Any type of travel, whether it is for business or pleasure, requires preparation to ensure the trip goes smoothly. Careful planning before you leave makes for a less stressful trip. A checklist and calendar or schedule can help you to divide up the tasks you need to accomplish without forgetting anything important. Your specific needs will vary depending upon your destination and the length of your trip, but here are some basic steps to keep in mind.
Get Your Documents in Order
Proper documentation is necessary for smooth travel. If you forget something important, you may experience delays or even be unable to follow through on your plans. This can be a costly and annoying error to rectify. Keep all of your essential documents with you at all times so you can show the proper authorities. Never pack them into your luggage. It’s also a good idea to make copies in case you misplace something. If you are traveling to another country you will need to have a valid passport or work visa. Check with the requirements and guidelines of travel for each place you will be going to. Medical insurance is vital and even a foreign driver’s license may be useful.
Purchase Travel Tickets and Insurance
As soon as you have your dates and destinations decided upon, you need to start looking for travel tickets. Browse various airlines, trains, and car rental agencies to compare rates to get the best deal. Some places may have discounts or packages available. Travel insurance is a good investment to protect you from financial loss in the event that your plans need to be changed or canceled. It’s best to book your lodging accommodations as soon as you can as well.
You don’t want to arrive at your destination and learn that all of the best hotels and conveniently located houses are booked. If your travel plans are more flexible and you aren’t sure of your plans for each step of your trip, then at least have a few ideas in mind. Do a little research and get the names and contact information for several possibilities so you aren’t left exhausted at the end of the day and scrambling to find a room.
Research Accessibility for All Destinations
Different countries have various standard amenities and accessibility that are offered to guests. When you know that you will need something specific, such as internet access to do work while on a business trip, then it’s best to contact the hotel in advance to find out what is available.
You may need to make adjustments to your plans. Something as simple as charging your cell phone can be difficult when the type plugs are not what you are used to. Fortunately, you can easily find out if you need to bring along an adapter or a surge protection device to adjust to varieties in voltage and outlets so you can use all of your devices without fear of losing a charge or damaging them.
Share Your Itinerary and Trade Contact Details
Wherever you go on a vacation or business trip, it is a good policy to give a close friend or family member a copy of your expected itinerary. Try to check your email and phone several times a day and keep in contact. A list of travel dates and cities, along with the names of your hotels, could also be useful if there is an urgent matter that requires your attention and you aren’t reachable by phone. Travel with a group of people comes with additional considerations.
Exchange phone numbers with everyone in your party and make a physical sheet with names and numbers to distribute. You can also agree on certain meeting times and locations in case you get separated and are unable to reach each other in another way. Communication with your travel group and family back home isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind. Before you go, it’s important to contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them to the fact that you will be traveling. Give them your travel dates and destinations. This will prevent issues with your cards being flagged and unusable due to suspicious activity.
Secure Your Home
Nothing is worse than being far from home and getting that sinking feeling that you forgot to take care of something important. Get your home ready for your trip away so you can eliminate that anxiety. Arrange for a pet sitter that your animal knows and is comfortable with. Your furry friend may experience some stress of their own with your sudden absence, so give them all the familiarity that you can. If they are going to be cared for outside your home, take them for a few visits so they can get used to their new, temporary surroundings. Some basic household safety and convenience measures should be put in place in advance too.
Either call the post office and put a hold on your mail until your return or arrange for someone to stop by and collect it. If you have plants, they will need to be watered on a regular schedule to keep them healthy. Lock all of your doors and windows before you leave and put a light or two on an automatic timer to make it look like someone is at home. Bill paying can be an easy thing to overlook when you are traveling. Avoid late fees by arranging for automatic payments or even paying your bills in advance. Make sure to take the time to throw out any old food in the refrigerator that could spoil before you return. Clean up around the house and take out the trash. If you have time, try to do some cleaning. Making up the beds with fresh sheets, vacuuming, doing the dishes, and even doing some dusting will allow you to return home to a clean and welcoming home.
Budget Spending Money
Your biggest expenses are going to be your plane tickets, other travel arrangements, and lodging. Most of this you will know of in advance, so you can save up enough money to travel comfortably for the length of your trip. However, don’t forget to budget funds for entertainment and enjoying yourself as well. Traveling should be a fun adventure that gives you the opportunity to try new things and experience all that an exciting and exotic new place has to offer. Even if you are traveling for work, you should have plenty of time to see the sights and try out some local restaurants. Make a list of all of the things you want to do on your trip. Check out online resources for recommendations and include the main highlights as well as the off-beat interests you would love to indulge in. Use this information to come up with a budget for each day or each destination. It’s always best to give yourself a cushion in case of an emergency or even when you want to splurge on a whim. You won’t know the exact amount of money that you will need, but budgeting will give you a goal and a reasonable amount that you should aim to have available.
Address Medical Needs
Some more exotic or remote travel destinations may require you to get vaccinated for some specific illnesses. It’s very important that you find out well in advance what you will need so you can make the arrangements to get the shots and any boosters that might be required. You should also check in with your doctor to discuss any health concerns that you have and to get any necessary prescriptions that you will need to have filled. Take enough medication with you for the entire duration of your trip and bring a copy of the prescription just in case.
Boost Your Health
Traveling can be stressful for both your body and your mind. Prepare for your journey by paying special attention to your health in the weeks and months leading up to your departure. This is especially necessary if you have been feeling run down lately, or if your trip includes a lot of physical activity. Eat a healthy diet of mostly whole foods and try to avoid processed and junk food. Stay hydrated both before and during your trip. It could be a good idea to take a few supplements or vitamins to improve your overall health so that you have the energy and stamina to enjoy each day. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and traveling can take its toll on both. Jet lag, change in routine, sleeping in a strange bed, and any number of other factors can increase your anxiety and make you more susceptible to feeling tense or even depressed. It can be helpful to have some coping mechanisms in mind to deal with a stressful event or when you are feeling the strain of travel. Some simple measures that can help include medication and deep breathing. These are things that you can practice nearly anywhere when you need to recenter yourself and calm down. Even a few minutes each morning could be enough to improve your mindset.
Pack Carefully
Packing for a trip can feel like a chore. It always seems that you stuff your suitcase to the brim out of fear that you will forget something important, yet you never even use part of what you bring. Simplify the packing process by making a list of essential items and by using packing cubes to keep your clothing neat and easy to find. Pay attention to what the weather will be like at your destination during the time you are traveling. Include plenty of mix and match pieces that let you create a variety of outfits. Plan for every possible occurrence by bringing along a jacket and umbrella. Don’t forget appropriate footwear either. Take shoes that are broken in and comfortable so you don’t get blisters from walking a lot. Consider the types of activities that you will be doing. Pack business attire for meetings and work events. If you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing, remember to be respectful of local culture and customs. Many religious sites require a more conservative style of dress. Include a basic first aid kit in your luggage along with all your toiletries. You may also want to throw a speaker or a book into your bag for downtime so you relax.
Any type of trip can be a wonderful experience if you approach it with a good attitude, organization, and planning. These are the keys to a successful and relaxing trip. Next time you travel, remember to invest a little extra time into getting yourself ready and you’ll soon realize how much your efforts have paid off.
