There are many little things that I do to prepare for each leg of my adventure. Most involve me debagging a few ounces of gremlins that have snuck in to my backpack. 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. Know that this may change during your quest (Malawi, Uganda).
Travel notifications to debit card banks and credit card issuers (best guess on plan). Now very rarely required, but you may have an ‘old school’ card.
Notifications to phone service providers if needed. Also really not needed, as you will have an international plan.
Check for software updates on all devices. This is actually super helpful. Include your backup clone ‘phone that seldom is activated.
Check device battery levels to see if it is time to replace one. Seldom required, but helpful to think about if it is time to repplace your well ridden warhorse device.
Buy travel health insurance from World Nomads and print out declaration page. But now that you have an annual policy sourced from Squaremouth you are good to go.
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. I know that nearly everything can be achieved on the road, but if your credit card is soon to expire, give them a call and receive a replacement before launching.
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. My ipad does a great job of scanning into pdfs
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.
Change batteries in my airtags that live in my backpack, dopp kit, and with my keys.
Refill cash stash of 300EUR and $500 of pristine banknotes in various denominations.
Check currency conversion rate for first destination.
Download maps.me maps if heading in to remote 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.