Travel Preparation

Smart packing can save you a lot of space and stress! Start by choosing lightweight, versatile luggage that fits the length of your trip. Use packing cubes to keep your clothes organized and prevent your luggage from becoming disorganized. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and avoid wrinkles. Don't forget to bring reusable accessories such as a water bottle, shopping bag and cutlery, that way you are instantly prepared for a more sustainable journey. And if you have room, put an extra folding bag in your suitcase for unexpected purchases!

For more packing tips, check out our article on smart packing tips for your trip!

Managing money safely during your trip is essential to avoid worries. It is wise to carry multiple payment methods, such as cash, a credit card and a prepaid travel card. Keep cash and passports in a safe place, such as a money belt that you always carry with you. Make sure your credit and debit cards preferably have no foreign transaction fees and have them stored separately from your other money and documents, just to be safe. It is also helpful to distribute small amounts of money in different places, should you experience loss or theft. Also, don't forget to set up mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay for added convenience and security.

Paying abroad can sometimes cause surprises, especially if you face high exchange rates or unexpected currency conversion fees. To avoid high fees, it's smart to use an international payment method that offers good exchange rates, such as the Wise payment card. This card gives you access to real market interest rates, which means you won't have to deal with unfavorable bank rates or high fees. Moreover, you can easily transfer money to different currencies without paying unnecessarily high fees.

There are countless apps that can make your trip much easier and more fun! Start with Maps.me, an offline map app that always shows you the way, even without internet. For keeping track of your travel adventures, Polarsteps is ideal, allowing you to track your route and share memories with friends and family.

Want to save smart for your next trip? Potje is the app you can use with friends or alone to create a piggy bank for your travel goals, such as a world trip or weekend getaway. In addition, apps like Google Translate and XE Currency are indispensable for translations and currency conversions.

More useful apps for your travel preparations? Discover them in our article on the most fun and useful travel apps!

With the right preparation, you can make a long flight as comfortable as possible! Start by choosing the right clothes: wear comfortable, layers that you can adjust to the temperature on the plane. Be sure to carry a neck pillow, earplugs and a sleep mask for extra comfort and to rest well. Hydrate regularly, as the air on airplanes can be very dry. Also, don't forget to bring healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs to keep your circulation up. And, of course, don't forget your travel apps install for entertainment and navigation!

For a trip to a tropical country, it is important to prepare well for the hot, humid climate. Bring light, breathable clothing, preferably made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, to stay cool. Don't forget a good sunscreen (preferably ocean-friendly), a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the bright sun. Since tropical destinations often involve rain, a light raincoat or poncho is also not a luxury. Insect repellent is essential to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in areas with malaria or dengue. It is also helpful to bring a reusable water bottle, snacks and a waterproof bag for your valuables.

Want to know even more about what to bring to tropical destinations? Then check out our article with practical packing list For tropical destinations!

Jet lag can greatly affect your travel enjoyment, but with proper preparation, you can limit the symptoms! A few days before departure, start adjusting your sleep schedule to the time zone of your destination. For example, if you are traveling east, try to go to bed a little earlier each day. During the flight, it is best to drink water and avoid alcohol, because the air on the plane dehydrates and alcohol interferes with your sleep quality. Try to sleep when it is night at your destination, and stay awake when it is day to adjust your rhythm faster. Upon arrival, it is also helpful to be outside a lot so that your body can quickly adjust to the new time zone through the daylight.

Travel insurance is essential to protect you from unforeseen events during your trip. There are different types of travel insurance, such as cancellation insurance, which covers you if you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly, and continuous travel insurance, which covers you for multiple trips per year. Also, don't forget to choose coverage for medical expenses and emergency care, especially if you are traveling to countries where health care can be expensive. Always check if the insurance policy provides coverage for adventure activities such as diving or hiking in mountainous areas. In addition, pay close attention to the terms and conditions for claims and foreign coverage so there are no surprises.

Staying in touch with home is easier than ever, even if you're on the other side of the world! One of the most convenient ways is through an eSIM, such as the one from Holafly, which allows you to easily use local Internet without worrying about expensive roaming charges. This is ideal for long trips, as you always stay connected without having to change SIM cards. 

If you do not have an eSIM, you can also consider purchasing a local SIM card or using Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes, although this does depend on the speed and security of the network.

Healthy travel starts before you leave! Make sure your vaccinations are up to date and seek advice on potential health risks. A good idea is also to put together a travel pharmacy with essential medications, such as painkillers, bandages and remedies for motion sickness. Ensuring you drink enough water and bring healthy food, especially during long flights, can also make a big difference. 

Don't forget to bring your medical documents, such as your vaccination passport and important medical information. And finally, stay abreast of local health advice and adjust your activities, especially if you are traveling to a country with different health conditions.

Travel sickness is annoying, but fortunately there are several ways to reduce the symptoms. First, it is important to provide fresh air and avoid looking in the direction of movement (such as at a distant view or the horizon). Try to find a quiet spot in the vehicle, such as in the middle of a bus or at the top of a ship, where the motion is less intense. Ginger can help combat nausea, so a piece of ginger cake or ginger tea can be refreshing. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, you can also try medication such as Primatour, dramamine or natural remedies before departure. And if you really suffer, try taking a power nap or closing your eyes for a while to help calm your body.

Want to know more about how to prevent or treat motion sickness? Check out our article on what to do about motion sickness.

Safety is always important, especially when traveling in unfamiliar areas. Start by doing good research on the destination, including local customs, security risks and current government travel advice. 

It's also smart to keep emergency numbers and local embassy contacts handy in case something goes wrong. Be sure to copy your travel documents and keep them in a safe place, such as cloud storage, so you always have a backup. 

Especially if traveling solo, try to stay in busy, well-lit areas and avoid dangerous neighborhoods. Use reliable transportation options and ask for local tips on safe routes and places to avoid. Don't carry expensive jewelry and valuables in visible places, as this can make you a target for theft. It is always helpful to store your belongings in a secure zippered bag, and keep valuable items such as a camera or expensive electronics well hidden. 

It is also helpful to invest in a good travel insurance policy, which will provide you with coverage in case of emergencies.

Whether you should book your accommodations in advance depends on your travel destination and the type of adventure you are seeking. If you are traveling to a popular destination or during peak season, it is often wise to arrange your accommodations in advance to ensure a place that suits you. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for adventure or more flexibility, it can be fun to search locally and perhaps discover hidden gems that are not online. Just keep in mind that last-minute bookings can sometimes be more expensive or availability may be limited.

A helpful tip: if you choose a platform such as Booking.com, you can often take advantage of flexible terms, such as free cancellation. We like to book there because it gives us the freedom to adjust plans last-minute, if necessary.