I’ve spent a lifetime traveling the globe on expeditions and filming projects. In this series, I will offer up the top 100 travel tips. Part one offers the things to do before your trip.
1. Global Rescue – If you are going to be in a remote place, make sure you have evacuation insurance to get home in the event of an accident.
2. Medical Insurance – Ensure you are covered adequately in case of misfortune. Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers worldwide coverage for diving accidents and supplemental travel insurance with proceeds that support diving medical research. Other sport’s organizations have particular policies that cover accidents too.
3. Gear Insurance – Do you need to cover sporting gear or cameras for loss, damage or theft. Get it covered before you go.
4. Credit Cards – As much as I hate paying annual fees, some credit cards have a lot of value attached to their services. Cards like American Express may cover everything from free use of airport lounges to gear, car rental, and medical insurance. Most offer a free buddy ticket too. If you travel frequently, it is worth considering.
5. Checklists – I’m a fan of using lists for packing. Bring it with you, so you are organized on the way home and get everything into the right bag for weight limits. Having a list also helps if you are pulled into additional inspections at airports.
6. Computer Backup – As a precaution, run a backup of your laptop before you leave home in case it is lost, stolen or damaged on the trip.
7. Identification – Make a photocopy of your important travel papers such as your passport and Driver’s License and keep the copy on your body during the trip. It is not unusual for a hotel to hold your passport until you pay your bill. In case of loss, you have all the information you need for replacement.
8. Credit Card Info – Ensure you have access to credit card information in case your wallet is lost. You want the card numbers and the toll-free phone number for card cancellation and replacement.
9. Download – Do you want movies, podcasts, or e-books to read on holiday? Fill up your computer or phone well in advance of departure. Load up a travel guide for your destination.
10. Local Cash – Get a little local cash in advance of the trip (Travelex online) and make sure you know the local exchange rate so that you are not cheated or over-charged by foreign exchange providers at your destination. Airports have the highest fees and ATMs with no fee cards are generally best.
11. Navigation – Preload your phone with offline local maps and transit information so that you won’t need to use expensive cellular data services once you land. Cache Google maps or use HERE maps.
12. Photograph – Take a picture of itineraries, hotel information and other details you might need to access once you land.
13. Power Up – Bring a phone charging battery or charging case and extra cable in case your smartphone dies.
14. Know Your Embassy – If the very worst happens on a trip, you will want to be able to contact your home country’s embassy. Load the contact details on your phone.
15. Check Rates – Before you go, check out international calling and data rates and options, so there are no surprises. Sometimes local SIM cards are a good option. Make sure you arrange your phone settings appropriately so that you don’t pay for unwanted calls or data.
16. Speak to Me – Learn common phrases of the local language. Store the phrases on your smartphone.
17. Alerts – Let your credit card know you will be traveling to avoid being locked out by the fraud department.
18. Backup Funds – Always have a plan for a declined credit card. Carry a second card from a different company and a small amount of local currency.
19. No Fee Bank Cards – Use a no-fee bank card to get local currency from ATMs as needed.
20. Cheap Flights – Use web searches for the cheapest flights and cross-reference with the airline before buying. Momondo, Google Flights, and Skyscanner offer creative ways to search destinations, prices and the cheapest days to fly.
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