Pre-Travel Checklist: 10 Things to Check before your Trip

Travelling to another country can be a very worthwhile and fulfilling experience. Even if it's your first time to leave abroad or an occasional traveler, there are a few things that you need to take note to make your trip more comfortable and safer.

Before you step out of the door for the trip, get familiar with the place where you are going to. Do a research online about the entry requirements, weather condition, food & water accessibility, transportation you need to use, safety and security, customs law and many more. You can also ask from your travel agency about any trip’s concern. 

Always carry a valid passport with you. Always check its expiry date versus your destination country’s passport validity requirements. If the destination country requires a visa, make sure that you have it secured few weeks or months before your trip schedule. Don’t forget to fill in the emergency information at the back of your passport. 

Leave an emergency contact number, photocopy of your trip or itinerary, hotel contacts to your family or friends so at least they will know where to contact you during emergencies. If you have signed up for travel insurance, it is also advisable to inform them about it before you leave.

If you are planning to bring your local mobile number abroad, check in advance if it can work outside your country. Also make sure that you are familiar with the roaming charges involved when travelling abroad. 

Every country has their own kind of electrical sockets and plugs. Whether you are bringing a mobile phone, hair dryer, electric toothbrush, laptop, or shaver, make sure you have checked the plugs and purchase specialized adapters to allow you to connect your electrical equipment.

Normally, international credit cards and debit cards are more advantageous than bringing physical money during the trip. Aside from the convenience in paying the bills, it is also easier for you to check your receipts when making claims for your travel insurance. Just take note that you inform your bank first about your travel. 

On the other hand, if you are traveling in remote areas, chances are those places won’t have automated teller machines. This would require you to bring a few amount of money in hand. Make sure that you have it converted to the currency of your destination country.

Make sure that you have taken the proper vaccinations needed. If you have a pre-existing condition, it is advisable to get a photocopy of your updated medical prescription from your physician. If you are pregnant, take extra pre-cautions and make sure you follow your doctor’s travel advice. 

If you purchased travel insurance, make sure that you have read the policy wording agreement with regards to health coverage that they can give.

Always bear in mind that you need to take necessary precautions during your trip. To avoid being the target of crime, minimize wearing expensive jewelries or clothing and do not carry excessive amount of cash.

What to put inside your luggage depends on the location of your destination. However, here are some basic things that you may include in your luggage:

• Sunglasses
• Eyeglasses, contact lenses
• Jackets/sweaters
• Extra batteries
• Sun cream
• Scarf
• Map
• Compass
• Slippers
• Flashlight
• Cushion pillow
• Mosquito repellant

Why is it recommended for you to visit your doctor before you travel? It actually allows you to have an idea on what health concerns are you going to face when you are going away.

• Vaccinations – your doctor can help get the right vaccines and medicines you or your kids may need for the travel. Just make sure that you provide all necessary information required. Their recommendations may vary depending on your health history or condition, age, which country you are traveling, length of the trip, activities you will involve during the trip and others.
• Some of the immunizations include vaccines for influenza, typhoid, hepatitis, yellow fever, tetanus, meningitis, malaria, and many more. These are advantageous especially when you are traveling with kids.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your physician about your travel plans. He may give you additional health advice like buying mosquito repellent creams, sun protection products, ointments, etc. depending on season of the area you are going at. He will also guide you about the possible side effects of the medication you are taking.

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