Prepare.
Technical.
Medical.
Important Documents.
Prepare, then prepare some more.
Debit / Credit Cards.
Closer to travel departure, prepare to let your bank/credit card companies know the countries you will be visiting. This step can avoid lengthy delays and a decline because your card has never been to Singapore before.
Also, if you did not already do it, get your bank’s emergency phone number in the US. The 800 numbers do not work from other countries if you have a problem. Unless you can remember your credit card number, this also goes into the “Important Documents” file.
Cell Phones.
US mobile/smartphones are becoming easier to use in many countries, at a price. Please do your due diligence before leaving home. Contact your provider to learn the least expensive way to use your phone. Should you add an international plan for the time you’re away, or “unlock” your phone? Confirm voice and data roaming fees. What you don’t know can ruin a vacation when you get the next phone bill. Another option gaining in popularity is to pick up an inexpensive phone upon arrival. Use it while you are there, then discard.
Skype and other computer-type apps.
These might also work. Preparing is checking it out before leaving. Does your hotel have secure Wi-Fi, or will you need to find a hotspot?
Apps.
Download apps you may be using while traveling; hotel, airline, language translators, maps, or local tourist information offices in the cities you will visit.
Prescriptions.
Stock up on all prescription drugs before departing. You might be able to find them where you are traveling, but who’s got time for that? If you do not already have a list of current prescriptions and doses, make one right now. Put a copy in your wallet or purse. And a copy for the “Important documents” file. If you wear glasses or contacts, your prescription and a backup pair of glasses are a good idea.
Medical Insurance.
Make sure you (in your wallet or purse) have a copy of your medical insurance card / ID number, also in your “Important Documents” file. This card is essential, as you may not be conscious when you need it. Also, some countries say you must have proof of insurance upon entry. I do not know of anyone experiencing this. However, preparation is power.
Important Documents File.
Double-check that you have a copy of all critical documents in the file. I hope you never need it, but it indeed can save a vacation if you do. Leave this file in a safe place AT HOME. Also, a copy with someone you can contact at any time (24/7) in case of an emergency.
In this extraordinary new age of cell phones, you can scan these documents. Then, store them in a web-based account or on a flash drive. Keep somewhere very safe—for instance, a safe in your hotel room. You are ONLY taking it out if you need it.
Better yet, store the information in the cloud with password protection.
NEVER travel with Xerox copies of credit or bank cards.
Other files to consider as necessary.
- Backup of your contacts – Say you lose your phone right now, can you call your best friend? Family? The cell of the person traveling with you?
- Contacts during your trip. – Airlines, trains, cruise companies, hotels, tour companies, and restaurants. As for Aunt Millie’s hairdresser’s exchange student from 8 years ago (you may want to lose that one). Also, see programs like TripIt.
- Copies of confirmations. – For flights, rentals, hotels, reservations to the restaurant with the three-month wait, hard to get admissions. If you have access to them, you probably will never need them.