Any time travel plans are made; people always ask where you’re going with a look of awe on their face. ”I’ve always wanted to go there!” or “You’re so lucky, take lots of pictures!” are the top two responses you’re always going to get. And while it is very exciting, it is also a lot of planning and packing. It’s easy to forget to do something on the To-Do list or pack something. To avoid any unwanted surprises and have a smooth trip, here are 5 key things to know when traveling abroad!

1) Carry On vs. Checking

For shorter trips, a carry on is the way to go. Chances are you’re only going to need a few outfits, and something to wear on the plane home. Make sure that your carry on fits the appropriate dimensions of a standard carry on. If it isn’t you may have to check it. You might also have to check it if it is over a certain weight. In your carry on you are allowed one zip lock bag that will hold any liquids. The TSA has a 3-1-1 rule that has to be followed. For extended trips, checking your suitcase is better. That way you don’t have to worry about the size or weight of the suitcase. The only downside to checking is that when you get off the plane, you have to wait for your bags to be unloaded and put on the carrousel, which can sometimes be a long wait. Whichever you choose, make sure to have a luggage tag on everything just in case!

2) Keep your travel documents and wallet safe!

One of the most important things to remember when traveling is knowing where your papers are. This includes your passport, plane ticket, and any other documents or papers provided by a travel agent. Loosing your passport or license is dangerous because you are at risk for identity theft. If your wallet is lost or stolen, make sure to call any credit card companies and banks to notify them and cancel any cards you may have. Even before you leave, call the bank and credit card companies anyway so they know you will be away. You don’t want to buy souvenirs and have your account frozen because of suspicious activity. Another thing to do before leaving is exchange money in your home country, to avoid any hassle when arriving at your destination. There are passport wallets and holders to keep everything organized. Try to put it in a zippered pocked either in your bag or suitcase for extra protection, but make sure it is easily accessible as well.

3) Don’t Over-pack

A huge common mistake when traveling is packing way more than you need. I’m saying this more for the ladies, because from my experience I tend to do this. I pack all these really cute outfits, and I find that more often than not I don’t wear a lot of them. Something that really helps is to pack one or two pairs of pants, and multiple shirts and some accessories. That way, you can wear the same pants but create multiple outfits by using different shirts and accessories. No need to bring a specific outfit for each day of the trip, which saves time and space! Do not forget to check the weather. Leave room in the suitcase for a raincoat, sandals, hats/gloves or anything else you will definitely need.

4) Make arrangements for a pet or house sitter

Planning and packing for your adventure can get overwhelming, but do not forget about your fur babies! Make sure someone, or in my case multiple people, are available to come to your house and feed, walk or play with your pets. Have the sitter come at the exact same times as you would feed them and let them go to the bathroom. Sticking to a routine is important for your pets so they don’t get anxiety or lonesome. It also gives them something to look forward to throughout the day so they don’t get bored and let it out by chewing on the furniture! If no one is available to take care of your pets, boarding them at a kennel is an option but try to avoid it if possible. Something else to remember is to have a neighbor get your mail, or just stop it completely for the duration of your trip. Also have neighbors keep an eye on the house and water any plants if necessary.

5) Be careful when taking pictures

This one might sound silly, but it is actually pretty important. In areas that are over crowded and tight, don’t walk around with your camera out. This is to prevent any damage that may happen to the camera, but also prevents injuries to yourself and others. Always watch where you’re going and stick with your travel buddies to avoid getting lost. Sometimes in churches, photography is forbidden so do your best to obey any rules, wherever you are. Another thing to keep in mind is to be careful who you hand the camera over to when taking a group shot. Sometimes the person taking the picture will run off with your camera never to be seen again. From my own experience, taking a small camera such as a point and shoot is better than lugging around a DSLR. DSLR’s can be heavy and must be carried in its own case. My personal favorite camera company is Canon. I have a point and shoot and a DSLR, both of which I absolutely love; but for long distance trips I stick to the point and shoot. If you decide to take multiple DSLR lenses and accessories, storage is of the upmost importance to avoid any damage to your (probably very) expensive equipment. Something else to remember is to take extra memory cards and a lot of extra batteries if the camera does not have a rechargeable one. But most importantly, have fun and capture all the memorable moments!

Planning and packing for an international, or even national adventure doesn’t have to be stressful. Knowing helpful tips and tricks can make the journey that much smoother and more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to book your next adventure, be excited and cross another place off your bucket list!