OK, you’ve made your holiday plans.  You’re ready to pack.  Let’s look at a pre-departure checklist for things other than clothes.

The very first thing to check is your passport.  If you’re traveling out of your home country, is it current?  Did you get any visas that are necessary?  This is your responsibility whether you are on your own or on a tour.  Make copies of your passport to take with you and to leave with relatives or friends.

It never hurts to check to see if there are any travel advisories for the countries you will be visiting.  (Many governments issue travel advisories… check with your own government and another one or two for a rounded view.) (more…)