Do Before You Travel......part-1

Do Before You Travel

Be sure to get a passport as soon as possible. Passports are valid for 10 years, though some countries will not accept passports that will expire within a year. To get a passport.

Many countries require you to obtain a visa prior to entering the country. We know that visas aren't cheap — and, depending on where you're visiting, they can take a long time to be processed and approved.

The Department of State admits that fees vary between countries and even between applicants, as they're generally managed by the embassies of the country you plan to visit. You can learn more about visa requirements.

If you're crossing borders — especially in developing nations — bring at least two passport-sized color photos for each country you plan to visit.

Booking flights might seem straightforward, but there are options to consider — such as whether you should book a one-way, round-trip, or round-the-world ticket to get the most bang for your buck.

Personally, I love the freedom of having a one-way ticket. Also, booking a return ticket is generally less expensive if booked in a foreign country.

At least three months before a big trip, I visit a travel clinic to get my vaccinations — some of which may take three or four visits. Know that vaccinations can be expensive. I spent almost $1,000 getting my vaccinations for Southeast Asia. If you're currently employed, check if your health benefits will cover the cost of your shots.

In addition to visiting the travel clinic, I also visit my doctor and ask for a general antibiotic prescription in case I get any viruses while traveling. It's a little bit of a cost upfront, but nothing compared to getting seriously ill in a foreign country.

A couple of months before your trip, go paperless for all your important mail. If you will not be returning to the same address, then ask a friend or family member (thanks, Mom!) if you can temporarily use their address. Use the free USPS change-of-address form to update your address.

If selling everything seems extreme, you can rent your home furnished or move everything into storage for the time being.

As far as your car goes, you can either loan or rent it to a friend, or sell it. I've done both and they've worked out pretty well. Make sure to call your car insurance company to inform them of your travel and ask them to cancel or put a hold on your policy.