Before You Leave for a Long Term Adventure: A Checklist

Planning for a big adventure is exciting, but it’s important to take care of some essential preparations before you set off. Whether you’re hiking through remote wilderness, exploring foreign countries, or embarking on extreme sports activities, here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure you’re properly prepared.

Documentation

Passport and Visas: Ensure your passport has at least six months validity beyond your return date. Research and apply for any necessary visas well in advance. Check with the visa finder from the Department of Home Affairs.
Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation. Smart Traveller is a good place to start researching what you actually need.
Identification: Make digital and physical copies of your passport, driver’s license, and other important documents.
Emergency Contacts: Create a list of emergency contacts and share your itinerary with family or friends.
Will: If you’re undertaking particularly risky activities, consider creating or updating your will. Willed, which offers a quick and affordable way to ensure your affairs are in order.

Health Preparations

Vaccinations: Research and get any required vaccinations for your destination. Refer to the Department of Health website for a guide on vaccinations required to travel.
Medications: Pack an adequate supply of prescription medications and a basic first aid kit.
Medical Information: Carry a card with information about allergies, medical conditions, and blood type.
Travel Health Insurance: Confirm your insurance covers medical treatment and evacuation in your destination.

Financial Planning

Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to prevent cards from being blocked.
Currency: Arrange for local currency or confirm ATM availability at your destination.
Budget: Create a realistic travel budget, including emergency funds. This post is useful as a guide for the cost of long term travel.
Automatic Payments: Set up automatic payments for bills due during your absence.

Home Preparation

Home Security: Arrange for someone to collect mail, maintain your property, and regularly check on your home.
Utilities: Adjust thermostats and consider whether to suspend certain services.
Plants and Pets: Arrange care for your plants and pets while you’re away.
Electronics: Unplug non-essential electronics to save power and reduce fire risk.

Technology

Communication: Consider international roaming plans or local SIM cards for your phone.
Power Adapters: Pack appropriate power adapters for your destination.
Backup: Back up important data before departing.
Apps: Download useful travel apps like maps, translation tools, and currency converters.

Packing Essentials

Clothing: Pack appropriate attire for your destination’s climate and cultural norms.
Equipment: Bring specialized gear for specific activities.
Essential Items: Don’t forget chargers, toiletries, and any personal items you can’t easily replace abroad.

Taking time to complete this checklist before your adventure will help ensure a smoother, worry-free experience. Not only will you be better prepared for emergencies, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing your affairs at home are in order while you explore the world.

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Andrew Boyd