How to Prepare for Any Trip

Planning is the key to a successful trip. Unless you have traveled so many times that you know how to do it in your sleep, nothing works better than thinking through what you need to go, what you need while you're there and what needs to be taken care of at home while you are gone.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Colorado Scene

   Decision stage. Decide where you are going, how long you will stay and when you will go. Who will go with you? How much money can you afford to spend? Your first estimate is probably lower than what you will actually spend. This may involve a great deal of research or very little depending on your knowledge. Decide if you are going to travel independently, that is, making your own arrangements for accommodations, transportation and meals, or if you are going to sign on for some kind of a tour. Read about where you are going. What is the weather like at the time you will be there? What kind of clothes do you need? What cultural or political situations might you encounter? Read about where you are going. What is the weather like at the time you will be there? What kind of clothes do you need? What cultural or political situations might you encounter?

2. 
    
   Watching the Snowy Scene from the Train

   Prep stage. Make reservations, if you’ve chosen to make them ahead. If you’re going to sleep in a tent, now would be the time to check all your camping gear or purchase what you don’t have. If you’re taking your accommodations along, such as traveling in a recreational vehicle, check every part of it carefully, make a list and then purchase what is necessary. Make sure everything is working. Decide what things at home need attention while you are gone. Find a neighbor or friend who will keep an eye on your home, perhaps walking through occasionally.

3. 
    
   Another Snowy Scene

   Think it through again stage. Ask yourself what is the key to making this trip work for you. Ask whether you need trip insurance or not. Decide how many things have you paid for in advance for which you can’t get a refund if you have to cancel. Do you need a passport or visa? When the transportation, hotels, cars and whatever else needs to be done ahead is over, if you haven’t already, pick up a book on the place you are going. While research can be done online, it’s good to have at least one travel book that you can take on the street with you.

4. 
    
   New Brunswick, Canada

   List stage. Make a list of everything you need to take. Include a swimsuit and something to cover you if it rains. Make another list of everything you need to do before you leave with a timeline. If you cancel newspapers the day you’re leaving, chances are it will take a few days for them to actually stop coming. Do it a week ahead. What bills will come due while you are gone and how will you handle this?

5. 
    
   Scene in New Brunswick, Canada

   Enjoyment stage. Cross everything off your list. You’ve done the necessary prep for your trip. You’ve informed yourself about what weather or other conditions you might face. You have your tickets or confirmation numbers in hand (keep an extra copy somewhere else). You’re as prepared as you can be, so smile and relax because you’re on vacation.

Tips & Warnings

• Walk through your trip mentally before you take it.
• Allow for the unexpected event or encounter. Sometimes these are the most memorable moments.