1 Do research for
passport requirements well in advance - don’t leave it to last minute.
2 Make copies of all your important documents, leave a copy at home, keep a spare copy with you and give a copy to your travel buddy.
3 Tell your bank and credit company that you are planning on using the card abroad, they could cancel it otherwise.
4 Your
insurance is probably the most important purchase you will make,
if things go wrong you will be very glad you had it. Understand your policy, read the small print and ask questions, this is not something you want to skimp on.
5 Make a visit to your GP or nearest
travel clinic early on in the planning process, some injections need to be given months in advance.
6 Buy yourself the most up-to-date
guidebook, this will be your best travel companion, look online and on travel forums for more information about good and bad places to stay and visit.
7 If you do nothing else towards planning you trip
book the first couple of nights when you arrive, whether it is a hotel or youth hostel many offer airport transports and this will reduce the disorientation of arriving in a strange place not knowing where to go.
8 Keep in touch, whether it’s via facebook, through emails or using an international sim card let people know where you plan to go and keep them updated.
9 Be
culturally aware, polite and respectful, read up on local customs and dress before going.
10 When
choosing the organisation or business you are going to fly with, volunteer with or generally travel with, do your research, ask questions, look on forums and meet previous travellers, this is a big decision so take you time.
11 There are some great
safety courses around that will help you plan and prepare for your travels, see them as a sound investment to make the most of your time away - after all, you only live once...
12 Taking the time to plan and prepare might sound boring but it minimises the risk of
things going wrong and maximises the chance of you knowing how to deal with things.