5 Things to Do Before a Trip

Planning a trip is exciting, but if you want to have a smoother journey, you need to get yourself stuck into preparation nice and early. You’ve got to think about packing, communication, and what your money is going to look like, but there are a few steps that you can take to avoid stress and avoid any unexpected surprises. Whether your trip is a weekend getaway or you’re looking at a longer international vacation, let’s take a look at 5 important things to do before a trip.

1. Confirm your travel details and your documents. Double checking and triple checking your car rental app to make sure that your car has been booked and you have all the paperwork ready is just a good thing to do before you do anything else. Before you start packing, you should also double check your travel arrangements, your flight, train or bus tickets are booked correctly, and that your ID is valid for the duration of your trip. Don’t forget that passports need to be valid for at least six months before your return date, especially if you’re going international. If you need a visa, apply well in advance and keep a printed and digital copy with you just in case.
2. Create a loose itinerary. Spontaneous adventures are great, so having a general itinerary can help you to make the most of your time. Research the destination, get to know the must see spots and whether or not there are any events or festivals happening while you’re there. Take a look at the opening hours of key attractions too, and whether you need to get tickets in advance to see anything good. This doesn’t mean that you need to have a schedule. It just means that you need to have a sense of your priorities.
3. Go light with your packing. Packing can be easily overwhelming, especially if you leave it to the last minute. If you’re going for three days, you definitely don’t need a week’s worth of clothes. Make a list of essentials and pack clothing that will match the activities you’re planning to do. Keep it versatile with travel size, toiletries and gear specific to your destination’s climate and activities. Don’t forget any chargers, power banks and adapters too.
4. Prepare your cash. Notify your bank before you travel anywhere, especially if you’re planning on using your credit or debit card abroad. You don’t want your card frozen when you need your money the most. Let your bank know where and when you’ll be travelling, and it’s a good idea to carry some local currency for places that don’t accept cards, especially small vendors or remote areas. If you plan to use multiple forms of payment, keep them in different places like your backpack, your wallet, or even a hidden pouch. This adds to your security.
5. Plan for communication. Whether you need access to maps, your car rental app, travel guides, or want to stay in touch with loved ones, make sure that you have a way to be online. There are international data plans or SIM only plans out there that you can pick up, and there are translation apps and navigation tools that you can use. 

See more travel posts here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.