10 Tips to prepare your next trip well

Your next big adventure is just around the corner, but before you start your trip, remember to prepare everything correctly and prepare yourself like the most travel expert would. Here are the top ten tips:

1. KNOW THE RULES

Depending on where you are traveling, the rules regarding how long you can stay in the country as a tourist can vary greatly. Make sure you know the regulations and have a visa (if necessary). Also check that your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date, as many countries require this. And finally, make sure you know what vaccinations you need to travel safely, a quick Google search and a visit to your doctor will give you the information (and vaccinations!) you need. And remember: If you are going to travel to an exotic country –for a safari, for example–, plan your vaccination so that it is at least a few months before the trip, some vaccines must be administered several times before traveling.

2. STAY CONNECTED

I think we've all found ourselves in that situation. You know, when your phone's battery is down to four percent during a conversation that could change your whole life, and you start typing faster and faster to get everything you wanted to say before the phone died. It is not a pleasant feeling and your only savior in this situation is the charger. Make sure you always carry a charger and adapter with you, so you can charge all your electronic devices wherever you are in the world.

3. USE MAPS

If you're traveling with an iOS or Android device, you'll never have to worry about getting lost again. This is because Google allows Android and iOS users to save maps offline so they can be accessed without connecting to the Internet (say goodbye to expensive roaming fees). You can save areas as large as the Paris metro and up to 6 maps at once. If you already know which cities you are going to visit during your trip, do yourself a favor and download the maps before you leave.

4. GO LOCAL

And while we're still on the phone topic… if you're going to be staying in the same country for a longer period, it's worth investing in a local SIM card. It will allow you to keep in touch with (local) friends, call taxis and search the internet without worrying about roaming or wifi charges. Make sure you bring an unlocked phone with you, as you won't be able to install a local SIM card in a locked phone.

5. RESEARCH

Be sure to research information before you leave. Almost every city, even the smallest ones, has a local website that shows the local events of the following months; local editions of TimeOut magazine are also a great resource. And do not hesitate to ask your friends or friends of friends for advice on social networks, you will be surprised to see that many people will be more than happy to share information about their beloved city. The more research you do, the more prepared (and excited!) you'll be.

6. START MAKING CONTACTS

If you're traveling on your own, but don't necessarily want to spend your entire vacation alone, start networking before you leave. Let as many people as possible know about your itinerary by starting a travel blog (Tumblr is a good option, as it allows you to tag by destination, for example) and connect with your friends or your friends' friends on Facebook or Instagram . Again, most people will share tips and information and agree to meet you for coffee if they're around.

7. AIM, SHOOT, SAVE AND SHOW

Let me guess: you will surely take thousands of photos during your trip. Every new city, every place by the pool, every cappuccino in the morning and every historical monument are fantastic to feed your Instagram account. But if you're going to take photos the traditional way—with a camera and not your phone—there are much better ways to save and display your photos than Instagram. Upload them to your blog or create an online photo gallery with Flickr or Snugmug. (And don't forget to check out our top travel photography tips.)

8. LEARN THE COLLOQUIAL EXPRESSIONS

Knowing how to communicate with the locals is the key to making friends and feeling at home in your new city (even if you're only staying for a few days). You don't have to be fluent in the language, but knowing a few basic phrases will help you a lot, and the more you know, the better. Before you go out, buy a phrase book (they don't cost much and are light and easy to carry) and study a little. Being able to book a taxi, buy some food at the local market or explain your allergies to a doctor can save your life, trust me!

9. CARRY SOME CASH

Unless you're going to Sweden, where the government is pushing for a cash-free society, the reality is that in most countries, especially developing countries, cash is still king. You don't want to end up in the worst case without being able to pay for food, transportation, or lodging because you don't have an ATM nearby, so make sure you have plenty of cash with you before you leave. But watch out for pickpockets, don't keep all your money in one place and never leave it on the bed when you leave your hotel room.

10. PACK LIKE AN EXPERT

There is nothing more annoying than going around carrying a huge suitcase full of things that you probably won't wear and not having enough space to take those amazing things you bought home without paying for excess baggage on your flight from lap. To avoid this situation, make sure you expertly handle one of the most essential (and least fun) aspects of preparing for a trip. Take a small suitcase if you are going on a weekend trip or traveling to a city for a week or less, roll clothes instead of folding them, and re-evaluate each item of clothing and outfit you have packed before closing it , you can do it with much less than you think. For a full list of our packing tips, check out this article.

And you already have everything prepared and ready to travel. Buon voyage! Bon Voyage! Have a nice trip! Trevlig laughs! Bon Voyage!