Prepare yourself for traveling abroad

-Babin Rijal, 

6/30/2021 Barcelona

 Make sure you have your paperwork ready and up to date: This includes all passports, visas, travel, instructions, insurance, flight and hotel reservations. Keep them in your bag.

Explore and prepare weather patterns for the country / region you are visiting: This is especially important when visiting cities such as London where the climate and temperature change. It is always a good idea to prepare and carry (or buy as soon as you arrive) umbrella and fleece.

Save something to eat: Too often, ground planes land at strange times. In addition, jet lag starts to make you extremely weak. If you are a vegetarian (like me), it will be very difficult to find food in such a state. Even if you can get it, it may not be pleasant. It is always a good idea to carry noodles because you can easily make them in your hotel room.

Make a list of all the clothes you will need and pack only these: Most people I know end up carrying a lot of luggage because they pack too much (and planes allow two luggage to enter). If you are going on a short trip (~ ~ 1 week), you will be much better off if you plan ahead and pack only what you think you will need for the number of days. Moving light makes walking less stressful. Also, you have the flexibility to buy items abroad if you travel light.

Manage international adapters: These adapters are cheaper if you buy them on your country (~ $ 5) but they are more expensive if you have to buy them at the airport (~ $ 30). You will need to charge your devices abroad.

Pack your medicine in hand luggage: If you carry any medication, it is a good idea to pack it by hand. International regulations allow you to make a separate bag (in blue) of medicine and carry it in your handbag (if you are short in space). This is important because sometimes your load gets delayed or placed in the wrong place. You would not want your drug to be inserted into it by mistake.

Collect Money / Forex Card at your local branch: Unless you are traveling to a country that receives your money (eg Eurozone), you should get a Forex money / card from your local bank branch. Their exchange rate is on the rise. If you are on a business trip, use your business card for all business-related expenses and forex card at personal cost.

Install city / country-specific apps on your phone: There are certain apps that make your life easier in the country / city. For example, there are London Tube and New York Metro apps that help you find the best city travel routes. There are local restaurant apps (good food) that help you find good restaurants etc.