Travel & Trip Plan

Work your way through the following travel plan checklist.

• Passport - Check yours right now!
• Do you have one? No? Get one.
• Is your passport current?
• Allow an extra 6 months for emergencies or get a new passport
• Passport renewals take time. Dont let it ruin your trip.
• Destination - research online and offline. USENET travel nesgroups are excellent tools. Tap multiple resources.
• Budget - do you have a firm idea what your trip will cost? Do your research early if cost is a factor.
• Air tickets - check internet, consolidators. Plan as far ahead as possible.
• Accommodations - compare on hotel booking sites
• Shopping - if you plan to do a significant of shopping, research prices and add to your budget.
• Local transport - how will you travel after arrival. Figure in the cost. It can be significant
• USENET travel newsgroups - read and ask questions.
• Taxes and tipping - service and VAT added on can be significant.
• Credit cards - are they accepted at your destination. Local store cards - leave them home.
• ATM cards - can you use them at your destination.
• International calling card
• Weather - check prevailing seasonal weather conditions and plan your clothing accordingly.
• Safety & travel alerts - use our search feature to stay up to date on travel alerts.
• Visa requirements - does your destination require a visa for entry? Is special paperwork required to qualify?
• Diseases endemic to the area - some are seasonal, some are regional. If in doubt, talk to your doctor about immunizations. Prophylaxes that work on a vector in one destination won't necessarily work on another..
• Presciption medication - will your prescription be available at your destination or will you need to carry a supply?
• Insurance - are you covered? Decide on travel and trip insurance.
• Appliances - are you taking any, computer, cell phone, hair dryer, etc.? What special plugs and adapter are required. Can you get a local SIM card? Much of the world is 220 v 50 hz.
• Customs at destination - learn what and how much is allowed at entry
• Customs at home - research what might be restricted and what requires customs duties when you return from your travels.
• Language skills - if the destination language is different from your own, learn a few phrases. Polite greetings, "please" and "thank you" are great ice breakers. The more the better.
• Holidays - services and accommodations can be impacted on major local holidays.
• Driving - if you plan on driving, research the rules of the road, traffic laws, insurance requirements, conditions, international licensing requirements and car rental prices.
• Emergency kit - make a waterproof one (or 2). Pack one on carryon and carry the other securely and separately on your person. Include the following:
• Photocopy of Passport main page and visa page.
• List of credit card numbersand telephone numbers for reporting loss
• Travelers checks - list of numbers
• Telephone numbers - emergency for home and destination country
• Cash - sufficient for taxi, telephone calls, meals
• Travel details - reservation numbers, logistic details
• Doctor's prescription for any medications you may need
• Eyeware prescription
• Embassy & consulates contact information

Forgetless kit - a fanny pack, neck wallet, money belt or whatever is comfortable for you. Make sure it is secure. Try it long enough to get so accustomed to it that you "feel" when it is not with you. Use it for your passport, cash, credit and ATM cards, etc.