Re- check your itinerary – Make sure all dates, times, baggage allowance and seat allocations are correct. If not, you will need to make changes sooner rather than later.

Organize travel insurance – Don’t leave home without travel insurance; always be prepared with reliable travel insurance to cover you for unexpected events.

Book accommodation before you go to avoid last minute hassles.

Enquire with your doctor about recommended vaccinations & travel medication – Visit your doctor at least a month or two before you leave, as some vaccinations and medication take some time to become effective. Ask about laws and regulations regarding any medication you’re taking into foreign countries.

When travelling overseas, make certain your passport is valid for at least six months – Bringing spare passport photos with you is always a good idea; just in case you require a new Visa or Passport whilst away.

Arrange car hire – Relying on taxi’s, buses and shuttles can quickly add-up and can become time consuming. You’ll often find renting organizing a rental car beforehand will not only save you time and money, but will give you the time and freedom to see more and do more.

Notify the airline of any special requirements you may have – It’s always advised to let the airlines know of special requirements as early as possible.

Arrange copies of important documents, itineraries etc. – Bring photocopies of your passport, credit card numbers, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, insurance documents and travel visas. Keep these in a separate bag to their originals, and also keep a copy at home or with friends and family.

Obtain some local currency – Although ATM’s and foreign exchange locations are available around the world, it’s still a good idea to leave with some local currency. Even just enough to catch a taxi is a good idea, as exchange rates at the airport may not be competitive.

Look into the customs and immigration rules for countries you’re entering – Different countries will all vary in their policies regarding entry requirements and customs rules. Be sure to make yourself aware of these before you leave.

Pre-organize your carry-on luggage– Look at your ticket, or your airline’s website, to find out about carry-on luggage restrictions and baggage allowances.

Pre-organize checked luggage – Double check the allowed baggage allowance, including both carry-on luggage and checked luggage allowances. Remember if you’re overweight, or have too many items, you’re likely to be charged a fee by the airline at check in. Consider purchasing locks for your bag, and always ensure luggage is labeled with contact details. All medication, taken in your carry-on or checked luggage, needs to be correctly labeled and attached to a subscription.

Obtain a list of goods that are prohibited in carry-on luggage –Visit the Travel Security Administration (TSA) website to find out about prohibited items and carry-on luggage liquid rules.

On the day of departure Double check you have all the necessary paper work – Make double sure you have your passport, insurance paperwork, photo ID, tickets, passport, itinerary, traveler’s cheques, travel Visas and credit cards. Do this well before leaving for the airport and again as you leaving.

Travel in comfortable clothing and footwear – If you’re travelling on a long international flight, make sure you wear something comfortable, allowing you to relax during the flight. Also airports will often require a lot of walking, so wear suitable shoes.

Get to the airport early – Your ticket should tell you the recommended time to arrive before your flight. This will vary depending on the airport and where you’re travelling to. Generally arrive 3 hours before an international flight.