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I love going on holidays – and I’m sure you do too. Packing and preparing for holidays is another thing though, one that I don’t look forward too.
Some of my friends – my mum especially – are practically packing experts when it comes to preparing for holidays. She would be 100% covered if our whole family goes on a big trip, finding caretakers for her plants even.
Me? No matter how many times I travel, there’s always a nagging worry that I might forget something from my travel packing list.
And I travel A LOT. In 2019, I was only home for 87 days. If you’re curious, this post shows the places I went.
Therefore, I figure the best way to solve this problem all of us travellers have is to create a pre-travel packing checklist, one that we can refer to whenever I’m jetsetting to a foreign place.
For convenience sake, I’ve summarized a travel checklist of 14 important things to do or prepare before I pack my luggage and set off on another new adventure.
If you’re worried about forgetting important things to do before you travel overseas, bookmarking this checklist is handy for you to always refer back to.
TRAVEL HACK:
As always, I find the best way to source for the cheapest flights is by checking on Google Flights & Skyscanner.
As for accommodation, I found Booking & HotelsCombined to provide the most comprehensive, unbiased comparison of different hotel sites.
I travel long-term and never leave home without Safetywing, an affordable nomad travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!.
A Travel Checklist: 14 Things I Do Before Every International Travel
1. Exchanging foreign currency
Before changing foreign currency, I usually go online to check the rates before heading to the money changer. This allows me to become informed about the market rate and ensure that I get the best rate.
Here’s a website that’s really handy for looking for the best exchange rate shops in Singapore.
That being said, I discovered this multi-currency travel card that CHANGED MY LIFE. Serving as a virtual money changer, it has saved all the hassle from having to change at physical money changers!
2. Get a travel insurance
Prevention is better than cure.
Perhaps the most important is to get a health or travel insurance that covers medical repatriation if the need arises. Whether you’re travelling to a foreign land or within the country, you never know when your health might deteriorate or you might have a bad fall, it’s so important especially in the event of emergencies.
If you’re an adventure seeker who loves the idea of scuba diving with sharks, skydiving or white water rafting, then travel insurance is even more paramount
I’ve claimed more than SGD 3000 with my local travel insurance in one year since buying annual plans from them, to the point that they have rejected me as a repeat customer (seriously though, I’m such a lucrative customer – why would they do that to me?)
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- You never know when accidents can happen..
If you’re wondering, most of the expenses came from my ACL injury when I fell real badly while skiing in Japan this January.
They chartered a private taxi to send me from my base all the way to Osaka airport, a 3+ hour drive away (that amounted to few hundred dollars), booked me on a new Singapore Airlines flight back from Osaka to Singapore, on Business class (yeah, baby), and gave me 30 days to visit a specialist and go on physiotherapy sessions.
That’s just one incident. I’ve also claimed for other incidents like sickness, falls, luggage damage, flight delays, etc throughout my travel journeys.
We become susceptible to falling sick because of exposure to unfamiliar climates and hectic travel schedules. Buying a travel insurance policy that allows you to claim your medical expenses would certainly go a long way in helping you offset some costs.
I always purchase a travel insurance whenever I head out of my home country. Of late, I’ve bought a year-long travel insurance since I travel in and out of Singapore so much.
If, by any unfortunate chance, you need an air ambulance to get back home to family and trusted medical care, your insurance should fully or at least partially cover the cost.
If you’re looking at a longer-term travel insurance (more suited for digital nomads), SafetyWing is your go-to.
3. Visa and passport expiry
Before you travel, do a quick Google search on whether you need to apply for a visa before you travel to a certain country. This procedure can sometimes take months so don’t leave it to the last minute!
I come from a country who boasts one of the most powerful passports in the world. Because of this, I’ve seen so many Singaporeans become complacent and assume that our passport gives us access to the entire world.
For one, common destinations like Australia and the United States require visas. It’s easy for us as we can apply online and have it approved instantly.
I know someone from New Zealand forgetting to apply for a visa to Vietnam and only realizing it on the plane to Vietnam. He had to apply on the spot and the whole plane stalled for him! You’d think that was the worst bit. As it was a weekend when he arrived in Vietnam, the immigration office in Vietnam almost sent him back when they weren’t able to process the application. What a close shave!
Speaking of passports, make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your date of travel.
4. Medical exam, vaccinations and pills
A medical screening can help detect any potential issues at an early stage. Travelling with an underlying health problem may be risky so you need to be prepared to handle any medical emergency that might arise.
Once again, do a Google search on what sorts of vaccinations you need when travelling to certain countries. Check if you require malaria pills and certain jabs.
Schedule a visit prior to your holiday to your health care provider and find out what medical screenings may be necessary to take depending upon the country you’re travelling to, your health condition, etc. This is especially so if you’re travelling to countries in Southeast Asia.
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5. Activate overseas spending for credit cards
We all get carried away while shopping on holidays, especially at duty-free shopping malls or at the airport.
I personally dislike carrying too much cash on me as it makes me feel anxious about (1) losing my wallet and (2) being a victim of pickpocketing.
Furthermore, there will be additional exchange rate costs involved if I have to change the remaining currency back to Singapore dollars.
That’s why paying big-ticket items while overseas is sometimes the easiest way to go. For one, you can accumulate points on foreign transactions (if you’re a points/ miles chaser). It’s also more convenient as you don’t have to carry wads of cash around a foreign country.
Discovering this multi-currency debit card that changed the way I spend money overseas!
6. Shop duty-free online in advance
You can shop for last minute travel items, such as GoPro & its accessories.
If you’re passing through Singapore’s Changi Airport and don’t know this already, you can shop duty-free products ahead by shopping online on iShopChangi’s website, and picking them up after checking in for your flight within the transit halls.
Or if you prefer, you can collect them when return back to Singapore so you don’t have to lug your purchases overseas with you!
Picking my ordered items at Changi Airport Terminal 4’s departure
More often than not, the collection counter is empty, so you don’t have to go through queues to make purchases. That way, you can fully enjoy Changi Airport’s facilities instead of rushing to shop all your buys.
7. Rent your WiFi/ Activate your phone’s auto-roam
Alternatively, buy a local prepaid card or rent a pocket WiFi. They key here is to do your research and see which is the cheaper option.
For instance, when I went to South Korea for my summer exchange last year, I opted to activate my M1 plan’s auto-roam at SGD 20 (on top of my existing phone plan) as the only other option was to buy a local unlimited data card for SGD 80 a month!
Read: Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea 27 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do in Jeju Island, South Korea What to Do, See and Eat in Busan, South Korea in 3 Days
Read: What To Do In Kyoto, Japan First Time in Tokyo? A Complete Guide to Tokyo, Japan What's Famous in Hokkaido; Japan Rail Passes & A 6-Day South Hokkaido Itinerary
On my most recent trip to Australia and Vietnam, I’ve been working with Tep Wireless which sends over your very own portable, pocket-sized WiFi device and universal adaptor. You can then go to their website to customize the plan that you wish, which even includes calling and texting abroad.
It’s worth noting that there’s a 1GB data cap restriction in certain countries, while other countries allow up to 3GB. As a result, when I was in Australia, loading apps like emails and Instagram doesn’t work when I was connected to 2 devices and in an urban city, much less while doing a road trip in the more remote areas in Australia.
In Vietnam, we were also provided 1GB a day. While it worked on most days of our trip, how strong the signal is depends on the local signals too, and I’d experienced interruption on the first day or so.
P.S. Want to eliminate the need for WiFi routers/ SIM cards FOREVER?
I’ve recently discovered Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store which eliminates the need for roaming plans or the hassle of hunting for physical SIM cards. Travellers can have access to local electronic SIMs from over 160+ countries through their website.
How it works: As long as you have an eSIM-capable phone (i.e. an embedded SIM in your phone), you can simply buy a data pack on Airalo, scan the QR code by going into Settings > Mobile Data, and add the eSIM to your phone.
Following which, you just need to top up your data at your Airalo account, and your eSIM will be there for you to use when you need to.
You can add up to 15 eSIMs on the iPhone eSIM capable devices (iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XR), and swap between eSIMs when travelling.
Gone are the days you have to change your SIM cards each time you visit a new country nor have to purchase SIM cards at airport arrivals and add to the tons of plastic waste that we generate. You’ll also not need to rent and carry an extra cumbersome WiFi egg or device as you travel. It goes without saying that you’ll never have to pay ridiculous amounts for roaming data ever again!
8. Charge your electronics
Imagine arriving in a foreign country, without knowing a single word of their language, and having a phone that has run out of battery. You can’t even use Google Translate!
Our lives have become intertwined with our mobile devices that being without our smartphones is akin to losing a limb.
I recommend packing a portable charger along with these items on your carry on baggage to make your life easier. Of course, make sure that’s charged too!
9. Download transport apps
It would also be good to do research on how to get to your hotel/ Airbnb before your trip to avoid wasting unnecessary time asking for directions and figuring your way around in a foreign country.
10. Pack an extra set of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on
On one of my solo travels, I had to survive a day without my luggage as it was delayed during the connecting flight. Thankfully, I everything I needed (except a fresh set of clothes) with me in my carry on.
This meant that I had to wear my used plane clothes for another day. I definitely learnt my lesson the hard way!
11. Driving permits
Consider if you’ll be driving on your trip. If you do, does your driving license permit you to drive in your destination country? Do you require an International Driving Permit?
12. Have important documents handy and carry photocopies of them
As I’ve also mentioned in my 10 tips for new travellers, when travelling to a foreign destination, keep several photocopies of important documents such as your passport, visa, and medical reports with you. It’s better to keep them in different bags and one in your pocket.
Save all your documents in Dropbox, synced to your phone, and AVAILABLE OFFLINE. In the event of emergencies, you can retrieve it easily.
So even if your bag is stolen, you’ll have the photocopy of important docs with you. You can even get a copy of your birth certificate; this will allow you to prove your identity if you’re missing some important documents and need to get new ones.
When shopping during a vacation, it’s always better to purchase using your traveller’s cheque or credit card than using cash.
If you need to access the ATM, always use it during the day time when there are lots of people around. When you’re in a new place, it’s always better to ask locals for tips on how to stay safe.
13. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions
Before heading to your destination, make sure you check the current weather and forecast for the next few days while you’ll be there. If it’s going to be cold, you need to carry extra layers for everyone to stay warm.
Alternatively, if the weather is hot and humid then you’ll need to carry cotton dresses, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You may not get the time to go shopping as soon as you arrive at your destination so it always pays to double-check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
14. Keep stress in check
Before setting out on a holiday, make sure you create a budget and stick to it. Spending responsibly and keeping your financial commitments can help you enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Look online for information on how to travel to the destination on a budget as this may give you some useful tips. Make a list of restaurants that offer good food at reasonable prices and shopping arcades where you can pick some good stuff without breaking the bank.
When all that sightseeing and shopping makes you tired, make sure you get enough sleep to re-energize yourself. Getting enough sleep is important to stay healthy and relaxed on your holiday.
How to Stay Safe for Your Holiday
1. Prevent injuries while travelling abroad
We know you might be excited to be on the destination of your dreams, but make sure you don’t get too carried away with excitement. Don’t push your limits when trying activities like snow skiing or skydiving, especially if you’re attempting it for the first time.
If you wish to go hiking on the road less taken, it may sound exciting, but make sure you have a guiding map and help accessible if you have unpleasant encounters on your way. The idea is to have fun and take home lots of good memories, not to injure yourself and cut your travel short.
If you wish to try adventurous activities, always make sure you do so under expert supervision and never challenge your health condition.
2. Avoid unsafe locations of the destination at night
You may find it exciting to hop into every nightclub or bar in a city to make the most of your stay in a destination.
However, please be aware that not every place is safe for tourists. It’s wise to ask the hotel manager to give you an idea of ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ zones within the city so that you don’t get into trouble in a foreign land.
This tip is even more important when you’re travelling with family.
If you’re mugged in a potentially risky place, don’t try to fight back. It’s okay to lose a few dollars and maybe a wristwatch than risk your safety.
3. Eating right at recommended places
Trying local food at any place is an exciting aspect of travelling as you expose your taste buds to new experiences. Agreed.
However, please remember that you’re probably miles away from home and trusted medical care, so experimenting with your digestive system beyond your own limits is not a great idea.
Eat only at hygienic places and drink clean water – preferably bottled water – to avoid risking your health. We would recommend that you check the top restaurant review sites for recommendations and take suggestions from other travellers to decide where to eat.
4. Be extra vigilant when travelling with kids
If you’re travelling with children, you need to set up certain dos and don’ts when travelling with kids. Always keep a watchful eye on them to prevent injuries. Develop certain rules that your kids will follow while travelling.
For example, wash hands before eating, play with electronic toys responsibly, stay close to parents while travelling outside, never accept food from strangers, etc.
When travelling with kids, always aim for a slower schedule and fewer activities to avoid getting too exhausted. You can tell your kids that they will be rewarded if they behave well during the vacation. In most cases, offering rewards work better than threatening about negative consequences.
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