Everyone needs a getaway from time to time. It’s exciting that yours is coming up soon. What do you need to do to get ready before you head out? An action plan is helpful so you can get the most out of your vacation without worrying if you’ve forgotten something.
1. Take Care of Your Health
If you take any medication make sure you have enough to last through the entire trip. Depending on the location you may also need vaccinations. Check the Center for Disease Control for travel guidance. Get a list of hospitals/emergency services in the area. Learn how to describe an emergency in the local language.
2. Develop an Itinerary
This may seem like an obvious statement especially if you’re not natively a planner. That said it can still be a good idea to outline some things you’d like to do. You can certainly check off the usual tourist sites. Try to find out-of-the-way spots too. Acting like a local is a good way to gain trust as well as some unique recommendations.
3. Put Your Mail on Hold
Keep packages and letters safe while you’re away. You can put your mail on hold for up to 30 days. Make your request about a day before you plan to leave. Put a date for when you want the hold to end. You can edit the time period if your travel plans change unexpectedly. Post offices like Brighton post office will keep your mail there or deliver it to your house when you come back.
4. Learn How to Pack Efficiently
Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. Give yourself at least a few days to think through all the possible activities you’ll be doing. Check the forecast for the place you’ll be traveling to so you’ll be well-dressed if, say, there ends up being a rainstorm. How long will you be gone? Larger suitcases are perfect for a long vacation. A quick overnight will require a tote bag or backpack at most. No matter what bag you take, pack an extra outfit in case of spills or an accident. Are you roughing it alone or traveling in a group? If you have a traveling companion you might be able to store overflow in their bags.
5. Protect Your Devices, Too
Some countries have a different plug shape for using your devices. You might also need a converter. Voltage strength varies by country. Keep this in mind if you’re bringing something like a hairdryer that requires more power. Converters change the voltage of your device, so you don’t blow a fuse while you’re abroad. Support for your device doesn’t end with a charger. You may want to edit your data plan if you’re going to travel overseas. You don’t want to get caught in an emergency without the ability to make important calls.
With these preparations in place you can now enjoy your time on the ground. Take lots of pictures to document your adventures and have fun!