My weekend went from normal to international when my best friend and I decided to explore the PNW across the border and hopped on a ferry to Victoria, B.C.
This last minute trip reminded me of the little things of big importance. Planning a spontaneous getaway? Here’s my list of things to double check to make sure things go off without a hitch!
Your Phone Plan:
Maybe you want to check in with your last-minute dog sitter, or maybe you just want to make sure you have the freedom to upload all of your whirlwind memories. Either way, make sure you’re on a plan that’ll give you the data/talk/text you’ll think you need (I use the Verizon Travel Pass for a quick trips across the border). Determined to sustain yourself on wifi? Download your messaging apps (whatsapp is a favorite) before you leave!
Your Banking:
As we once saw on the Office, identity theft is a serious problem–so check in with your bank beforehand so they don’t think that your account is in danger! After all, you don’t want your card frozen just as you need to pay for that taxi to your hostel or that gotta-have-it souvenir. So take a minute to hop on your bank’s website or app and set up your travel plan (tip: when traveling, consider taking out large sums of cash to cut down on international ATM service fees–and to keep an eye on your spending).
Your Directions:
Before you lose your wifi connection, or you spill coffee all over your printed out map, or anything else that would keep you from quick searching your way after you arrive at the airport, double check that you can navigate from your arrival point to your lodging. Have your directions pulled up? Take a second to screenshot your route on Maps! Prefer to go the paper route? Print out an extra copy of your itinerary/important directions and stow it in a separate place. I’ve had too many issues with SIM cards and faulty data plans not to have a backup. Making sure that you at least know how to get to your lodging is a gift to yourself.
Your Suitcase:
Maybe you’re prepared and packed so long ago that you’ve forgotten all that you put in your suitcase–or maybe your flight leaves in five hours and you’re still throwing things into your bag. Either way, take a moment before you leave and double check that you have the essentials, whether that looks like checking off a list or visualizing your day and all the things you’ll need for it. I have amazed myself at the times I’ve forgotten to do this and managed to overlook packing a toothbrush or pajamas (Tip: Staying in a hostel? Pack pjs you’d be comfortable seeing people in–you’ll never know who you might meet in the hallway!)
Spontaneous trips can leave you with some of your best travel memories–don’t let any little hangups stand in your way!
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