Trip Preparation Instruction

From our Laos Wonderland Travels Team We would like to give you some information for all of your travels preparation to make sure you are on prepares.

Whether you’re traveling to the next town over or to the other side of the world, careful planning goes a long way toward ensuring your trip is a success. The right preparation helps you avoid potential disasters, such as having your credit card declined or running out of clean clothes to wear. While you’re away from home, take precautions to safeguard yourself

1

Get plane tickets if you’re flying. Especially if you’re traveling internationally, your plane tickets may be the most expensive part of your trip. Get your plane tickets first, so you know exactly when you’ll be arriving and how long you’ll be staying.

  • Be mindful of time zones if you’re traveling a longer distance. The arrival or departure times listed reflect the local time at that particular airport.

 

2

Have your vehicle serviced if you’re driving. Before you go on a road trip, get the oil changed in your vehicle and have it inspected. Complete any necessary repairs so you know that your vehicle is in top condition for the trip.

  • Let the mechanic know that you are planning a road trip, along with the dates you plan to travel and the distance you’re driving. This information will help them determine whether your vehicle is fit for the trip, or if any repairs need to be made.
  • You may also want to contact your insurance company and upgrade your car insurance for your trip. Comprehensive and collision insurance will protect you in the event something happens to your car while you’re on the road.

 

3

Make any reservations you need for accommodations or transportation. When you arrive at your destination, you will likely need a place to spend the night. If you’re flying, you may also want to rent a car or become familiar with the local public transportation system.

  • If you need any passes for public transportation, try to get them before you arrive at your destination. That way you can go straight to your hotel.
  • Make sure you are appropriately licensed and insured if you plan to rent a car at your destination. If you’re traveling to another country, you may need to get an

 

4

Get travel insurance for longer or more expensive trips. If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, your policy will likely cover lost or damaged belongings. You can also purchase additional coverage to cover expenses you may incur as the result of a cancelled or delayed flight.[4]

  • Credit card companies often provide travel insurance. However, you may have to use your credit card to purchase plane tickets or reserve accommodations to get the coverage.
  • If you’re traveling abroad, check your health insurance to make sure it will cover you if you need to seek medical treatment in another country. If it doesn’t, purchasing supplemental health insurance for the trip is a good idea.

 

5

Apply for a passport or visa, if necessary. If you’re traveling to another country, you’ll likely need a passport. Apply several months in advance to make sure you have it for your trip. To travel to some countries, you may also need a tourist visa.

  • Visit the website of your country’s embassy or consulate in your destination country for more information about the documentation you’ll need.
  • If you plan to take with you any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, check to make sure those drugs are legal in the country you plan to visit.

 

6

Let family members or friends know your basic itinerary. At least a few people you know and trust should have a basic idea of where you’re going to be and what you’re going to be doing. Give them details you already have, such as your flight numbers and the name and contact information for your hotel or other accommodations.

  • This doesn’t mean you can’t be spontaneous or change travel plans on the fly. Just make sure at least one person back home is aware of where you are, especially if you’re traveling alone.

 

7

Arrange for a pet or house sitter. If you have pets that won’t be traveling with you, make sure they are fed and looked after while you’re gone. If you plan to be gone for more than a week, it’s also a good idea to have someone look in on your house periodically.

  • If you are using a kennel or other service, call and check availability as soon as your travel dates are set. If you leave this to the last minute, you may have a hard time getting the services you need.
  • If you plan to be gone for 2 weeks or more, go to the postal service and arrange to have your mail held until you return (unless you have someone regularly checking your mail). A stuffed mailbox is an advertisement to thieves that no one is home.

8

Let your bank or credit card companies know you’ll be traveling. If you plan to use credit or debit cards on your trip, call the customer service number listed on the back of your cards and provide the dates you’ll be traveling and where you’ll be. Otherwise, charges may be considered fraudulent and denied.

  • This is especially important if you’re traveling to another country. Many banks and credit card companies will automatically lock your account if the card is used in another country.
  • Ideally, you should only take 1 or 2 cards with you on your trip. Leave any other cards you have at home. This minimizes the risk to you if your wallet is lost or stolen.

 

9

Put contact information for hotels and airlines in your phone. It’s possible you’ll run into a problem and not have access to WiFi. If you program the numbers into your phone, you won’t have to worry about not being able to access a website to find the contact information.

  • If you’re traveling to another country, get the address and phone number for your home country’s nearest embassy or consulate there. Put that information in your phone as well, so you’ll always have it with you.

 

10

Make copies of all important documents. Copy the front and back of identification and insurance documents. If you lose the originals, you can use the copies to re-establish your identity and get back home. Make copies of any medical documentation or prescriptions as well.

  • Place your copies in a zippered bag and pack them in a different location than your original documents. For example, if you have your original documents in a purse or carry-on bag, pack your copies in your suitcase.