Overseas Travel—Last minute
packers need not apply
(see video below)
Here are
some of my suggestions of travel checklist activities you can't leave for the
last minute.
·
Ensure you have what you need before you begin to pack.
Write a pack list. Make sure you have everything on the list before you begin packing.
Major categories include passport with all travel documentation, outerwear, clothing,
shoes, underwear, toiletries, cosmetics, medications, workout clothing,
swimwear, pajamas, travel guides, spare glasses, extra luggage tags, cash, Key
electronics and chargers, extra credit cards, antibiotics, umbrella, reading
materials, at least one washcloth for each overseas hotel, and more.
·
Carry-on what you cannot do without.
Think carefully about your
carry-on luggage. I always like to
bring everything I absolutely cannot do without, just in case my luggage never
arrives. This includes such items as medications, spare glasses, chargers for
electronics, and some extra underwear and socks.
·
Address medical issues and bring key prescription
meds.
Think about any medical issues, any prescription medications you may need,
and contact your doctor. I highly recommend that everyone bring an antibiotic prescription with them. You
never know when you will need it. Also,
find out if there are recommended vaccines
for your destination countries. Arrange to take the vaccines. If you get carsick or seasick easily, bring seasickness medications.
·
Notify banks and credit card companies of your
destination countries.
Contact your credit card
and ATM companies/banks and notify them of all of your travel destinations. You
want to ensure that you will be able to use them everywhere and avoid being
flagged because of “suspicious behavior”.
Explore if your bank shares
alliances with overseas banks that will waive the ATM transaction fee. Also
find out what fees they charge for international transactions. Often the
transaction fee is 3% of the total.
Make sure you have enough cash in your checking account.
In case of emergencies, you may need to withdraw large sums.
·
Bring extra US cash.
Get notes in small denominations so that you won't lose money if you need to change
smaller sums into the local currency. In some cases, (where appropriate) small
denominations of US bills can come in handy for tips.
·
Have passwords handy.
Make sure you know all of
the passwords to your key accounts
especially financial and healthcare related.
Make sure your closest
loved ones have copies of your travel
itinerary including all hotel information.
·
Procure $150 in local currency.
Never arrive
somewhere overseas without some of the local
currency. Make sure that when you arrive, you have at least enough money
for taxi fare, some food, and other miscellaneous needs. You don't know when or
where you will have your first access to an ATM machine. Large banks will allow
you to order foreign-currency in advance, online. They will ship it directly to
your home or to your nearest banking center. I recommend that you order at
least $150 worth of currency for your first country.
·
Check the weather in advance.
Be prepared. As you are packing you
will need to know if you need light weight jacket or heavier jacket, a
raincoat, hats, gloves, and any other items for certain weather conditions.
·
Bring international adapters and or transformers for
all of your electronic devices.
There are some handy
all-in-one adapters that include components for all the major parts of the
globe. I know that I at least need to charge my cell phone, laptop, e-reader,
camera batteries, and portable extra cell phone battery. Also bring extra
extension cords and chargers.
·
Bring copies of your passport and bring two extra
passport photos.
In case you lose your
passport overseas, having passport photos will facilitate and accelerate the
process of acquiring another passport.
·
Make sure that all of your devices work properly.
Twice, I discovered before
an overseas trip that my camera was no longer working. I had to run out to my
local electronics store at the last minute to buy another camera. For cameras,
make sure you have extra SD cards so that you won't have a limit on the the
number of photos and videos you can take.
·
Pay your upcoming bills.
·
Research and add international Telecom plan (phone,
data, text, etc.).
Plan to keep track of your data usage. Remember
to reset your data counter on your smart
phone before you leave town. I usually do this after boarding my last
flight out of the United States.
·
Notify your postal carrier that you will be away and
of your travel dates.
Finally, write a to-do list for your return.
Sometimes returning home after a long overseas trip can be overwhelming. If you
have a list of important next steps, it will make your transition back home
much easier to manage.