How to travel like a pro: Our ultimate pre-departure tips
You’re excited; in a few days you're embarking on the trip of a lifetime.
But shit, you’ve got so much to organise before you leave, such as checking in, packing, backing up everything...
Stress levels = HIGH!
We feel ya! This would have to be our most hated part of travel - the pre departure planning and organising! Over the past few months we've learnt a thing or two about getting prepared for an adventure; we kinda rock at this now.
Follow our ultimate pre departure tips so you can spend less time freaking out and more time saying goodbye to family or friends and not stressing out.
TRAVEL LIKE A PRO: OUR ULTIMATE PRE-DEPARTURE TIPS
#1 MAKE A LIST
Put your hands up if you like a good list! Well, number one on our list of pre departure tips is, you guessed it, a LIST! Put that pen to paper and make a list of items you need to take. Once packed, cross the item off the list. That way, you won’t forget anything (you probably will!).
The Common Wanderer - pre departure tips - make a list of everything you need
#2 BUY INSURANCE
BUY INSURANCE! Sorry for shouting, but this is a mandatory which too many travellers miss/forget to do/are blase about. Don’t leave home without it. It’s stupid and you’ll end up ruining your life financially should anything happen to you.
We highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance.
#3 CHECK IN ONLINE
Most airlines these days allow you to check in online, generally 24hrs prior. Some, like Easyjet up to 30 days prior to departure! So make your life easier and check in online. All you’ll need to do is drop your bags off when you arrive at the airport and it’ll also mean you’ll miss those incredibly long, slow moving lines (hopefully).
#4 PACK LIKE A PRO
You’ll need to start preparing the items you’re taking with you, such as clothing, a few days prior to your departure so everything is prepared and ready to go on the day you leave.
Then, you’ll need to pack like a pro!
KEEP READING: TRAVEL LIKE A PRO WITH OUR ULTIMATE PACKING TIPS
#5 SCAN, TAKE PHOTOS OR MAKE COPIES OF ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS
Back in the old days you would need to take a photocopy of all of your documents and then store them separately to your actual documents in case of theft. You can still do this, but we think you should get with the times!
Either scan or take photos of all of your travel documents and store them in a cloud based service, such as google docs or icloud; or alternatively email them to yourself and your family.
If you ever get in trouble, you’ll know where to find them.
The Common Wanderer
#6 TELL SOMEONE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS, EVEN IF THEY ARE VAGUE
Given we are on a round the world trip, our plans are vague, much to the chagrin of our parents (sorry mum!). Still, you should let someone know of your plans, even if they are vague like us, just in case the worst case scenario arises.
Alternatively, if you’re Australian and well prepared you can register your travel plans with Smart Traveller, so you can contacted in an emergency.
#7 APP UP WITH USEFUL TRAVEL APPS
There are a ridiculous amount of travel apps in the marketplace, all designed to make your life easier. Load up on these prior to your departure as you don’t know what the wi-fi situation will be like where you travelling to (Myanmar, we’re looking at you!).
Useful travel apps can include a language translator, currency converter, units converter, google maps and destination guides.
KEEP READING: APPY DAYS - THE TRAVEL APPS EVERY TRAVELLER NEEDS
#8 BACK UP EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU DEPART
If you’re travelling with your phone, computer and any other gadgets, do a widespread backup of your files before you leave, preferably to a cloud based storage service.
Then, while travelling, back up your photos to an external hard drive (we use the WD My Passport external hard drive) or Flickr (wi-fi permitting) as often as possible. That way, if something gets stolen/lost/broken on your journey you won’t have lost anything of great sentimental value.
The Common Wanderer
#9 VISIT YOUR DOCTOR, THEN BUY YOUR MEDICATION
Before you leave, visit your GP and tell them where you’re going. They’ll be able to give you a full rundown of what to look out for, as well as provide you with a list of medication you’ll need to take. Most of the time it’s malaria medication, but there are many antibiotics which are useful when travelling. And imodium; everyone needs to take imodium!
We suggest stocking up on medication before you leave. Sure, it may be more expensive in your home country, but you can have peace of mind knowing if anything sinister happens (parasite, anyone?!), you’ll be prepared.
The Common Wanderer
#10 LOCK IT UP
You absolutely need to purchase some heavy duty travel locks prior to leaving. There is nothing worse than being robbed and asking yourself why a lock wasn’t on your bag. Lock it, peeps.
Any cool pre departure tips that are part of your routine? Let us know in the comments below?
