157: Planning for a Long Trip Tips

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for planning a long trip. Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio. This show covers nine key tips covering: 1: Planning is everything In advance - jot notes of things that happen like costs, events, meter readings, alarm servicing - use to do to do list and also manual if having house sitters Resources like Jeff Jung's Careerbreaksecrets or CBTravelers Handbook 2: Be Passport Ready Ensure is valid Enough empty pages Visas and ESTA 3: Be Medically ready Vaccinations Check-up Dental Prescriptions - check issues on taking into countries Euro medical card First aid kit 4: Insurance Travel insurance - annual may not cover - 60 days and less issue Home insurance - check paid up - advise and see if any restrictions 5: Prepare for the worst Will Back-up of key documents - paper copy - email yourself - email set to a friend Detailed itinerary and how to contact at various stages if need to friends and family - including how they contact each other 6: Be Security Conscious House sitters - TrustedHouseSitters.com - develop manual Regular checks - insurance may require these Foreign Office advice 7: Notify Key Services Bank / Credit Cards Mobile Phone - unlock phone 8: Ensure you don't drop balls Regular costs covered and scheduled via Direct Debit or by setting up payments ahead of time Housesitters or friends to check mail and alert you about bills or important looking mail ID to collect post or parcels Check if things run out while away like car tax, subscriptions , MOT 9: Prepare to enjoy Guidebooks like DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - electronic versions or books Wikipedia print outs or email Daily budget and track