I still get anxious before trips, but it’s nothing that keeps me up at night.  The key is doing research about where you are going and the things you want to do.  Part of your trip preparation is making sure that you do the things that you need to do before your trip, whether that is as big as making sure that you have a valid passport or as small as purchasing tickets to an attraction like the Anne Frank house which usually sell out the day they become available.

As a first-time traveler, there are a few key things you should keep in mind to make your trip go smoothly:

1. Passport and visas: Make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas before you travel. Check the expiration date of your passport and make sure it will be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you need to apply for a new passport, don’t wait until the last minute as it may take several months for you to receive your new passport.  Starting in 2024, many of the popular European destinations like Italy, France and Spain will require travelers to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

2. Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies. There are different levels of coverage available. Although it is more expensive, we always get the plan that allows us to cancel for any reason. Consider the activities that you are going to participate in, you may want to use a specialty insurance.  If you are planning a scuba diving trip, you might want a policy with a company like DAN which has doctors familiar with the unique medical needs of divers and covers hyperbaric chambers if needed.

3. Budgeting: Set a budget for your trip and stick to it as much as possible. Consider the cost of transportation, accommodations, food, activities, and any other expenses you may incur. A little research before you go will give you an idea of what you need.  Some countries like Egypt have a cash based economy and you may not be able to use your credit card in some places. Egypt also has a developed tipping culture called Backsheesh so you will need to carry smaller denominations.

4. Packing: Make a list of what you need to pack and stick to it. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, and travel insurance information. Be sure to research what weather to expect and bring appropriate clothing.  A coworker’s daughter planned a wedding on a mountain in Colorado and wore her heels only to discover that the mountain was snow covered and she had to wear snowshoes to reach the spot where the ceremony was performed.

Related: 15 Things You Should Have in Your Carry On, 15 things I have in my purse/travel bag when I’m traveling

5. Safety: Research the safety and security situation of your destination and take the necessary precautions. For US residents traveling abroad, be sure to register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  You can receive alerts about any safety concerns that arise. We received text warnings about protests in Lima, Peru and strikes in Brazil. You also need to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and keep your valuables safe. I wear a money belt, keep my money and credit cards in my front pocket and carry a ”dummy wallet” with a few small bills in case I get pickpocketed. Don’t put valuables in the cargo pockets of your pants. I had a friend have his passport pickpocketed during a trip. Women should use a cross strap style purse.

6. Communication: Make sure you have a way to communicate with family and friends back home, such as a phone plan that works overseas or a messaging app like WhatsApp. Verizon has an international plan called Travel Pass and AT&T has one called International Day Pass; both allow unlimited talk, text and data for $10 per day.

7. Culture: Research the cultural norms and customs of your destination and make an effort to respect them. There are often dress codes for religious settings such as head coverings for women or removing your shoes.  Try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language to help you navigate and communicate with locals.  At a very minimum, learn please, thank you and bathroom.  Google Translate is a huge help and you may want to try a language app like Duolingo.

8. Patience: Travel can be stressful, and things don’t always go as planned. Try to stay calm and patient and remember to take breaks and enjoy the experience. Be prepared with a plan B in case things don’t work out.  We once had the opportunity to spend a night in Zurich because our flight out of Lisbon was delayed and we missed our connection to Chicago.  After checking into a hotel, we hopped a train to the downtown and walked along the river, did some sightseeing, marveled at the Christmas lights and decorations and enjoyed a mug of gluhwein.  What many would find exasperating, became a great experience because we were prepared to take advantage of the opportunity when it occurred.

It’s natural to worry about upcoming travel, especially if it is your first major travel experience, but with some preparations you can ease your mind about the major concerns.  The key is to do some research on your destination as soon as you decide where you want to go.  If this seems overwhelming to you, you may want to consult a travel advisor who can help you through these steps and take care of the details of your trip.

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1. Toilet Paper:  I always  have toilet paper with me when I am traveling.  I started carrying it when I was traveling in Asia and it wasn’t always available or there would be someone outside of the toilet selling you a few sheets (I like more than three squares thank you very much).  I find that I have needed it all over the world including the United States!  I just wait until my toilet paper at home is down to about ⅓ left.  Then I wiggle the middle cardboard core out, flatten it and put it in a sandwich sized Ziploc style bag.  It doesn’t take up that much space, but is worth it’s weight in gold when you need it!

2. Portable phone charger and phone:  If you are like me you phone is your main camera.  If you are also like me you take a lot of pictures.  When I am out and about on vacation taking pictures the last thing I want to happen is have my phone die.  Not only would my camera be gone, but also my GPS!  I love the linked phone charger.  It is a little bigger and heavier than some of the chargers out there, but it can hold enough charge for up to 3 full charges.  It also holds the charge for a long time.  I will charge it put it in  my purse for weeks until I need it (yes, I have it in my purse even when I’m not traveling).

3. Safety pins:  I use small zipper bags to hold things like safety pins and band aids in my purse.  Safety pins can be used for multiple things.  I have used them to attach my purse strap when it broke in Venice and for a zipper pull when traveling in England.  You never know when you’re going to need them!

4. Band-Aids:  When you walk as much as we do on vacation a blister or two will sometimes start to develop.  An adhesive bandage in the right spot can prevent this.  You also just never know when you might get a scrape.

5. Copy of passport:  I keep a color copy that is laminated of the front page of my passport.  I DO NOT walk around with my passport.  When I am traveling I leave my passport in the safe in my hotel room.  I never want to lose my passport while touring around.  (Note: some countries like Japan require you to keep your passport on you at all times.)  I keep the copy in case I might lose my passport.  I also have used it when buying jewelry in Antwerp.  When you make bigger purchase you can get the tax back at the airport, but you need your passport number when purchasing.  You can also take a picture of the first page of your passport and keep it in your phone.

6. Money-Small bills for tipping:  Of course you will have money in your purse or travel bag!  That said, make sure you have some smaller bills.  Depending on where you are traveling you may need smaller bills for tipping.  I also like to have small bills for sampling street food!

7. Credit card:  Again, of course you will have a credit card or two.  I use my credit card for almost all my purchases.  I do this for three reasons.  First, I don’t like carrying around a lot of cash.  If I lose my purse/wallet I can cancel my credit card but my cash will be gone.  Second, credit cards will look out for you.  If they think a purchase isn’t you they will not let the transaction go through without contacting you first, usually through a text to your phone.  And third,  I’m earning more points to use for more travel!!!  That said, make sure your credit card doesn’t charge fees overseas.  Many will charge 3% that can really add up.  Also make sure you pay off your credit card each month or the points you are earning are expensive!

8. Medical insurance card/ copy of prescriptions/medication:  In case of a medical emergency you want to have all your information!  If you take medication during the day those small zip-loc bags will come in handy again!  My spouse puts all of his meds in single dose bags.  He labels them with the day and time.  This especially helps him keep on track when changing time zones can me tricky.  Lastly, I carry a small container of ibuprofen as well.  After a day of walking tours my knees often need some pain relief!

9. Card from Hotel/keys:  I have heard stories of people going to their hotel checking in and being so excited to explore that they just walk about the door without really know where they were.  I totally believe in wandering and getting a little lost on vacations, but you have to know how to get home!  I always grab one of the cards from the hotel so I have the name and address!

10. Pen and paper:  You never know when you need a pen and paper.  This isn’t as needed in our digital world with notes on your cell phone and all, but sometimes I like to go old school!  When out on tours and just talking to other tourists you often hear about great places to eat, or other places to visit.  I would love to think that I will remember what they say…but let’s face it, that doesn’t happen!

11. Clif bar/ bag of nuts:  Often when we are traveling we hate to stop for lunch.  There is so much to see and stopping for lunch takes up 1-2 hours of prime tourist time.  That is when the museums and shops are open! On busy days we will eat on the run.  Other times we have misjudged how much “extra” time we have between tours or activities.  A little extra protein can really help.  Lasty, if you take a long tour on a bus or train they will often stop for snacks, but you will be paying top price!

12. Water bottle:  Often you can buy bottles of water, but using a refillable bottle is better for your pocketbook and the environment!  Make sure you know if you can drink the water before you fill it up!  We assume that we can drink the water in places like Europe and usually you can but always check.  When we went to Greece we could drink the water on the mainland, but when we went to the island of Santorini we couldn’t.

13. Sun glasses:  Even cloudy days can change into a bright day.  No one likes to squint all day.

14. Hand sanitizer:  I’ve never been a germaphobe…then Covid happened.  After a day of using public transportation I like the reassurance of a little hand sanitizer before I sit down to eat.

15. Itinerary for the day/week:  I’m a planner. I create a Google Doc. for every day that has what we are doing that day.  It also contains things we could do.   I don’t have to do everything on my plan, but my biggest fear is that I might waste time while on vacation trying to figure out what to do next.  I only usually travel to a place once.  I want to see as much as possible.  I keep my itinerary in my purse as a reminder of what is next and where meeting points for tours are.

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Eventually, it will happen; you’re standing at the luggage carousel watching it go around and around and your bag doesn’t appear.  What now?  Most major airlines have a baggage service desk near the baggage claim area.  Go there immediately to report your lost bags and they will contact you when your bags arrive.  If it happens when you’re returning home, it’s probably not a big problem, but what if it happens when you arrive at your destination?  Hopefully, your bags will arrive in a couple of hours, but I did once have to wait two days.  What are your options?  You can cross your fingers and hope that your luggage shows up in a couple of hours or pull out your credit card and go shopping or use what you have in your carry on and enjoy your vacation.  Except for some budget and economy flights, most of the airlines allow you one carry-on and one personal item such as a purse or backpack.  Note: There has been a trend recently where the airlines are asking you to check your roller bags at the gate.  For this reason, I carry as much as possible in my backpack.  Here are the 15 things that I always put in my carry on.

1. Medicine  Always make sure that you have your prescription medicine with you.  If it is a short trip, I’ll use a small pill caddy.  For longer trips, I use small plastic bags that I label am or pm for each day of the trip.  I put all of the little bags in a larger Ziploc style bag and that takes up very little room.  I always pack for an extra day in case of a cancellation or better yet, a bump.  Some recommend taking all of your medicines in their original containers, but I have never had any problems.
2. A change (or two) of clothes  You’ll want to adjust this to fit your itinerary, but I usually just pack an extra pair of socks, underwear, and a T-shirt.  You may want to pack a second shirt.  You can wear a pair of pants a second day if needed.
3. Toiletries  It’s nice to be able to brush your teeth and clean up a bit after a long flight.  I always carry my liquids in my backpack in an outside pocket where I can easily get them if needed.  Remember that liquids are required to be in 3oz or smaller bottles and fit in a quart bag.
4. Contact case and solution  If your luggage is delayed overnight or you develop eye irritation, you’ll be glad that you have this with you.
5. Phone Charger  This is especially true if you use a smartphone.  You use it for directions, taking pictures, finding transportation and of course you’ll need a way to be contacted when the airline calls to let you know that your luggage has finally arrived.  
6. Earbuds  These really aren’t necessary, but they don’t take up much room and I prefer having my own to the ones provided by the airline.
7. Computer  If you take a computer or tablet, you want it with you so that you can keep track of it and make sure that it doesn’t get damaged.
8. Masks  For the most part, mask mandates are a thing of the past, but you may run into one.  If you test positive, current guidelines call for wearing a mask.  
9. Writing materials  I always carry a couple of pens and mechanical pencils and a notebook in my backpack.  I scribble down my thoughts about where we visited, things that we might consider doing differently or just a list of things that I need to remember to do. 
10. A color copy of your passport  This is important if you are traveling internationally.  Ideally, you should laminate it so it holds up to the rigors of travel.
11. A copy of your itinerary  When we travel, Colleen always makes up packets that includes flight, hotel and rental car information along with a daily schedule of activities with contact information for tour guides.  We each carry one in our carry-ons and we give a copy to our sons in case they need to contact us.
12. Toilet paper  You can’t always count on there being some.  This is an emergency supply; just put a partial roll in a Ziplock style bag.  We were recently at a restaurant, while in Europe, and discovered that there was no toilet paper.  I mentioned it to the bartender and she informed me that their supplies wouldn’t be there until the next day.  Colleen pulled a partial roll out of her purse and saved the day for our group.
13. Safety pins  Safety pins are small and can be used for a multitude of travel needs.  Colleen puts a small baggie in her purse or backpack whenever we travel, they take up little to no room!  To be honest I rarely need them but when I do they are worth their weight in gold.  On a trip to Venice the strap to Colleen’s purse suddenly broke.  Without a large safety pin she would have had to hold on to her purse in her hand for the rest of the day.  Knowing her, that might have meant setting it down somewhere and losing it forever!  Safety pins can also be used for broken bra straps, rips in pants or zipper handles. 
14. Water bottle  After you’re through security at the airport, you can fill it up so you’re not paying exorbitant airport prices for water.  We always carry them with us when we are out and about each day.
15. Metal Straw  Again, not necessary, but we don’t like paper straws.

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