Let's be honest. Getting ready to pack up your life is a very daunting feeling. There are SO many things that need to be done before you decide to make the plunge to anther country. Mine happens to be Australia. In making this checklist, I hope to help people who are in my shoes and looking to travel the world. It is the most exhilarating feeling, so if you have the opportunity to do it, GO OUT THERE AND DO IT MY FRIEND!
This is my checklist (so far) of what I have needed to do thus far to prepare for my departure:
This is my checklist (so far) of what I have needed to do thus far to prepare for my departure:
- Find a place that interests you, and make sure understand their language! If not, get a book and start to learn it, it will come in handy. For me, I (thankfully) don't need to learn a new language!
- Get (or renew) your passport. If you already have one, than that's one less thing you need to worry about!
- Get your Visa! Since I am traveling to Australia, there are many different types to apply for. I applied and JUST GOT my "Work/Holiday Visa" they offer. This allows me to travel around the country BUT also get a job and support myself. So do your research before you make up your mind. Here is a link that should help you.
- I am thankful that I am traveling with one of my best friends, so it makes things easier to deal with like: HOW ARE WE GOING TO MAKE MONEY?! Like I said, neither of us have been to Australia so finding somewhere to work is very scary for me. We are using a company that is helping us get our visa and also helping us with job placements. The link for them is here.
- Next important item to think about is where are you going to live? If you plan on just traveling around and taking trains around the country then www.airbnb.com is a good way to go.
- If you plan on driving in another country, I would look into getting an International Drivers License. Some countries don't require you to have one, but it doesn't hurt to look before you take the plunge to somewhere new. I am going through http://www.idltravel.com/ to get mine. The service is so fast and inexpensive, it's perfect for people who are young and want to travel on a budget!
- Next on the list is medical and dental records. It doesn't hurt to bring them just in case something happens to you while you're traveling. Especially if you have a pre-existing medical issue and need to find a doctor overseas.
- Copies of all your documents. Since I am the only one who has my passport, social security card, and birth certificate, it is important to make copies for your family. God forbid something happens to you while you're gone, but just in case they are prepared to send information over if need be. I have provided copies with close family friends that they keep in a safety security box for safe keeping.
- As your trip gets closer, make sure you have a schedule on where you're going first. There is so much to see, so try to have a plan for where you're going to stay and what city you're staying in.
- THEN GO OUT AND HAVE FUN!!