Planning a holiday is like playing Jenga. You need to be cautious, and you need to think long-term before making any sudden decisions. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or whether this is your first international trip, make sure you do these 15 things before you leave the country. It could be the difference between travel victory and disaster.

1. Check travel advisory websites and do your research before you book

No one likes to think about it, but the world is becoming more and more volatile. Do yourself a favour and check out websites such as Smart Traveller to make sure you’re not heading into a danger zone before you book a flight. The news doesn’t cover everything! 

2. Ensure that your passport is still valid and whether you need a travel visa

Don’t forget to check the expiry date on your passport and see if you require a visa before going away (e.g. to the USA or Australia). Some countries may refuse entry to travellers with less than six months validity on passports or those without a visa, so make sure you check the entry requirements of the countries you intend to visit or transit, including all visa requirements! This will differ from country to country.

3. Get vaccinated, refill and research your prescriptions

Depending on when and where you travel to, certain vaccinations may be required to protect you from infections and diseases overseas, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia, India and Fiji. To find out if/what you need, websites like Travel Vax are a good starting point, but you should speak with your GP too.  

If you take medication, check that you have enough to last you during your trip. Also look into the legality of the medication that you are bringing into a foreign country as it may be controlled or even illegal! You can read more about this here.

4. Buy travel insurance

From medical emergencies to cancelled flights and theft cover, travel insurance is essential if you’re travelling internationally. Shop around and you could get cover from about AU$100… just make sure you read the fine print so that you know what is and isn’t included in the policy. You may think you don’t need travel insurance, but treatment for something as simple as mending a broken arm in Spain could cost you thousands of dollars!

5. Research the laws and customs of the country

Fun fact: it’s illegal to kiss in French train stations, particularly whilst a train is at the platform. Most countries also have service charge or expect you to tip when you eat out. Make sure you’re aware of the laws and customs of the country you are travelling to so that you don’t make a faux pas or accidentally get yourself into trouble. Ignorance is not a legal defence!

6. Look into a traveller card and convert your currency

Travelling is fun, but you know what isn’t? Credit card fees. Do yourself a favour and bring a traveller card instead. Traveller cards are connected to your bank account, but usually have no fees or at least less than a normal credit card when it’s used overseas. Believe me, a traveller card is definitely worth having, alongside converted cash.

7. Make a backup plan

My mantra: Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. What would you do if your passport got stolen, if your bank account got hacked, or if you lost your tickets while on holiday? Copy your documents and keep a digital copy of anything important that you may (but hopefully won’t) need to access. It never hurts to be prepared!

8. Look into international add-ons for your phone

So, you want to use your phone overseas? Most basic phone plans won’t cover you if leave the country, and if you aren’t careful, roaming charges can quickly cost you a fortune! Find out what international add-ons will cost you and decide whether you really need to use your network while travelling, or if Whats App will suffice.

9. Consider purchasing a mobile hotspot

If you plan on visiting multiple locations, need to book flights on the go, or aren’t sure what the Wi-Fi situation will be like where you’re staying, maybe you should look into purchasing or renting a mobile hotspot. When my husband and I went to Europe for 6 weeks, we used Teppy for these exact reasons. Knowing that our information was secure and that we always had internet access definitely kept our (and our parents) minds at ease when travelling around!   

10. Buy a travel adapter

This is probably an obvious point, but it can be a real headache if you forget to bring one. If you’re travelling internationally, buy a travel adapter and check its voltage capacity and the voltage of the items you plan to use overseas (see each product’s manual). If the product description in the manual says that the item uses 100-240V (or possibly 50/60 Hz), then you should be able to use the item anywhere in the world with a travel adapter. For items that use more power, such as a hairdryer, you may also need to buy a voltage converter, otherwise, leave the item at home and simply use one provided at your destination!

11. Book attraction tickets in advance

True story: we queued for 2 hours to buy tickets for Madame Tussauds in London. (That doesn’t include queuing to get in afterwards!) Some attractions also only sell a limited number of tickets, so don’t leave this to chance. If you want to save your place, skip the lines, avoid wasting time and possibly snag a great deal, buy your attraction tickets in advance online!

12. Pack underwear and a set of clothes in your carry-on luggage

Luggage gets put on wrong flights all the time. I’ve had my suitcase lost twice. If this happens, do you really want to be stuck with only the clothes on your back? Do something your future-self will thank you for, and pack some clean underwear and a set of clothes in your carry-on, just in case.

13. Download Duo Lingo and try to learn the language

Travel Faux Pas #1: Expecting everyone to speak English. If you’re heading to a non-English speaking country, try to learn a few phrases in the native language. It doesn’t have to cost you anything if you use Duo Lingo – a free app with daily language lessons on greetings, food, people, travel, activities and more! The locals will appreciate your effort and it will make your travel experience so much easier if you try to learn the language.

14. Give a copy of your itinerary to your parents or a friend

I don’t know about you, but my parents were really worried about me travelling overseas. To reassure them before I left for Europe, I gave them a copy of my itinerary, including my flight details, the dates that I’d be in each place and the names and addresses of all my accommodation. If not to let them stalk your flight on Flight Tracker, at least do it as a safety measure for yourself in case something happens to you. Sorry to get dark, but these things can happen.

15. Register your trip

I’m going full-circle here. If there’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family issue you should be made aware of, make sure you register your travel and contact details online to make it easier for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to contact you. If you’re not Australian, you should be able to do something similar through your own embassy. Just Google it!

Before you get away, make sure you’re well prepared. From making copies of your important documents to learning the language, ticking off these 15 items will give you the confidence to travel, even if things don’t go according to plan.

What’s your next big adventure? Let me know in the comments below. Looking for tips like these every day? Follow @empoweredmillennialgirl on Instagram or Pinterest. You’ll find me there daily.

Bon Voyage!

Grace x