Make a budget for the trip, which
includes travel, lodging, food, insurance and medication expenses. Also
budget for spending money as well a shopping.
Determine what immunizations are
required and/or advised - you may have to take them well in advance of
travelling and may not be able to get all of them at the same time.
Determine if you need to have an AIDS/HIV test done.
Research differences in culture, such as
whether tipping is encouraged, if you are expected to give gifts to
certain people for certain occasions, how people greet each other, e.g.,
a handshake, bowing, the accepted dress codes etc. .
Make reservations for transportation,
lodging, tours, events, etc. Check for discounts especially via the
internet.
Determine your health insurance coverage
for the trip.
Buy travellers cheques.
Review your finances; pay bills which
will be due while you're gone, note balance in your accounts, determine
credit available on your credit cards, lines of credit, check for banks
in the country of destination.
Obtain maps before hand and scrutinize
them carefully.
Check for modes of transport in the foreign
country.
Research your sightseeing options and
finalise your itinerary so that you make the most of your trip.
Determine weather forecasts for places
you'll be visiting, so that you are prepared for rain, hail or storm.
Review your schedule to determine events
you want to attend before, during and/or after your trip, so you don’t
miss out on anything important.
Ask a neighbor to check your residence
daily for leaflets on door, newspapers, flooding, indications of
burglary, intruders, etc.
Leave your overseas contact no. with friends and relatives.
