top of page

7 Things To Do Before You Leave

You're packed and ready to go. Now, you just need to wait until your adventure starts... right?

Wrong.

There are a few details that so often get forgotten when you're preparing to leave which can only cause problems for you once you're actually on your trip. So don't stress, here's a list to make sure you have everything covered.

1.HAVE YOUR VISA INFORMATION READY TO Go

Your documents are really important! For US citizens, our visa information is the following: Passport, Student Visitor Letter, Original Bank Statement, 2 Passport-Sized Photographs and Official Transcript.

(For Non-US citizens, please contact the destination countries’ Embassy or Consulate for specific entry requirements)

I had problems getting my original bank statement from Chase a day before my flight since the most current statement they could access showed that I couldn't sustain myself in London. Save yourself the trouble and worry. Get all of these documents ready at least the week before you leave.

2.Notify your banks

If you're going to be using your credit/debit cards in Europe, make sure to tell your bank(s) where and when you are going. The last thing you want is for your bank to cancel or block your cards - when you're legitimately using them abroad - as they think there's been fraudulent activity.

3.EXCHANGE CURRENCY

Before you leave, make sure you have some local currency to familiarize yourself with the coins and bank

notes. Exchange around $100-$200 at your local bank to get the best exchange rate.

You'll usually be able to find an ATM on arrival but a full wallet means less stress if you need to get out of the airport quickly or the cash machine isn't working. Plus, the currency exchange rate within airports work against you.

4.make an emergency numbers list

If something bad happens, you don't want to waste time searching for the correct numbers to call (you might not have data/wifi to look it up on your phone). Write down all of the useful numbers you may need in an emergency. I recommend taking note of the contact information for at least the following:

- Next of kin and other important family members

- Insurance claims helpline

- Country consulate

- Your bank's lost/stolen card emergency helpline

5.Make your phone travel-ready

There are some great apps which can help you on the road without a data connection. For example, Google Maps allows you to save lots of maps off-line, which continue to work perfectly with your GPS. Google Translate lets you save an entire language off-line, including useful phrases and it makes sense to take screenshots or download your flight confirmation as well as directions too.

Call your phone company to find out their international plans and decide which plan is the best option for you. Notify family and friends the best way to contact you: email, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, etc.

Also, familiarize yourself with how to turn off your data and roaming charges to avoid huge bills overseas. While having a large amount of data is important, I've found that many areas in Europe, particularly London, offer free wi-fi so use this to your advantage.

Lastly, back-up any important information or treasured photos somewhere safe to avoid losing everything if your phone gets stolen or your storage becomes full from all those pictures you'll be taking.

6.Cancel any bills/subscriptions

I think it's really annoying if your gym membership, magazine subscription or Spotify subscription automatically renews when you're not going to be in the country or you won't be using these at all. Make a list and cancel everything you don't need before you leave; you want as much money as possible for your adventures in Europe after all!

7.FULLY CHARGE EVERYTHING

Those last minute good-bye calls. final updates of your Facebook news feed, tweeting about your trip and Instagramming the view from the plane can all take their toll on your battery life before you've even taken off.

Make sure all of the electronics you're bringing are fully charged, you don't want them dying on you! Or bring a portable charger with you to extend battery life.

Recent Posts
Archive
bottom of page