Get Ready to Travel - CHECK LIST !!

You don't want to forget anything.

_____ Go through a variety of programs to make sure you find what you are looking for.  This program chooses is a great tool:  Program Chooser

_____ Research for information on the locations that the program chooser selected for you and choose one location. Take into consideration the weather, best year to travel, activities available to take part on, and attractions.  Resources

_____ Get a guide book for the country you are traveling to know more about the interesting things to do and where to go. Guide Books

_____ Choose an organization to travel with and which program to participate on. Abroad Bloggers

_____ Contact the organization you choose either via phone or e-mail to get a feeling of who they are.

_____ Check out what past participants say. Past Participants

_____ Register to your program. Online-Form

_____ Prepare all the travel documents you need. Check expiration dates on your passport and VISA (if you need one) to make sure they have not expired or that they will not expire while you are abroad. Travel Docs.

_____ Plan your trip to be as safe as you can. Travel Insurance

_____ Research for the best flight option. Recommended airfare searches here

_____ Get comfortable luggage, useful travel gear to ensure a pleasant ride and be prepared for anything. Travel Gear

_____ Study and learn as much of the language before you go as possible. Good Resources

_____ Plan your cash flow while abroad. Check that your cards are valid, and find out how you can replace them and your traveler's checks if they are lost or stolen. Keep a separate photocopy of the cards and pack them separately. Suggestions

_____ If you are staying more than 4 weeks, get a cell phone. Unlocked Cell Phones

_____ Get a phone card so those staying behind may contact you at a low rate. Phone Card

_____ Do a comprehensive research on what to do upon your arrival, contact information of people you are going to be meeting once you arrive, where your accommodation is located on the map, how far it is from downtown and from the airport, etc.

_____ Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Leave an itinerary and details of where you might be able to be contacted during your time abroad. You should also make two copies of your passport (including pages with relevant visas), insurance details and any other important travel documents. Leave one copy at home with a family member or a reliable friend and take one copy with you, packed separately from your passport.