Make a checklist of all the documents you will need. Research online at travel.state.gov or check with your travel agent on which countries require just a passport or which countries require both a passport and visa. Check to see what medical documents you need as some countries require certain immunizations. Visit travel sites such as vayama.com or travelocity.com and reserve your flights and hotels. Order and print your confirmations. Prepare a folder with these documents and add a copy of your birth certificate and driver's license.
Pack as little as necessary. Pack both warm and light clothes. Regardless of how long you plan to stay, pack only a week's worth of clothes. Purchase a 220 watt adapter for any electronics you plan to plug into an outlet. Purchase a language dictionary for each country you plan to visit. Leave room in your suitcase for any souvenirs you may buy in stores or local markets. Put luggage tags or ribbons on your suitcase for easy identification.
Check the exchange rate in each countries you plan to visit. Exchange money where the value of the dollar increases. For example, since the Euro holds more value than the dollar, exchange money in the United States. If you are going to Eastern Europe such as Russia, rubles have less value than the dollar and you should wait until you visit Russia to exchange money. Budget a certain amount of cash for food and shopping. Use credit or debit cards for transportation and lodging.
Make a list of contacts in case of an emergency. Write down numbers for the local police. Find the numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates. Research local hospitals and write down those numbers and addresses as well. Create a list of hotels or other places where you will be staying. Write down as many contacts as possible. Keep a list in a folder and give one to your travel agent or closest family member.
