Packing efficiently will save you time and trouble in your new country. It's also a good idea to know what you'll need to carry from home and what you'll be able to buy in your new area.

Let's go through this checklist before getting out of the suitcase.

Passport

A passport is an official government document that verifies your identity and citizenship. It allows you to travel internationally and proves who you are and where you are from. To obtain a passport, you must complete an application and provide proof of your identities, such as a birth certificate or driver's license. You may also need to provide a passport-sized photograph.

To use your passport, it must be valid. It must not have expired and have enough blank pages for any necessary visas or stamps. It is essential to check the expiration date of your passport before you travel and to renew it if it is about to expire.

It is also good to make copies of your passport, keep them safe, and carry a digital copy. This will make it easier to replace your passport if it is lost or stolen abroad.

Visa

A visa is an official document that allows you to enter a foreign country for a specific purpose, such as tourism, study, or work. Visas are issued by the government of the country you wish to visit and must be obtained before travel.

There are different types of visas for different purposes, and the requirements for obtaining a visa can vary depending on the country and the purpose of your trip. In general, you will need to fill out an application and provide documents such as a passport, a photograph, a letter of invitation or proof of financial support. You may also need to pay a fee.

It is essential to research the visa requirements for the country you are visiting and to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip. Some countries have a lengthy visa application process, and you want to avoid not being able to enter the country because you need to allow more time to obtain a visa.

Tickets

• Double-check the dates and times of your flights or train journeys to ensure you have the correct tickets.
• Make sure your tickets are for the correct destination and any layovers or connections you may have.
• Check your ticket baggage allowance and ensure you have enough luggage to meet these requirements.
• If you have connecting flights or train journeys, make sure you have enough time to transfer between them.
• Confirm that your tickets are in a valid format, such as a printed copy or an electronic version, on your phone or tablet.
• If you have purchased tickets online, have a confirmation email or receipt.

It's also a good idea to keep your tickets safe while travelling, such as in a carry-on bag or in a secure location in your accommodation. This will help ensure that you have them readily available when you need them.

Itinerary:

An itinerary is a detailed trip plan, including the dates, times, and locations of your activities. It helps you stay organised and attend all important events or activities.

Here are a few things to include in your itinerary:

• Accommodation: List the dates and locations of your hotel, hostel, or other accommodation.
• Transportation: Include details of flights, trains, buses, and other transportation methods you will be using.
• Activities: Plan out the activities you want to do during your trips, such as sightseeing, tours, and events.
• Meals: Plan where you will eat by making restaurant reservations or packing meals to take with you.
• Rest: Make sure to include some time in your itinerary for rest.

You can create an itinerary using a paper planner or a digital tool such as a spreadsheet or a travel app. Sharing your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member in emergencies.

Pack essentials

Here are some tips for packing essentials for your trip:

• Make a list: Start by listing everything you need to pack. This will help you stay organised and remember all important items.
• Consider the climate: Pack clothing and other items that are appropriate for the climate of your destination.
• Pack light: Pack as lightly as possible to avoid carrying heavy luggage. Consider packing multi-purpose items that can be used in different situations.
• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and sunscreen. If you're worried about spilling liquids in your luggage, consider packing solid versions of these items.
• Medications: If you take any medications regularly, pack enough to last the duration of your trip. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription if you need to refill your medication abroad.
• Other essentials: You should pack a phone charger, a power strip, a first-aid kit, and a small bag for carrying valuables such as your passport and money.

Money:

Here are a few points to consider when planning how to access money while abroad:

• Credit cards: Many credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, which can save money on currency exchange. However, not all merchants accept credit cards, so it's also a good idea to have cash on hand.
• Debit cards: Debit cards can be a convenient way to access cash from ATMs abroad. However, be aware that you may be charged fees for using an ATM not part of your bank's network.
• Traveller's checks: Traveler's checks are a safe way to carry money, as they can be replaced if lost or stolen. However, they are less widely accepted than cash or credit cards, and you may have to pay a fee to exchange them.
• Currency exchange: Before you leave, you may want to exchange some of your home currency for the local currency of your destination. You can do this at a bank or currency exchange office. Be aware that you may be charged a fee for currency exchange, and the exchange rate may be less favourable.

It's a good idea to have a mix of different payment methods with you while travelling in case one method is not accepted or is not convenient in a particular situation.

Research your destination: 

Learn about the customs, culture, and any potential safety concerns of your destination. Here are a few tips for researching your destination:

• Visit the government's travel website for your destination: Many countries have a government-run website with information for travellers, including details on customs, culture, and any potential safety concerns.
• Read travel blogs and guidebooks: Travel blogs and guidebooks can provide a wealth of information on a destination, including recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and cultural customs to be aware of.
• Contact the embassy: If you have any specific concerns or questions about your destination, you can contact the embassy for that country for more information.
• Talk to people who have been there: If you know someone who has travelled to your destination before, ask them for their insights and recommendations.
• Learn some basic phrases: It can be helpful to learn some basic phrases in the local language of your destination, such as "hello," "thank you," and "where is the bathroom?" This can show respect for the culture and make it easier to communicate with locals.

By researching your destination beforehand, you can be better prepared for your trip and have a more enjoyable and safe experience.