{"id":1866,"date":"2018-06-05T04:52:15","date_gmt":"2018-06-05T04:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tripfuser.com\/blog\/?p=1866"},"modified":"2024-11-18T03:10:30","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T03:10:30","slug":"pre-travel-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/pre-travel-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"The Designer Journeys Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>Got info overwhelm, so feeling like you\u2019ll just wing it on your next international trip? Not worth it. Ditch the panic and regret and follow our comprehensive travel checklist to prep for your overseas trip like a pro.<\/p>\n<h2>Make sure you can leave<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b><b>Passport<\/b><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No passport yet? Get one. Less than six months left on your ole passport before it expires? Start trotting to get it renewed.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Visa<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Don\u2019t rely on your mates or travel review sites for info about whether you need a visa or not. Do your due diligence and check that country\u2019s official consulate or embassy website. In some countries, such as South Africa, if you\u2019re travelling as a single parent, you\u2019ll need very specific documentation on you at all times. Pays to check. US and Canadian citizens should see the <a href=\"https:\/\/mobilepassport.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mobile Passport app<\/a> to breeze through US Customs and Border Protection, too.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><b>Flight tickets<\/b><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>How are you escaping? Plane\u2019s probably the go. Our favourite comparison websites for well-priced flights are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cheapoair<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skyscanner.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">skyscanner<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheapflights.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cheapflights<\/a>. So ensure you\u2019re registered with a frequent flier program to get more advantages. Take a print out of your flight details just in case something goes awry with your phone or being able to get online. Talking worst possible scenario, if your flight\u2019s cancelled or delayed, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airhelp.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AirHelp<\/a> lets you see if compensation\u2019s due.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1509035681059{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1509350069266{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;post-cta&#8221;]<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Don&#8217;t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!<\/b><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won&#8217;t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don&#8217;t miss out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=&#8221;Subscribe&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; color=&#8221;pink&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; link=&#8221;url:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/subscribe&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Batch Your Key Info<\/h2>\n<p>OK, we\u2019ve just said have a backup in case you can\u2019t access your flight details online. But \u2026 we\u2019re presuming they\u2019ll be times when you\u2019re on your trip that you <i>can<\/i> go online. So, this one\u2019s important. Scan and store online key info such as your passport, visa, itinerary, receipts and warranties. Email it to yourself. If you\u2019re planning to work on your trip, be able to access your online copy of your qualifications as well as your resume (though your LinkedIn profile functions as that anyway).<\/p>\n<h2>How Not to Ruin Your Holiday \u2013 Get Travel Insurance<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s just too many unknowns here. You might be a great driver, only visit \u2018safe\u2019 countries and are risk-averse, but repeat after me: \u2018I am mortal\u2019. Yep, you have no idea what fate or other folks have in mind for you whether it\u2019s intentional or accidental. Sure, your home country\u2019s embassy or consular staff will help you if you\u2019re in strife, but they won\u2019t be covering your medical expenses. That bill\u2019s for you.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to go about getting covered:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i>Ask around<\/i>. Maybe you can get a good deal or discount by checking with any services you use or of which you\u2019re a member \u2013 a union, organisation, car club even your workplace. A flick through the cards in your wallet will be a good prompt for who to ask.<\/li>\n<li><i>Visit comparison websites<\/i>. For Australia check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com.au\/travel-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">finder.com.au<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canstar.com.au\/travel-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">canstar.com.au<\/a>, or this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.comparetravelinsurance.com.au\/#mLYAvC23BlXUTBGI.97\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">one<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><i>Check the fine print<\/i>. Many policies won\u2019t cover accidents from motorcycle riding, so ensure your cover will do just that \u2013 cover you for what you\u2019ll be doing. It can be tricky extracting the policy doc from the insurance <i>before<\/i> you hand over your dollars, but persist. You need to know what you\u2019re paying for.<\/li>\n<li><i>Save<\/i> by getting your insurance in your home country rather than at your destination.<\/li>\n<li><i>Prevent <\/i>nasty surprises \u2013 tell your bank you\u2019re going away so they know not to cancel your credit card for unusual spending patterns.<\/li>\n<li><i>Keep<\/i> your family and loved ones in the loop \u2013 send them your itinerary including accommo.<\/li>\n<li><i>Start a health kick <\/i>\u2013 be your best self as a traveller. Get in top shape so you\u2019re fit to handle what your trip will throw you. If altitude sickness is a possibility, get educated about it as it doesn\u2019t discriminate between the fit and unfit. Speaking of which, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/programmes\/p05w69pz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here\u2019s<\/a> the BBC\u2019s advice on doing a five-minute high intensity workout at home or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.workoutbox.net\/home-workout-routine-to-burn-1000-calories-in-an-hour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this one<\/a> (with pics to download and stuff into your suitcase) which claims you can burn 1,000 calories in an hour, or if you have more time, try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gofit-stayfit.com\/6-week-no-gym-home-workout-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this six-week, no-gym home workout plan<\/a>. And, to stay fit on the road, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=P8J5PFEj9gs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here\u2019s<\/a> a video of 50 different exercises you can do anywhere or keep it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=goXmXFs8IxU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">simple<\/a> with just four simple exercises or a specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3GvHEXJtmd8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2018hotel room\u2019 workout<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>That Extra Insurance \u2013 Vaccinations<\/h2>\n<p>Your local doctor will be able to advise you about what shots you need to keep healthy. Asia and Latin America are up there on the list for must-have vaccinations. So, see the next section for more details about what you need to do<\/p>\n<h2>Get Savvy About What\u2019s Happening at Your Destination<\/h2>\n<p>OK, you might get info overwhelm here, sorry. Your home country will have a comprehensive advisory website where you can key in your destination. Check it out now and sign up for updates on changes before you go. Search the countries on your itinerary and read categories such as entry and exit, safety and security, local travel, laws, health, natural disasters and sourcing help.<\/p>\n<p>As for the official sites:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Australia has <a href=\"https:\/\/smartraveller.gov.au\/Pages\/default.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAjw_47YBRBxEiwAYuKdwyCauH-fJ535XXwt-rm0xn8s2toumIscwfGw8qZpwjpD3nNw3rLT8RoCAk0QAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Smartraveller<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The US has the Department of State \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/traveladvisories\/traveladvisories.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bureau of Consular Affairs<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Canada\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.gc.ca\/travelling\/advisories\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Government of Canada site<\/a> is your go-to one<\/li>\n<li>For UK travellers, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Foreign Travel Advice site<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Kiwis should check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.safetravel.govt.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SAFETRAVEL<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can do a deeper dive in these sites for profiles on your destination countries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Australian <a href=\"https:\/\/dfat.gov.au\/geo\/pages\/countries-and-regions.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Department of Foreign Affairs<\/a><\/li>\n<li>CIA World Factbook<\/li>\n<li>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/search?q=country+profiles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BBC site<\/a> is worth visiting<\/li>\n<li>Get a grasp on inequality by country through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www1.worldbank.org\/poverty\/visualizeinequality\/PISA\/country_prof.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Bank<\/a><\/li>\n<li>A little simpler is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.infoplease.com\/countries\">infoplease<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Or the usual suspect, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.traveladvisor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TravelAdviso<\/a>r for rich and multitudinous consumer reviews.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No doubt you\u2019ll also be checking general travel sites about your destination and ensure you also research your route from your arrival point to your accommo. Sometimes GoogleMaps gets it wrong. Designer Journeys has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/\">range of blogs<\/a> on different trips.<\/p>\n<h4>Cash up<\/h4>\n<p>The era of traveller\u2019s cheques has long gone, so explore and pick an option such as a travel credit card, ATM card and mix of local cash. A money belt you can hide under your clothing has stood the test of time or maybe a bumbag is more your style for these and other valuables.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1895 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1-585x390.jpg 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1895\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25214748\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-1-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class='_form_25'><\/div><script type='text\/javascript' src='https:\/\/tripfuser.activehosted.com\/f\/embed.php?id=25&69D61C5E9E9D8'><\/script><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What to Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Oh boy, there\u2019s so much to say, so little space! Take the easy way out and download the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.packpnt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PackPoint<\/a> app. Key in your destination and travel dates for a curated suggested packing list. Or, if you like, we\u2019ll list some prompts here for you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Essentials:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Pardon for asking, but are you on any medications? Bring those, plus your script and be aware that some countries prohibit certain meds crossing their border. That section above should set you straight. You might also want to take your favourite vitamins, headache and pain tablets as well as hangover boosters. Same deal, check those websites to ensure they\u2019ll not get you into trouble.<\/li>\n<li>Wallet, derh, yes and with the local cash to make a seamless journey to your initial accommo.<\/li>\n<li>Tennis ball \u2013 bet you weren\u2019t expecting that one.<\/li>\n<li>Toiletries \u2013 helping keep you schmick. Remember the 100ml bottle limit for liquids you carry on board your flight. A micro-fibre towel is handy. You\u2019ll also need toothbrush\/paste\/floss, soap, shampoo\/conditioner, moisturiser, lip balm, comb\/brush, shaver and deodorant.<\/li>\n<li>Clothing \u2013plain colours to mix \u2018n match, natural fibres (less likely to get \u2018woofy\u2019 if you can\u2019t wash clothing often) and underwear.<\/li>\n<li>Shoes \u2013 wear your heaviest while flying, have a casual comfy pair, too, and take thongs for warm-weather cruising and to keep your tootsies free of Athlete\u2019s foot.<\/li>\n<li>Gadgets \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.contiki.com\/six-two\/simply-everything-need-know-travel-adapters\/#tZfkY6yR6msBi4zJ.97\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">adaptors<\/a> are something you don\u2019t want to buy at airports as they hike the price there. Noise-cancelling headphones and an eye mask will keep you in the right zone in flight or when you need some shut eye. A tablet and camera are handy, unless your smartphone can do those jobs well enough for you.<\/li>\n<li>Keep hydrated with a reusable water bottle \u2013 it will need to be empty when you pass through the X-ray machine at airports, though.<\/li>\n<li>Just in case, pack:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>an umbrella<\/li>\n<li>light-weight rain coat<\/li>\n<li>mini sewing kit<\/li>\n<li>safety pin<\/li>\n<li>ziplock bags,<\/li>\n<li>toe-nail clippers (good for finger nails, too)<\/li>\n<li>tweezers<\/li>\n<li>spare eye glasses (and your script)<\/li>\n<li>first aid kit<\/li>\n<li>insect repellent<\/li>\n<li>swim gear<\/li>\n<li>journal<\/li>\n<li>pens, and<\/li>\n<li>maps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you can\u2019t source the stuff you need from your network and you need to buy it, look up cash-back sites, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.topcashback.co.uk\/join-us\/tripandtravel?tcb=1&amp;=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this one<\/a> for UK residents, so you actually earn cash while shopping online.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1898 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2-585x390.jpg 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/667;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1898\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/25215245\/Ultimate-Pre-Travel-Checklist-2-585x390.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<h2>Luggage Lowdown<\/h2>\n<p>Weight and size matter when checking your luggage into the airport, so find out from the airlines you\u2019re using their restrictions. Max carry-on baggage is usually 8kg to 10kg for most airlines while checked-in luggage can weigh between 23kg and 30kg. It varies, so zero in on the permitted dimensions and weight. Some don\u2019t make sense like Croatia Airlines. It allows women to take a handbag and another piece of carry-on baggage, but men can have a laptop bag as well as the carry-on bag. As well, some airlines will charge you extra for carrying checked-in baggage. Work around that by making it perhaps up to just a tad bigger than the normal carry-on luggage and offer to carry it onto the tarmac and load it onto a trolley just outside the plane. A substantial saving, but not all airlines allow this. Sound all too complicated? Take a note out of <a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/travel\/article\/carry-on-luggage-jill-paider\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this traveller\u2019s book<\/a> \u2013 she travels the world with only carry-on luggage.<\/p>\n<p>Keep up to date with what you can carry on board, too. The US <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Transportation Security Administration<\/a> has issues with laptops and, at one point, even books. And make sure you figure out how your airline wants you to check in \u2013 some need you to do so online plus present your ticket print out or app with the details to staff. For example, Ryan Air charge you a motza to check in at the airport.<\/p>\n<h2>Book Accommo Beforehand<\/h2>\n<p>Ok, one 20-year-old female took the advice of the Belgrade (Serbia) tourism office and headed to a ship moored on the Danube for her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/golfing-tours\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">holiday accommo<\/a>. After paying and handing in her passport, she soon realised it was floating brothel. Outta there. She got her passport back, but not her money. Don\u2019t rely on impulse \u2013 plan ahead for the right-fit digs for you. Check out the options below as accommodation is all about the \u2018experience\u2019 of travelling.<\/p>\n<h2>Don\u2019t Just See \u2013 Experience!<\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019ve probably got a list of landmarks you want to see \u2013 that\u2019s fine, you can take care of that. But how are you planning for cultural immersion with the locals or meeting other travellers? Most people at backpacker hostels these days stare at their mobile phones and the silence can be deafening \u2013 so unlike the \u201880s and \u201890s, sigh.<\/p>\n<p>But there is another way. Once you arrive at your destination, you can find a local or travel buddy nearby though Facebook travel groups or social network apps such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelloapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Travello<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.couchsurfing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Couchsurfing<\/a> (stay with locals \u2018n meet travellers), <a href=\"https:\/\/flipthetrip.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FlipTheTrip<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.showaround.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0Showaround (for free or a small fee per hour), Travel Pal<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nearify.com\/\">Nearify<\/a> (for events) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Meetup<\/a>. You can also swap skills for accommo through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldpackers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Worldpackers<\/a>, Willing Workers on Organic Farms (<a href=\"https:\/\/wwoofinternational.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WWOOF<\/a>), or stay in local homes through <a href=\"about:blank\">AirBnB<\/a> and the like.<\/p>\n<p>CNN has a <a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/travel\/article\/best-travel-apps\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">list of 15 best travel apps<\/a> for your next trip, too including apps for weather, locating toilets and off-the-beaten-track tours. If you don\u2019t have time to learn the local lingo, <a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/gb\/app\/google-translate\/id414706506?mt=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Translate<\/a> app will hand you a more seamless way to communicate with locals who don\u2019t speak your language. Good to know that there are 59 lingos that work offline, too.<\/p>\n<h2>Keep Yourself Nice<\/h2>\n<p>Expat career coach Lisa La Valle-Finan writes a nifty blog \u2018101.culture.hacks\u2019, such as this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thriveglobal.com\/stories\/10005-101-culture-hacks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">one<\/a> which nudges you about affection, personal space and body language when travelling. As she says, in some Muslim countries, physical contact in public is \u2018no go\u2019 whereas in Mexico, well, it\u2019s not uncommon to see folks dry humping.<\/p>\n<h2>Have you sorted your home?<\/h2>\n<p>Tick these off before you leave:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take perishables out of your fridge<\/li>\n<li>Sort out who\u2019s looking after your pets<\/li>\n<li>Turn off water<\/li>\n<li>Suspend home services you won\u2019t use such as local mobile phone plan, mail and other deliveries (time to put the \u2018no junk mail\u2019 sign on your letter box) or ask a neighbour to collect them<\/li>\n<li>Ensure your bills will be autopaid while you\u2019re away<\/li>\n<li>Lock away your valuables AND your garage<\/li>\n<li>Ditch your spare key you might be leaving under a potplant<\/li>\n<li>Consider leaving a light on in your home or setting up auto timers<\/li>\n<li>Unplug electronics (a TV on standby can spontaneously combust)<\/li>\n<li>Health check up \u2013 dentist \/ doctor visit and perhaps haircut time?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class='_form_25'><\/div><script type='text\/javascript' src='https:\/\/tripfuser.activehosted.com\/f\/embed.php?id=25&69D61C5E9EA04'><\/script><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1866&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;9&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;4.3&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;4.3\\\/5 - (9 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;The Designer Journeys Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;122.2&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 122.2px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            4.3\/5 - (9 votes)    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Got info overwhelm, so feeling like you\u2019ll just wing it on your next international trip? Not worth it. Ditch the panic and regret and follow our comprehensive travel checklist to prep for&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":1887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"faq_json_schema":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[96,97,98,109,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,153,110],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v23.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Designer Journeys Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist | Travel Journal by Designer Journeys<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/pre-travel-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Designer Journeys Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Got info overwhelm, so feeling like you\u2019ll just wing it on your next international trip? 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