Pre-Trip Preparation

Part of having a safe trip is doing some pre-trip preparation and planning. The number of things that need to be done can be overwhelming. It helps to start early, with a checklist that leaves you plenty of time to get things done.

While everyone has different needs and different requirements, the following checklist should provide a good starting point for most travelers.

One month pre-departure

1) If you don’t have one, set up an email account that you can access worldwide. You can use Yahoo mail or Google mail for something like this.

If you have an email account where the ID or password contains symbols, set up a new one using only numbers and letters. On a foreign keyboard you might have a hard time finding the right key for the symbol you need. And that includes the @ sign so be sure to get those addresses into your Contact list.

2) Since many international ATM machines have only digits on their keys (no letters) make sure your PIN is a four digit number and memorize it as numbers, not letters.

3) If you have them, take at least two credit cards…one to use and one to keep in your hidden money wallet for emergencies. Contact your banks and let them know you’ll be away and where

4) If you don’t have a security money wallet, purchase one for holding your extra cash, important documents and passport.

5) Check the condition of your luggage, especially the zippers.

6) If you have a pet, make kennel or house sitting arrangements

7) Make sure you have the right clothes for your destination.

One week pre-departure

8) Arrange to have your newspaper stopped. Arrange to have your mail held or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.

9) Check to make sure you have enough medication(s) to last the trip plus a little extra for emergencies.

10) Check your supply of batteries for your power devices and don’t forget to pack any power cables you might need. Depending upon your camera, check your film and/or memory card supply.

Only two days to go:

11) Set up at least two lamps in your house on timers.

12) Clean out your refrigerator.

Only one day to go:

13) Check things with your pet sitter or take your pet to the kennel.

14) Water your plants, set the house temperature to a vacation setting, unplug appliances like coffee pot and toaster.

You can find more information for having a safe trip at Tips For A Safe Trip.