I’d like to take a minute to welcome this guest post from Linda E. with some of her tips on travel prep. If you too would like to contribute a guest post, get in touch through the contact link above! Enjoy!
Last minute travel is different for everyone. Most who consider a last minute booking have some time available to be away from home and have decided to get away during that time. This guide will help you ensure you prepare for that trip effectively, even in a short time.
Home Help.
Having already made the space in your life for a trip away, you will have
prepared those around you that it will affect, such as colleagues and family
and made the important arrangements with them. However a couple of things
that can be forgotten but take minutes are:
Access to your house in an emergency – who has keys and how will
others contact them?
Watering plants, picking up mail and newspapers. These are simple
things that can be done in a few moments by someone you trust with a key
and can put of any unwanted visitors!
Essentials.
If you need vaccinations or special arrangements to travel to a destination
research before you book to ensure you have time to complete all
requirements.
Check your passport is in date with at least 6 months before expiration for
most destinations.
If you don’t have travel insurance this can be booked only for your trip
and printed off immediately. It’s not worth going away without it as it is so
affordable and covers so many, though not all eventualities.
Make sure you have any prescribed medication required for the duration of
the trip and carry a copy of the prescription with you.
Booking Ahead.
It’s generally a good idea to investigate what can be booked online in
advance. This can save you time and money so check out not only travel
to your destination and accommodation but also any sights or venues you
may wish to visit and transfers to your accommodation from your transport
hub. Many cities for example offer a card with discounts to top ten sights or
restaurants, which you may need to get in advance.
Accounts.
A quick call to your mobile service provider can ensure you know the best
deal available in your destination saving unpleasant bills on your return or
loss of service while away. Another quick call to your credit card company if
you may need to use it in a new location or after a period of little or no use
can save your card being blocked due to unusual activity. This applies even if
travelling in your own country.
Information.
Make sure you have a good basic guidebook or information printed from the
internet. As well as planning your activities and itinerary as much or as little as you want, guides have essential information in the back such as cultural or legal differens you should be aware of and what to do in emergencies.
Take it or leave it.
The only essential items to pack, if your travel will not take you outside of
a city or town, are passport, insurance, money and prescribed medication. Pretty
much anything else can be bought or you can do without it. Even phones can
be rented if you don’t bring your own.
What do you do to prepare?
Bio:
Linda Endersby is a freelance writer who worked in the travel industry for
19 years and enjoys writing about the places she’s visited as well as indulging
in her passion for books in her other role as a children’s bookseller.