Below you will find a
comprehensive list of things to do
before you leave on your big trip.
Feel
free to print this list off - a
printable version can be found
here:
Printable Checklist
-
Apply
for passport. If you have one,
check the expiry date.
-
Arrange for any visas that might
be required.
Order your railpass.
-
Start reading your guidebook. Highlight anything that sounds interesting or that you want to remember.
-
Get
copies of any prescriptions from
your doctor. This is especially
important if you are diabetic or
have any other condition that
requires you to carry needles on
you. Bring extra medication with
you and keep it in the original
bottles.
-
Get a
copy of the prescription for your
glasses or contact lenses.
-
Put
together a small first aid kit -
pack the following in a heavy duty
ziplock - bandaids, antacid,
antidiarrheal medication,
antihistamine (allergy) pills,
Ibuprofen or something similar,
antibiotic ointment, cough and or
flu medication, tweezers,
antiseptic wipes. These things are
OK out of the box as long as it
says on the back what it is.
-
Check
the expiry date on your credit card
to make sure it will last the length
of your trip.
-
If your
ATM pin isn't 4 numbers, arrange to
have it changed.
-
Purchase
a small amount of travelers cheques
for emergencies.
-
Make
copies of all important documents.
Leave one set with someone at home
and take one with you. You can also
scan the documents and send it to
the email address you are going to
use while travelling.
-
Purchase
travel insurance. (See below)
-
Break in
any new shoes you are bringing.
-
Set up
an email address you can access from
Europe.
-
Make a
note of your favorite websites, like
say guideforeurope.com perhaps, or
those you might need, in the back of
your journal or send yourself an
email listing them.
-
Put on your backpack and go for a walk. Adjust it so it feels comfortable. Wear the hipbelt and don't allow for space between your pack and your back - it shouldn't be pulling away from you.
-
Do a trial packing run to see if what you are planning will fit. Don't fill your pack completely, leave room so you can bring home a few things. Roll your clothes to cut down on wrinkling, store things that could spill in ziplocks.
-
Buy small locks for every zipper on your pack and daypack.
-
Book (at least) your first hostel. You don't want to show up with jet lag and try and find a bed - it won't be pretty.
-
Confirm
your flight 2 days prior to
traveling.
