Even if this isn’t your first European trip, there are probably a few things you need to do in the days leading up to your departure. As you rush to get ready, it’s easy to forget things. And, there may be things like emergency preparedness that you may not consider. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything ready to go.
Flights and accommodation
It is good to have copies of your travel itinerary, flight and accommodation reservations, and car rental reservation both in print and on your phone. Consider the following:
- Do you have your flights and accommodation booked? Check the dates.
- Is your name spelled exactly as it is on your passport? Some airlines will charge you for a name change. TSA will also compare your passport and boarding pass to make sure the names are the same.
Transport between cities
Decisions must be made before leaving. You will need to determine the cost of travel by bus, train, plane, and car between cities to make the best decision. You can find hours and costs online. When you travel to a country where you are unfamiliar with the language, discovering this information can be more difficult. Consider the following:
- How do you find yourself between cities on your trip? Are you renting a car? Have you checked the prices of train travel? It can be cheaper.
- Do you need a rail pass to save money? There are several types of rail passes, depending on how long your journey is.
Maps, apps, and tours
Once you land in Europe, you will need to have a plan for sightseeing and sightseeing. Again, this can be easily investigated online when in familiar territory. You can easily make phone calls and email the tour companies with questions. Consider these issues:
- Are you planning to explore all the cities on your own or are you considering guided tours? Book your tours before hitting websites like Viator. A walking tour on your first day is always a good option to get to know a city center. A bus tour that provides an overview of a city can be helpful on your first day if you think you’ll be exploring a larger area during your stay.
- If you are going to explore by yourself, you probably want a map. The tourist office in most cities will give you a free map, but you will get a more detailed one if you buy one in advance from your local bookstore.
If you have a smartphone, remember to download your maps and apps before you go. Both Google Maps and HERE WeGo Maps have offline modes. Google and HERE WeGo have different strengths: Google maps are better, but HERE’s offline mode is more reliable and can download larger areas.
Make copies just in case
Just like you back up all your critical files to your computer, you’ll want to make at least two photocopies of your itinerary, your passport information page (the one with your photo and passport number on it), and copies of your cards. credit showing numbers. Give a copy to someone you trust in your home who can communicate at any time of the day or night. Keep a copy of your passport and credit card information with you, but in a different place than the original items.
Call your credit card companies
A couple of days before you leave for your vacation, call the 800 number on the back of the credit cards you carry. Make sure the credit card company knows that you will be charging things in different countries during your vacation. Otherwise, your credit card company may suspend your card caused by unusual spending in unusual places.
Write down the details of the medication
You certainly know how to take your medications with you instead of packing them in your checked luggage, but there is more to consider.
- Make sure you have the medications, but also record the scientific name of the medication. Just because a US doctor prescribes something for you with a generic name does not mean that it can replace that drug in Europe. If you know the scientific name of the medicine you are taking, at least the name of the active ingredient, you have a chance to replace a medicine you have forgotten or need in an emergency.
- Keep the list in a safe place and give a copy to someone.
Packaging
Consider testing the packaging for your trip. You may think that your luggage is carrying more than you really can. Also, weigh any suitcases that appear to be “too heavy” according to the regulations of your airline or any local European airlines you are planning to take once you are in Europe.
- Gather everything in one place and start packing. Remove everything heavy that you cannot use. Remember, you are going to a place with many opportunities to buy what you need. See more packing tips.
- Check your carry-on baggage against the rules of your carrier; Some low-cost airlines allow smaller carry-on luggage than major airlines (Ryanair is an example).
Revision final
Here’s a final check-up once you’ve planned and packed. Make sure you have these things before you walk out the door.
- Passport
- Tickets
- Car rental contracts
- Hotel reservation receipts
- Credit cards
- Chargers for your phone and other electrical devices and adapters.
- Medications (and prescriptions, if necessary)
- Addresses / password information
- Clothing
- Emergency phone numbers
