Things to do before travelling

When heading off around the world getting everything organised can be pretty overwhelming. We have compiled a list of handy tips to make our trip the best ever. Read through, check and see if you have not forgotten anything. If you think we have missed a big one, leave us a comment!

checklist
  1. Set up autopay for your bills
  2. Check-in with your doctor and make sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations for the countries you will be travelling to.
  3. Get a no-fee travel credit/debit card
  4. Unlock your cell phone or buy an international plan.
  5. Scan your important documents (passport, visas, travel insurance policy, emergency phone) and save them in the cloud.
  6. Triple check your visas: Most countries require visas for entry. Some are received on arrival, but equally, some have to be arranged before arriving.
  7. Get a solid travel insurance. Read more on how to choose the right backpacker insurance.
  8. Registering with a frequent flyer program.
  9. Sell your stuff. Create an account on Gumtree or eBay and start selling unwanted stuff. 
  10. Renew your passport if needed. Your passport needs to be valid at least 6 months after your return date home and have enough blank pages.
  11. Buy a lot of ziplocks.
  12. Start a vitamin supplement program.
  13. Get a funny travel mascot.
  14. Cancel all your subscriptions (cable tv, any magazine, newspaper, deliveries).
  15. Take a lot of passport photos of yourself.
  16. Renew your credit cards if they are going to expire when you are abroad.
  17. Us dollars are a great currency to have an emergency stash. Many African and Asian countries will accept US dollars.
  18. Inform your bank that you will be travelling so they don't block your precious debit or credit cards while you are away.