Travel 101: What to Do Before You Leave the Country

Before you travel to a different country, it's important to prepare beforehand. There are lots and lots of things you can and should do in order to make your trip especially enjoyable. The following items will get you started. Cross each one off your "to-do" list before you depart your homeland, I promise things will go much smoother for you once you arrive on foreign turf.

1. Have the address of your hotel/hostel/lodging written down in the native tongue.

This will prove immensely beneficial to you. Most people forget to write this information down before they leave and once they arrive at the destination airport things get a little hectic. Start off on the right foot by having the address written down and easily accessible. Simply hand it to the taxi driver, bus driver, etc. when you're ready to leave the airport. It's also nice to have extra pieces of paper to give to each member you're traveling with (and extras for you) for later in the trip should you find yourself stranded.

2. Know basic phrases in the native tongue

By learning the basic expressions and phrases before you leave, it will show that are considerate of the other country's culture. They will also help you navigate around the country. Some good ones to know are: Hello, goodbye, how much, where's the bathroom, no, yes, thank you, excuse me, where.

3. Understand the dress code

If you're traveling to a destination that is very conservative (like the middle east, for example), make sure that you have clothing that is appropriate. If you're traveling to a place that doesn't care for your country, avoid clothing with your country printed across it (I did this for Egypt). If you're going to a place that gets quite chilly, pack extra socks and long underwear. You get the picture!

4. Have a rough itinerary

If you're like me then you're organized and thorough and like to know what's happening and when. While that's not necessary, a general, rough itinerary will make things smoother for you, especially if you don't have access to a computer. Before you leave, do some research on the hotspots in your travel destination and write down where they are located, how to get there from your lodging, etc. Even comprising a simple "to-go" list will help you see and do more in your stay.

5. Exchange money

While you can always exchange money at the airport, you'll save a few bucks if you exchange at home before you leave. Wait for the exchange rate to be as much in your favor as possible and head to the bank or local exchange to trade your money.

6. Call your credit card/banks

These days, credit card companies and banks are great when it comes to protecting you from thefts. In fact, they are so careful that most will cut off your card if they see spending in a different country. Call your bank/card company before you leave and let them know you will be away. They'll ask for the dates of your stay and you'll save yourself the trouble of a long distance, expensive call trying to get your card re-activiated!

7. Have all your lodgings booked

This is a no brainer. Even if you're the adventurous type who likes to move around a lot and play it by ear, booking your lodging ahead of time will save you time and money.

8. Get vaccinated

A lot of countries don't require vaccinations and innoculations before leaving, but many countries advise that you visit a travel doctor before you arrive. For example, if you are heading to a forested area, such as Brazil, you will likely be getting many prescriptions and shots before heading over. Contact your local travel doctor and see what she suggests. Some countries won't even let you cross the border without some medical documents so it's better safe than sorry.

9. Get your Visa/passport

The passport is a no-brainer. You need one if you are traveling anywhere outside the border of your country. Now, depending on the country to which you travel, you may also be required to purchase a visa before arriving. Research the country's requirements before leaving way ahead of time. Visa's can take up to 6 months to process sometimes. Same goes for your passport!

9. Do the dishes!

All too often people forget to clean their house before they head out of town! It's nice to come back to a clean house that rid of any weird smells! So please, take out the garbage, wash the dishes and tidy up!

Good luck! For more traveling advice, click "Wendy Rose Gould" at the top of this article and look around. Thanks for stopping by!