Packing your bags at the very last second before departure isn’t a big deal, nor is learning about your destination only when you’re already on the plane. But even if you’re embarking on a spontaneous trip, there are still some things that need to be arranged in advance. Otherwise, you may encounter all kinds of problems during your journey that could interrupt your fun and prevent you from enjoying your trip to the fullest. Recently, the well-known travel website "smarter travel" reminded everyone that there are 11 things that need to be taken care of before you set off—whether it’s getting various vaccinations or breaking in a new pair of shoes—some things require you to start thinking and preparing days, weeks, or even months ahead of time.
1. Get Vaccinations
If you're traveling to Argentina, you’ll need a typhoid vaccine. If you're going to China, a hepatitis A vaccine is a must. Getting vaccinated means making a medical appointment in advance, and sometimes you may need multiple doses spread out over weeks or even months, as is the case with the hepatitis A vaccine. These are not things you can leave to the last minute. The CDC’s Travelers’ Health guide provides comprehensive information on necessary vaccinations for every country.
Even for domestic travel between different cities, don’t overlook the possibility that different vaccinations might be required. Make sure your immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, as well as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are up to date.
2. Break in New Shoes
If you plan to wear new shoes while traveling, make sure you wear them in advance to let your feet adjust. Often, it takes a while for new shoes to stop rubbing and causing discomfort—sometimes days, sometimes weeks. Breaking them in before your trip can help you avoid blisters and ensure you’re not starting your journey with uncomfortable feet.
3. Download Movies
If you’re traveling solo, having entertainment options is especially important. Whether it's a short layover, a long flight, or unexpected delays, having movies to watch can make the time pass more enjoyably. However, even with fast internet, downloading a movie still takes time. Ideally, download your movies at least a day in advance on your device—whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, or laptop—to give yourself plenty of time. Alternatively, download your favorite TV shows or audiobooks. Missing your flight because you were waiting for a movie to download is definitely not worth it.
4. Book Special In-Flight Meals
If you have specific dietary requirements—such as being a strict vegetarian, needing gluten-free meals, or following Jewish or Islamic dietary laws—you’ll need to plan ahead and not leave it to the last second. Most airlines require at least 24 hours' notice to arrange special meals. Actually, the best time to request one is when you book your ticket. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re comfortably fed on the plane.
5. Update Your Phone’s Operating System
Updating your phone’s operating system before heading to the airport can save you a lot of trouble. This not only helps avoid the frustration of your phone crashing or restarting when you need to make a call or check your flight status, but also ensures all your apps are up to date. Plus, if you’ve forgotten any important passwords—like saved routes or contacts—it can help you retrieve that vital information.
6. Hire a House and Pet Sitter
Arranging for a house and pet sitter before you leave is always a smart move. It’s even more important during the summer and holiday seasons when such services are in high demand and should be booked early. Even if you plan to bribe a friend or family member with travel souvenirs to collect your mail, or ask a neighbor’s child to check your mailbox, you still need to make sure they have the time to look after your home while you’re away.
7. Download and update software
8. Power Adapters and Voltage Converters
Are power adapters and voltage converters needed for your electronic devices? You’ll need to figure that out in advance. For instance, Apple phones and tablets come with power plugs that have built-in transformers — if you're traveling to a place that uses 240-volt AC power, then you'll only need a suitable power strip for your charger. But if you plan to use other appliances like hair dryers that may require different voltages, make sure to prepare everything properly to avoid electrical hazards.
9. Make Advance Reservations at Popular Restaurants
If there’s a restaurant you’ve been longing to try in the city you’re visiting, definitely consider whether you need a reservation. If it’s so famous it draws people from far and wide just for a meal, it might be fully booked. You can call to reserve a table, but if you're not confident in the local language and have a credit card that offers concierge services, you might as well let the professionals handle it. The OpenTable website allows online reservations at many restaurants across the U.S., UK, Japan, Mexico, and more. Alternatively, you could use country-specific dining reservation platforms such as France’s Lafourchette.
10. Check Your Passport's Expiration Date
If you're planning to travel somewhere next year, make sure to check the expiration date on your passport. If it will expire in less than six months, pay close attention — some countries may not allow you entry if your passport is nearing its expiry. Some countries require at least six months’ validity, others three. It would be quite disappointing to have your trip disrupted due to passport issues.
11. Transit Luggage Restrictions
On some connecting flights, you only need to follow the luggage restrictions of the airline you booked. In other cases, however, you must adhere to the limitations set by different carriers. If your itinerary involves transferring between various flights, make sure to understand all relevant restrictions in advance to avoid paying overweight baggage fees. This can be quite frustrating, and some foreign airlines don’t publish specific requirements on their websites — in which case, you’ll need to call and inquire. It’s better to spend a bit on that phone call than to find out at the airport that you have to pay extra fees.