If you’re planning a trip, whether for business or pleasure, there are a few things you can do to make your trip go more smoothly. Take some inspiration from the Christmas season and make a list and check it twice – a packing list, that is. Having a packing list is a good way to ensure that you don’t forget anything important on your trip.
Regular travelers often keep a master list and then printed out and cross off the items they don’t need for a particular trip. It’s also good idea to take the list with you so if there is an item that you wish you had brought you can make a note of it to be added to the master list for next time.
As well as items of clothing you need to remember travel adapters, chargers for mobile devices, medication and more. If you have trouble thinking of what to write on your list there are several online packing list tools that will help.
Get Travel Insurance
Assuming that you have already booked your trip there are two important related matters you need to take care of. First, it’s a good idea to book travel insurance because you never know when something will go wrong.
Some people just book cancellation insurance so they can get a rebooking or refund if the trip is cancelled but depending on where you are going it might be a good idea to book travel insurance with medical cover so that if you fall ill or have an accident you can get the same level of treatment that you would at home without breaking the bank.
And we’re not talking here about visiting Third World countries – have you ever checked out the cost of medical care in the US if you don’t have the right insurance?
Airport Transfers
The other item to take care of is travel to and from the airport. You’ve got a lot of options including driving yourself to the airport, booking yourself into a nearby off airport car park or arranging a taxi or bus. Whichever you choose, you don’t want to leave it to chance so book early so you know exactly what you are doing.
If you are going abroad then you also need the currency of the country you are going to. You can’t assume that it will always be possible to use your card so it’s useful to have some cash just in case. If you don’t want to have the particular currency because it’s basically worthless then find out which major currency is a good alternative. This is often the US dollar.
Finally, it’s a good idea to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of travel because some countries won’t let you in without this. Ensure too that you have the necessary visas or travel documents to get into the country then you’re perfectly ready for your next trip.
Sharon Hurley Hall the author of the “Don’t leave home without it – Tips for your next trip” is a freelance blogger who writes for Edinburgh Flats who provide Edinburgh short stay apartments.