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Things to Do Before a Trip

Your Holiday Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before a Big Trip

May 12 2018

Your flight is booked, bags are packed, and there's only a few days before your next great adventure abroad. Whether you're taking a short jaunt to Europe or spending a month backpacking across Southeast Asia, there are measures you should take before every international trip to ensure your journey is easy and stress-free. Read on for the top 10 tasks to check off your list before you leave the country, so you can get to focusing on the memories and adventures that await.

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1. Get Currency Before You Go to the Airport

It's important to have the currency of the country you're visiting once you arrive, especially since not all places accept credit cards. You will typically get a much better conversion rate with your local bank or currency exchange than at the airport, and you can get the cash in less than a week. Once you've arrived to your destination, if you run low on cash, use a local ATM to stock up on money as the fees are usually much lower and the conversion rate is exact. The best case scenario? If you bank with a large international entity, see if you can find an ATM for your bank.

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2. Check For Any Required Vaccinations

Vaccinations are recommended and even required for certain countries, so it's important to know before you go. Check theNHS website to find out if your next destination is on the list.

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3. Make Copies of Your Passport

Just in case your passport gets lost or stolen, it's important to have an extra copy on you so you can prove your citizenship. You can also leave a copy of your passport at home with a parent or someone you trust.

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4. Alert Your Bank and Credit Card Companies

There are few things that will ruin the start of your trip more than not being able to check into your first hotel because your card doesn't work. It's a good idea to call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you will be leaving the country to avoid any fraud alerts or security stops.

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5. Print Out Hard Copies of Your Reservations

As a backup, keep hard copies of your reservations on your body so you're not dependent on your phone. Leave a second copy with family members or relatives so they know where you will be and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

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6. Organise Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covers stolen luggage and cancellations, but perhaps the most important aspect is it will have your back in case of any medical emergencies while you're abroad. Don't risk travelling without it. Cover starts at just a few pounds for a week in Europe, and if you shop around using comparison sites, annual cover can be found for around £25.

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7. Plan Your Travel Routes

Taking the bus or train once you land can you save you serious cab fare, but it's better to know the routes/schedules beforehand (especially if you don't speak the language). Print out or screenshot the routes in case you don't have phone service or WiFi.

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8. Check Your Carrier’s International Phone Plan

Imagine coming home after an incredible tour through Italy and being immediately welcomed with an outrageous phone bill (not fun). Just because you can make phone calls in a foreign country doesn't mean it's covered in your plan. Call your carrier to find out your options; some offer totally free international roaming, but it's something that needs to be activated. To be safe, you can also leave your phone in airplane mode and use WiFi to communicate (this is also where printing the reservations/addresses comes into play).

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9. Research and Bring the Correct Type of Charger Adaptor

There's no point in adding an international plan on your phone if you can't charge it once you arrive. Be sure to research what type of adaptor is needed in the country you're visiting so you'll have access to all your electronics.

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