There are many little things that I do to prepare for each leg of my adventure. Some require research and may be ‘mission critical’ (no cash before flying to Burma – game over). Some are central to my plans, but not critical (no International Driving Permit in Slovenia – I took the bus). But most are in the category of ‘this is prudent, and will make my travel experience easier and even more fun’.
I regularly launch an adventure with just a ‘plane ticket and two nights booked at a hotel, with autoschediastic glee (as with recent 10 week, eight country Africa lap). But before I set off, I always run through this list:
Check on Visa requirements of intended destinations. Probably should have done this a while ago.
Travel notifications to debit card banks and credit card issuers (best guess on plan).
Notifications to phone service providers if needed.
Check for software updates on all devices.
Check device battery levels to see if it is time to replace one.
Buy travel health insurance from World Nomads and print out declaration page.
Check my spreadsheet of subscriptions, program renewal dates, and credit card expirations to see if something that I need to do before being in motion.
Arrange for someone to check on and feed the children once a month (optional).
Update photocopies of passports, passport card, yellow fever certificate, health insurance policy page as needed.
Upload the same images to cloud files and also store as photos on phone.
Check that have photos of backpack on phone in case it heads off on a solo adventure and I need to trigger a lost luggage search.
Refill cash stash of 200EUR and $200 of pristine banknotes in various denominations.
Check currency conversion rate for first destination.
Download maps.me maps for expected regions.
Download as many podcasts as can reasonable expect to enjoy.
Download video from Amazon Prime, Netflix, etcetera.
Download books to iPad.
Download Google translate language content for anticipated destinations.
Learn a dozen words in the language of the first destination.
Screen shot of destination hotel reservation and location stored in photos.
Plot route from airport to hotel to know if it is walkable, bussable or trainable. Or worst case know how far a taxi will be driving.