World Trip Preparations
- Tanja & Björn
- Nov 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 24
The ultimate Checklist for your World Trip
Planning a trip worldwide is a great adventure that begins with careful preparation. From travel documents and visas to the right packing list and mental preparation, there are many points you should consider to start relaxed and well-organized. In this blog post, we have summarized all the important aspects that will help you plan your trip optimally and enjoy your adventure to the fullest!
Table of contents
**Please note that the information shared here is based on our experiences. Be sure to check for up-to-date information directly with the providers to plan your travel experience.
Travel documents & Visa
Check your passport: Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip.
Visa requirements: Find out about the visa requirements of the countries you want to travel to well in advance. Some countries offer visa-on-arrival, while others require a long application process (e.g. China, India).
Digitized copies: Scan important documents like your passport, visa, and insurance certificates and save them in the cloud or on your smartphone so you can access them in an emergency.
Vaccinations & Health
Necessary vaccinations: Check the recommended vaccinations for the countries you are traveling to (eg yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid). Some vaccinations must be administered weeks in advance, so plan well in advance. (TnB-Tip: we had a consultation at a tropical institute six months before we started)
International health insurance: Essential! Make sure it covers medical repatriation, accidents, and medical treatment. Many insurance companies offer special packages for long-term travelers. (TnB-Tip: we took out ours with "Young travelers" and can only recommend it)
First aid kit: Pack a well-stocked first aid kit with painkillers, anti-diarrhea medication, disinfectants, and personal medications.
Finances
Open a travel account: Many banks offer free travel accounts with no foreign transaction fees (e.g. DKB, N26). Make sure you have at least two payment methods: a credit card and a backup card or cash in the local currency.
Emergency Cash: Store emergency cash in a hidden compartment or money belt for unexpected situations.
Accommodation & Registration
Subletting an apartment: If you don't want to give up your apartment, find out about the options for subletting. Clarify this legally and with your landlord and sign a sublease agreement to cover all eventualities.
Registration requirement: If you are traveling for longer than a year, consider deregistering in Germany to avoid paying taxes and insurance contributions. However, note that deregistration can have disadvantages for certain government and health insurance benefits. We did not deregister, but instead reported to the employment office, health insurance, etc. that we would be abroad for a year.
Packing list & Equipment
Backpack: A 40-60 liter backpack is ideal. It should be light and comfortable to make traveling more pleasant. (TnB-Tip: always remember that the bigger the backpack, the more you take with you. It's best to get advice in a shop and try out a few backpacks. Make sure you buy a backpack that can also be opened from the top (makes things a lot easier))
Daypack and chest pocket for excursions
Technical equipment: In addition to your smartphone, you should pack a power bank, chargers, a universal adapter, and a camera for your experience.
Travel documents and papers: In addition to your passport, you should also have your travel documents, visas, and insurance policies ready.
You can find out what else should be in your backpack in our blog post "The ultimate packing list".
Communication & Mobility
SIM cards & data packages: Find out about local SIM cards or international roaming packages to make cheap calls and surf abroad. (TnB-Tip: You can find providers in our blog post "Travel Apps"
Travel apps: Download useful apps like Maps.me (offline maps), Google Translate, Revolut (for exchange rates and money transfers), or Couchsurfing for cheap accommodation (you can find more apps in our blog post "Travel Apps"
Accommodations
Book your first nights: Book your first 1-3 nights in advance to ensure you arrive relaxed in your first country. After that, you can flexibly search for additional accommodation.
Plan for the long term: Use platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, or Hostelworld to find suitable accommodation for longer stays.
Mental Preparation
Stay flexible: Things won't always go according to plan - be prepared to adapt. Sometimes spontaneous changes offer the best adventures!
Cultural understanding: Learn about the culture and customs of the countries you will be traveling to. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and travel respectfully.
Below you can find the checklist in order to download it or to print:
