Truth Moment?

Are you tired of searching millions of posts just to plan your trip?

Let’s start with the basics: Health, Safety, Travel Planning, Travel Apps, Blogs and Communities.

This will get you started in the right direction in your travel planning process and foundation. 

How to use: 

• Start from the beginning and take it one step at a time.
• Skip around as needed. 
• Go directly to a section.
• Refer a friend.
• Use this guide as a checklist.

Shall we begin?

Travel Health

Health abroad is just as important as health coverage in your own country. Not only do you need to protect yourself medically, but you’ll also need to prepare in case of an emergency.

This isn’t to jinx you because something IS going to happen. But, in case of sickness or death (yes, death), you are prepared and won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for expenses you didn’t plan for. Like paying $40,000 to have your body or a family member’s body sent back home.

Travel Vaccinations

Even before boarding your plane, you need to ask yourself: What vaccines or medicines will I need for my trip?

These resources specify, by country, what is required, recommended, and encouraged for you to take. Pay attention to the CDC’s travel health information. And, visit the Passport Health clinic for your vaccinations and GoodRx for prescription drugs.

Travel Insurance

“Is travel insurance worth it?“

Nah, I would respond.

But, seeing multiple accounts of people opting out of travel insurance and spending thousands on flight cancellations, ticket changes, medical bills, and sending the body of a loved one home, that has been my cue to be responsible.

Or rather, be better prepared.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially as a solo traveler.

How to Be Prepared

Invest in travel insurance. Purchase a plan per trip, annually, or whatever is suitable for you.

Some credit card companies offer travel insurance. Talk to a bank representative to ensure that they have appropriate travel coverage. If you don’t, compare plans with InsureMyTrip or use the resources below to find the best one for you.

Safety

Health and safety are like fraternal twins. Two distinct topics that stem from the same concept of emergency preparedness.

There is no one without the other, so I included them together before we get into travel planning and resources.

Most times, we like to start the travel planning process before we gather background information about the destination itself. Usually, we delve into health and safety once we’ve secured our flights, booked our accommodations, and have applied for our visas (if applicable).

But, I believe travel safety shouldn’t be overlooked or left to the last minute to consider. Instead, health AND safety should be the first to review.

Advisory & Alerts

The US State Department’s travel advisory can determine whether we need to choose a completely different destination based on its recommendations, evaluations, and warnings. Reviewing security and medical alerts in a destination may also allow us to better understand the local conditions before we get there. No money lost or no trying to convince ourselves to go.

I encourage you to use the following safety sites, communities, and alerts to plan for your future trips.

Travel Resources

Travel Planning

Planning made easy? Or at least simplified.

You won’t have to leave this page to plan your upcoming trip. Promise.

I’ve listed various sites that’ll allow you to plan for weather/seasons and your budget, purchase cheap flights, read reviews on hotels or restaurants, and get expert advice for your destination.

Listen, at least you don’t have to spend hours on google getting to these resources.

Social Impact Tourism or Volunteer Abroad

You may have a desire to help others, but that isn’t enough to benefit the communities worldwide. Your skill set, however, can make the difference. If you are a graphic designer, grant writing specialist, educator, or childcare advocate, you have the skills that many global organizations are seeking.

Browse the best volunteer abroad programs below to see how you can assist local organizations. Don’t have the time to travel to the country? Volunteer online. You won’t even have to leave your home.

Passport or Visa

We all ask this question: “Will I need a visa to travel to (insert country)?”

With sites like Travisa, you can answer that question in a matter of seconds.

US passport holders can travel to 177 countries without filling out any visa paperwork before arrival. Yet, there are constant updates regulated by each country and new requirements to be fulfilled.

How do I apply for a visa/passport?

It doesn’t hurt to review the websites below for updated information. In case a change has been made during the travel planning stages, you can adjust appropriately. 

For most countries, you’re not allowed to apply for the visa until you’re within a certain amount of time of your trip. Plan accordingly and don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Luckily, you can apply for a visa on arrival in some countries like Nepal. And, e-visas for places like India and Turkey.

Upon your return home, a new app, Mobile Passport expedites your way through US customs. But only at select airports and cruise ports. 

Accessories 

Christmas has passed. So what? There is always this year. So add these accessories to your wishlist for your birthday, Valentine’s day, or Just-Because day. 

These items are my favorite because I enjoy being organized, prepared, and at peace when I’m traveling. I’m sure you do too.

And, as a solo traveler, look out for yourself, which is why having anti-theft items like a purse or a money belt are so worth it.

Also, will you need a travel adapter or converter? Don’t know. Power Plugs and Sockets of the World is a database with each type of power socket for every destination.  While you’re shopping for these items (or creating your wishlist), don’t forget to add one to your cart.

Money & Currency

Before anything else is done, please call your bank now and inform them of your travel plans. If you bank with Wells Fargo, as I do, then you’re able to submit your travel plans online.

Log into your account. Click on ‘Travel Plans.’ Enter your trip details, then hit submit. Your bank (Wells Fargo at least) now knows which cards will be used and where.

No more blocked cards while traveling!

Currency Exchange

Now the second important question about money: “Should I convert money before or after I’ve arrived at my destination?”

While some may say have at least $200-$300 USD converted before you even touch down at the airport, others suggest converting currency at the airport. Even, withdrawing cash from an atm upon arrival.

Either way, decide which is the best option for you. Keep in mind, there will be different exchange rates and fees affiliated with each decision.

Maybe using plastic would provide you with the best exchange rate without all the fees. Or, if you prefer cash for those places that won’t accept cards.

To avoid any issues that can come up, check out the following money and currency resources:

Sidenote: Always have a backup plan. You could be at risk of being stuck abroad without a source of money.

Airport or Airline

Airports and airlines are as distinct as the countries they’re in. That is not a surprise but familiarity is comforting when sometimes you just want to know where the nearest lounge is or where to find a plug. Get all that and more with the following resources.

Language Barrier

“How do I get past the language barrier?“

If you’re considering traveling to a country where the people speak little English or you can’t speak their language, here are a few resources and tips to help you feel more comfortable.

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Whether you download these apps or buy the headphones above, always learn some basics. Not only to make a purchase, order food items, or ask where something is, but also because it shows your appreciation for the local language.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking everyone knows English or that they should. Getting around can be challenging especially in rural communities and countries with little access to the language.

So memorize, write or save these common phrases or words:

Good morning

Please

Thank you

How Much (is it)

Good afternoon

Toilet/Restroom

Yes

No

Help

Good evening

Travel Planning Apps

Clear off the space on your phone for some (maybe not all) of these apps. Depending on your trip and where you’re going, you might need these apps at different times. 

Safety. Check

What to do. What to see. Check

Afraid of flying. Check

There is an app for everything. 

Note: Flush is not available in the US iTunes Store.

Stay Connected

The first and last time I used my phone abroad, I racked up to $900 worth of roaming and data fees. Never again, Satan.

Cell phone providers have done much better since that time. They now offer specific international phone plans that reduce the cost of roaming, phone calls, and data usage.

While I am a firm believer in WiFi, below are some suggested ways to stay connected with your people back home. Unless you’re into finding the nearest business with WiFi to either call home or document your experience on social media. Whatever floats your boat.

And if you need to call an international number, How To Call Abroad, helps you dial internationally with the correct country and area codes.

Accommodation

Besides your typical hotel search engines like Kayak, Hotels, Priceline or Expedia. These home-sharing networks are usually budget-friendly, affordable and offer unique experiences in your local destination.

Blogs & Communities

Women Who Travel

Let’s be honest. Women are dominating the travel world and this domination is not slowing down anytime soon. So resources and stories for women by women are so important. Key information includes tips on safety, solo female travel, and travel advice. These are some of my favorite communities and blogs catered to women.

Black Travel

Like women, the black travel movement is a force in the travel industry. Communities have given black people the resources, tools, and support needed to see the world as all other groups do.

Personally, as a black woman, I seek help and advice from the following groups and online resources. Topics include traveling while black, safety tips and recommendations for black people.

If you have any recommendations, drop them in the comments!

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