Planning is caring

It is essential to understand that planning and searching for flights in advance is usually the best strategy you can have. At least 2 months before you want to travel you need to start searching for options, the earlier the better. Although it is important to know that some airlines do not have their route plans any further than 6 months (sometimes for big airlines 12 months) and that sometimes they are still updating their routes and the schedules can be changed a bit, so don't be surprised or afraid of those emails notifying you of schedule changes.

It is advisable that you track the flights far in advance and buy them when you hit a price that is affordable to you. Google Flights has the option to show you if the prices are normal/cheap/overpriced at the moment and from there you can adjust your planning or your budget. Do not wait until the last moment in the hopes that the flight prices are going down, this is more and more often an extra rare occasion as many airlines have opted for a business model that prices start low or normal and only go up.

Coming to the initial states of your planning. How do you know or decide where to go to?
What I do is use a planning Sheets template that I created with the yearly planning. It is never too early to start adding things and plans in any of the Year’s Sheets. My planning document also includes a list of places we want to visit and even a packing list! It is a document that I have been upgrading and updating for quite some time. I tend to have 2-3 years already in there so any idea I get, I can add and reorganize when the time comes.

You can see an example of how the planning template looks:

First steps

You have your wish list, you started the planning, you know when and where you are going... now what?
Before you think about booking a flight, the first thing you need to do is check the validity of your passport. Most countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. It’s also essential to check visa requirements. Depending on your destination, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Some countries offer visa-on-arrival or e-visas, but always double-check to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Unexpected situations like illness, accidents, or lost luggage can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. That’s where travel insurance comes in. Depending on the one you pick, it can cover a range of scenarios, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations, giving you peace of mind while you’re abroad. Take also in mind some credit cards that include travel insurances and check those options too.

Extra Tip: Look for a policy that offers coverage for medical expenses, trip interruptions, and lost belongings. If you’re an adventure traveler, consider policies that also cover activities like hiking or scuba diving.

Something to know as well before booking your flight is that each country has different health risks, so it's important to understand what vaccines or medications you may need before departure. 

Also, bring any necessary prescription medications and a copy of your doctor’s prescription in case you need to replace them while abroad and do check about the forbidden substances in some places; as some medications might need an extra note from your doctor.

Extra tip: Along with your daily meditations, you can carry a basic first aid kit, including items like pain relievers, bandages, and allergy medications.

Packing tips

The most important thing to do is to always review and check the luggage restrictions that the airline you booked has for you. Many offer different options for luggage and the sizing and weight varies from airline to airline. And yes, many airlines do check these sizes and sometimes even for weight allowance.

Packing light and smart is essential for international travel. For this the best option is to travel with compact-size or camping stuff especially for bulky things like towels, and try packing only the minimal. Consider getting clothes that are thin, versatile and that can be mixed and matched, especially in neutral colours. One option could be merino wool as this fabric gets dry super fast, doesn’t keep odours and is perfect for both summer and winter. For me the clothes in uniqlo airism clothing line are very convenient for traveling as they barely use any space and they dry super fast, however they are thin so in winter you might need an extra layer and they tend to keep odours. Another important thing to consider is the option to wash certain clothes so you don’t have to pack too many, like in the case of underwear. For winter the packable jackets are one of the best inventions ever as well as any merino under garment that will keep you warm. Never underestimate a good packing cube to help you keep all your clothes organised and pressed better, you can opt for an actual cube or those compressible ones. Be mindful of the ones you need a vacuum to make them compact as not only this still counts towards your luggage weight and might pass the allowance but you also need to carry the pump with you and if misplaced, then there might be some sitting on the luggage you need to you. 

When packing, always leave room for souvenirs!

And don’t forget chargers, adapters, and power banks, as plug types and voltage vary by country. Also, keep your valuables (like passports and money) in a safe, easily accessible place or always close to you.

As someone who travels monthly for work, packing light has become one of my most recent abilities and skills and I am every time trying to improve and make it more effective. If you need specific tips on how to pack, which jackets are better or anything about organising you luggage, hit me up in the contact form at the bottom and we can have a chat!

Interested in one-bagging? Have you heard about it?
Check out my other post where I share with you how to pack minimalistic!

Good-to-knows

Understanding the local customs and cultural etiquette is a very nice touch as a traveler in a foreign country. What may seem like a harmless gesture in your home country could be offensive elsewhere. Research basic cultural norms, including greetings, tipping practices, dress codes, and dining etiquette.

Learning a few phrases in the local language—“Hello,” “Please,” and “Thank you” go a long way in making positive connections with locals.

Before you leave, you can gather important information such as the local embassy or consulate’s contact details, emergency numbers, and local healthcare facilities. Familiarise yourself with the basic laws and regulations of the country you're visiting. Some rules might seem unusual, but ignorance of the law won't protect you from consequences.

Written: 22 January 2025
Published: 22 January 2025
Last updated: 01 July 2025