What You CANNOT Forget to Do Before You Travel

I was recently preparing for my adventure in Costa Rica and realized I was quickly running out of time to get everything done. I got super busy a couple weeks before, between life and work and I procrastinated more than usual, making my week before a fun vacation, much more stressful than it needed to be.  

Because of my experience, I wanted to check in and have you ask yourself, "Are you prepared for your next trip?"

Unfortunately, for many people (including myself), the answer is no. Why? Because it’s more than just packing a bag, and taking off. It’s okay though, I have you covered! Below are a few things you simply cannot forget to do before you travel. Hopefully, it will inspire you to create a to-do list before your next trip, so you can relax knowing everything has been taken care of...

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Here’s what you need to do before you leave:

1. Arrange pet care if you have a furbaby.
   So many pet owners end up scrambling at last minute to have Fluffy taken care of before they skip town. The further ahead of time you can arrange this, the better! 
   
   
2. Talk to your cell phone provider and let them know you will be away.
   This is especially important if you will be leaving the country, because you may want to discuss plans for coverage in other countries. Then again, you may find that buying a sim card in the country you’re in is a cheaper option. Still, it never hurts to get more information before you depart! 
   
   
3. Take out the trash! 
   Now, we don’t just mean the trash bag that is full. You’ll also want to throw out anything that might expire or turn into a science experiment in your fridge or pantry while you’re gone. The last thing you want is to come home wondering “what’s that smell?” 
   
   
4. Pay your bills.
   This one might not feel as necessary because you might just feel like it can wait until the due date. But, what if you don’t have internet coverage where you are traveling? It’s better to arrange payment before your departure than risk a late fee, or risk coming home to utilities being shut off for non-payment. 
   
   
5. Tell your bank and credit card providers you’re leaving.
   Nothing shuts down an account faster than using it multiple times in a city, other than the one you live in, without warning your bank and creditors. It’s a common tactic for your account to be shut off if fraud or theft is suspected. Trust me - warn them so that doesn’t happen and leave you stranded with no money!
   
   
6. Get the local currency ahead of time.
   You’ll want to get some of the local currency before you leave if you’re going out of the country. While exchange costs may be lower in the country itself, you’ll at least want to get enough to get to the destination, and to have for your first day or two just in case for transportation or tipping when you first arrive until you locate an ATM.
   
   **FYI... the ATMs inside the airport can run out of money (this happened to me personally in Paris once). Don't rely on just getting money when you arrive, as it could be a while before you locate an ATM. Plus, you NEVER want to tuse the exchange booths, as they charge very high exchange rates and you will lose even more than just requesting a little with your bank before you go. 
   
   **Also keep in mind that your bank may not have the currency you need on hand, so it can take upto a week or longer to get, so you need to do this in advance before it's too late. 
   
   
7. Refill prescriptions.
   You on a trip and running out of your critical meds... Not fun! Not all countries, or even states have every medication that you may need. Fill it before you go to be safe. You may need to clear this with your doctor too, as some insurance providers won’t fill scripts early without a doctor’s approval. 
   
   
8. Make copies of your passport, ID, and relevant travel documents.
   Having copies is an added measure of security. You may never need it, but it’s better to have it just in case something happens. And, don’t keep the copies with the originals! In the event you lose your luggage or someone pickpockets you, you’ll be grateful the copies were somewhere different. Speaking of - making a copy of all documents for each bag in your luggage, and for your wallet, as well as your partner’s wallet is a good idea too (or leave a copy at home with family that can send you if needed). Again, better safe than sorry. 
   
   
9. Turn off all electronics with the exception of the refrigerator/freezer. 
   Some people even kick their breakers just to be sure there’s no chance of anything causing an electrical fire while they are away. 
   
   
10. Hold your mail and newspaper delivery.
    Nothing tells a thief you are away quite like piled up mail and newspapers!

There are several more items that could be added to this list. Like I said at the beginning though, the goal is to get you thinking about the things you need to do before your next trip.

Speaking of trips - I hope when you’re ready to book your next getaway, you think of Destinations HD!  Just call (913) 244-9195 and let us handle the logistics so you can just enjoy yourself and explore the world! 

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