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10. Checking on all travel document requirements for various areas and countries as well as special documentation requirements, entry fees, duties and taxes,
need to be considered, planned and budgeted for. Contacting embassies and getting information on visas and any and all other applicable fees are crucial to minimize the impact on your pocketbook.
11. In a time when technology is so part of our lives, we barely give it a second thought. It is however very wise to have handy proof of purchase or receipts for any high-tech equipment you might be transporting. Shortlist your inventory of cameras, radios, camcorders, laptop computers, etc., you are taking with and keep them all in a file.
This could be your redeeming feature when clearing customs and them wanting to charge you duty on these. It is useful to have to ensure minimum delay and no additional cost. Do this even if the items were purchased before traveling. Spending the time on this now way in advance of your planned trip, will ensure smooth sailing and saved dollar down the road. It is definitely worth the effort. Holding on to receipts for newly purchased items, also assists you upon your return to consolidate spending and assess cost, as you wrap up your vacation expenditures, budget and plan for the next trip!
12. Having the ability of mobility when you are traveling away from home is very important. Driving yourself around gives you more options to customize and optimize your sightseeing and trip to your liking and individual preference. An enabler of this is your driver license. For most of us, our current license to operate a vehicle should be valid in most of Europe and around the world, for a limited time. HOWEVER, never assume! Always check the details as some countries will still require an international license or permit. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for additional information.
13. Financial and currency exchange information. Always be informed, prudent and curious about foreign currency exchange, rates and related subjects that could affect your travel dollar and cash on hand.
There are numerous sources of this information handy to travelers. You can find out any of the current exchange rates in real-time, from the worldwide Web, stock exchange websites, your own bank, and or by contacting private currency exchange businesses like Thomas Cook and others, offering this financial service.
14. Taking care of feeding and fueling the human machine is important. When traveling, it is all about energy and stamina. How far can you go and keep on going? Whether on a led tour or even for traveling alone, it is wise to have handy some ‘snack packs’ and tit-bits.
These could include raisins, nuts, cheese and crackers, small foil envelopes of tea and coffee, and fresh fruit. Instant breakfast drinks might also help to replenish and re-energize, when you need it most. Having a snack handy or as a quick pick-me-up, could be a lifesaver and is considered a necessity, not a luxury! It will also save you money and exercising the option to have “healthy” alternatives on-hand, will keep you protected from that dreaded holiday pounds that add on so quickly as well!
15. Verify flight details down to the smallest detail. Ensure you can answer questions about your trip and are knowledgeable about the terminology used on your booking and ticket. For example: What is the difference between non-stop and direct flights? Yes, the price mostly!
BUT ALSO: Non-stops do not stop while direct flights may stop several times, but the passengers do not change planes. Check with your travel agent or airlines if you have any doubt. Know how long your stopover will be, which city, location or airport the connection flights will be through, how much time in-between and if delayed what your options are.
16. Forward thinking, anticipating, organizing and PLANNING all protect your travel interests, saves money and avoids unnecessary costs. A most helpful currency you have besides your travel funds and monetary resources is knowledge and information. The more you know about the destinations and places you will be visiting, the more rewarding, and safe, enjoyable, memorable and fiscally successful your visit will be! A word to the wise: do not over-analyze and worry too much, constantly forgetting that this is about being a little spontaneous as well.
17. In addition to the small bills amount you carry with you, transport most of your monetary funds in something like guaranteed travelers checks. These are freely available through most local banks. Keep denominations to low figures is mostly advised. If however, you are worried about transaction fees on smaller amounts, get a couple of larger denominations to be on the safe side.
As a precautionary security measure, to save money and avoid difficulty, delay and inconvenience, remember to keep a list of the numbers of the checks somewhere separate from the checks themselves in case they are lost or stolen. Guard ATM and credit cards and do not carry all your money in one place!
18. Verify medical conditions, travel and health advisories. Once you have picked your destination, it will serve you well to explore all health matters, including medical insurance and travel coverage you have and need. Visit your medical practitioner/doctor prior to your trip to ask about immunizations prescriptions and more. Find out what basic and special medicines to take along. Ensure you know what to do in case of an emergency. Have the numbers and all insurance information handy.
19. Optical tools like glasses and contact lenses, cleaning solutions, eyeglass repair kit etc, are all travel necessities if you wear them. Ensure they are on your pre-departure, out-the-door checklist. Good advice to eyeglass-wearers: take an extra pair of glasses, as well as either a copy of the existing or a new prescription for your glasses, just in case you might need them.
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