Five Things To Do Before Your Next Trip
Five Things to Do Before Your Next Trip
Every trip starts with excitement: tickets booked, bags ready, countdown on. But ask any experienced traveler and they’ll tell you—the difference between a smooth adventure and a stressful disaster often comes down to prep. This isn’t fluff—it’s the real, practical stuff that prevents panic at the airport, protects you from surprise costs, and helps you travel smarter.
Here are the five things I recommend every traveler do before their next trip, whether it’s a weekend city break or a month-long international adventure.
- Most countries want 3–6 months passport validity beyond your trip dates.
- Some visas take weeks—don’t leave it to airport roulette.
- eSIMs beat roaming fees and airport SIM hunts. Install before you fly.
- Know the local norms (tipping, table manners, gestures) to avoid awkward moments.
- Organize your spots in Google Maps Lists so you’re never “where should we go?” stuck.
1) Check Your Passport & Visa Requirements
Nothing ruins a trip faster than finding out at the airport that your passport expires in four months or you need a visa you don’t have. Most countries require 3–6 months of validity beyond your travel dates, and visa processing can take weeks. Plan ahead.
Pro tip: even if your passport is technically valid, check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting. Some destinations require a blank page for stamps; others ask for specific documents like onward tickets or proof of accommodation. These little details catch people off guard all the time.
Also do this now: double-check your bookings. Names match your passport? Dates/times correct? Connections realistic? If anything looks off, fix it before you’re wheels-up. I’ve seen people get denied boarding for something as small as a middle name mismatch—it’s worth the five minutes of review.
2) Get Travel Insurance (Don’t Skip It)
Yes, it’s another expense. But one medical emergency or cancellation abroad can cost thousands. I’ve personally seen clients avoid five-figure hospital bills thanks to travel insurance. Read the fine print to make sure your policy covers your trip type (adventure activities, rental cars, gear, pre-existing conditions). Not all policies are equal.
For most travelers, I recommend Faye—they’re modern, app-based, and straightforward. Coverage includes medical, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more. And unlike old-school insurers, their claim process isn’t a nightmare.
3) Download an eSIM Before You Fly
Skip international roaming fees and airport SIM hassles. Install an eSIM at home on Wi-Fi; activate when you land, and you’re connected immediately—for maps, translation, rideshares, and keeping family in the loop.
My go-to is Holafly. It’s unlimited data that doesn’t slow down—a game changer when navigating cities, video calling home, or uploading travel photos. Use code STEPHANDPETE at checkout to save 5%.
Get Holafly eSIM (Use STEPHANDPETE)
4) Research Local Customs (2 Minutes = Fewer Headaches)
Culture shock is part of the fun of travel—but you don’t want to be the person offending locals without realizing it. A quick Google search or chat with someone who’s been can save you embarrassment.
- Japan: Tipping can be considered offensive; staff pride themselves on service without extra pay.
- Europe: Not like the US—rounding up or leaving small change is common, but 20% tips aren’t expected.
- Thailand: Don’t point the soles of your feet at people or sacred objects—it’s seen as highly disrespectful.
- India (and elsewhere): Eat with your right hand only. The left hand is considered unclean.
- Everywhere: Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice—it resembles incense at funerals.
5) Use Google Maps Lists Like a Pro
Create categorized lists for restaurants, bars, coffee, sights—whatever matters to you. When you open the app on the road (put it on your home screen), your picks appear right on the map.
- Master Accommodation list with every hotel/Airbnb—add dates in the notes.
- Dream Destinations list for future trips.
- Collaborate on lists with friends for group trips.
- Hometown Favorites list—share your city like a pro guide.
Extra Tools to Make Travel Easier
Book Tours & Activities
Lock in day trips, skip-the-line tickets, and unique experiences ahead of time. Popular tours can sell out fast.
Shop on Viator Shop on GetYourGuide
Arrange Airport Transfers
I like Welcome Pickups for pre-scheduled, door-to-door airport rides. Your driver tracks your flight and communicates via WhatsApp—stress-free, often same price as Uber.
Book a Transfer with Welcome Pickups
Final Thoughts
Travel should be fun, not stressful. Checking documents, lining up insurance, downloading an eSIM, brushing up on local customs, and organizing Google Maps Lists are simple steps that pay off every time. Do them once, and they become habit.
Want me to handle it all for you? That’s exactly what I do as a travel advisor—booking with perks, organizing logistics, so you just show up and enjoy.
