock your phone from its carrier.
8. Gather Medical Supplies
If you take medicine, make sure you have a big enough supply to get you through your trip. You should also write down the names of your medicines and any allergies you have in other languages. This will help you in case of an emergency.
9. Tell Your Bank
If you use your card abroad without letting your bank know you’re going away, they may assume fraud and cancel your card. Tell your bank ahead of time that you will travel to avoid being stranded with no cash.
10. Cancel Your Bills
If you pay regular bills or subscriptions that you won’t be using, try canceling or pausing them for the duration of your trip. How much Netflix will you be watching while you’re exploring the globe? Save yourself the money instead.
Once you’ve checked off the ten items on this list, you’ll be ready to go on the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy yourself!