Choose your destination and travel dates. Check online for any local or public holidays in your destination. Arriving in the middle of a holiday can cause numerous problems in terms of finding transport, accommodation and even places to eat when you get there. If possible, rearrange dates to adapt. Check with the foreign office website for any political or social upheaval in the area you are traveling to.
Book your flights, train or other mode of transportation. As soon as you have done so, book travel insurance. This will cover you if you become ill or an unexpected event occurs which prevents you traveling. Do not leave this until the last minute. Make a note of your travel insurance details, including emergency contact numbers, and keep them in a separate folder along with a photocopy of your passport. Email yourself a copy of these details too, so you can access them even if you lose all your baggage. Email a copy to your next of kin.
Book accommodation for your first night. Even if you do not plan to stay in the same place for the duration of your trip, it is worth having accommodation arranged for the first night. You can look for alternative places to stay once you have arrived if you wish.
Check with your doctor for any vaccinations or medication you may need to take in your destination. Some of these need to be administered several weeks before travel so give yourself plenty of time to arrange this. Ensure you have sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip of any medicine you take regularly.
Check the climate for your destination and the time of year you will be traveling. Ensure you have suitable clothes to pack. Some parts of the world sell clothes far cheaper than you can buy them at home, however you will still need basics when you get there. This is particularly important when traveling to cold and wet climates when you will need adequate clothing to protect you from the elements getting from the airport or station to your hotel.
Work out your budget for your trip. Decide how much cash you wish to carry with you. Ensure you have some money in the local currency for your arrival. Also carry spare US dollars as these will be accepted almost everywhere in the world. Look into traveler's checks. Contact your bank and let them know if you will be using your debit and credit cards abroad as many banks will put a "stop" on cards if they are used in a foreign country unexpectedly to prevent fraud.
Check what food, drink and other personal necessities will be available to you during your journey. Pack a small bag containing basic snacks, drinks, any medicines you may need, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and clean underwear in case you get separated from your main luggage. Keep a note of all important information, including your flight details and hotel address and numbers, in this bag too.
