Whether you plan to sightsee, take part in adventure tourism or simply soak up the sun, it really pays to be well informed and prepared to avoid any unwanted frustration or wasted time or money.

These are a few things that are often overlooked by even the savviest of travelers. After all, there are so many things to consider and remember before you even leave the house!

Health: Make sure you have enough of your medications to last the trip. Bringing extra also comes in handy if you happen to lose them or they get damaged. Also keep in mind that the over-the-counter items you can purchase at home may not be available in another country.

Money and Credit Cards: Make 2 photocopies of all of your cards and your passport. I also include another piece of identification, in case I loose my passport and somebody needs proof of who I am. Leave one copy at home with someone you trust and take one with you, however keep it in a different location than your wallet.

Access To Money: Make sure your credit card has a pin code incase your bank card fails to work or gets misplaced. You may need to use your credit card to withdraw money. Traveler’s cheques are also a safe bet, but I chose not to take them because many countries exchange them for an unregulated rate, which means you loose a lot of money.

Packing: Make sure your valuables are not in your checked in luggage. Also be aware of where your fluids or toiletries are. I cannot count how many times my toothpaste has exploded all over my clothes. I now make sure that my fluids are in a plastic bag, just in case. And travel light! You’ll need room for the goodies you discover at the markets or shops!

Do Not Forget: Remember to bring the address to your hotel, this is commonly forgotten. Do not forget to bring your travel insurance policy and keep a copy of the insurance company’s phone number in your wallet. I know it sounds obvious, but it happens! The most obvious, of course, are the things, which are forgotten the most: Passport, flight details, camera and maps or guidebooks!

Extra tidbits:

Travel clocks are great because it saves the hassle of figuring out and entrusting a clock that you are not familiar with.

Earplugs have saved me heaps of frustration and sleepless nights. Well worth the purchase!

Avoid purchasing insect repellent if you are traveling to another country as the repellent bought in one certain country, works best in that country.