Travel Logistics
Who doesn’t want their trip to go smoothly? Travel logistics (or travel preparations) are an essential part of any trip that requires some attention.
The aim is to avoid situations during the trip that leave you regretting not being informed beforehand.
Over the years, I have seen people have their holidays ruined, even cancelled, due to factors that could have been avoided with some planning—There’s nothing quite like being prepared!
This guide details everything you should consider to prevent unwelcome surprises during your trip. Please note that not all the information below may apply to your specific travel plans. For instance, if you travel within your own country, you may not need to worry about vaccinations. In such cases, feel free to skip to the next section.
Scroll through the index to see everything you should take into account before starting your trip, and you will find in this article:
A. Necessary Documents
The most important step in the preparation for your trip is knowing and preparing all the documents you might need.
I have prepared a complete list with all that documentation, but since it is a fairly extensive section, I have had to create a specific post you should not miss: Travel Documents.
In that article, you will find detailed information about:
- Proof of identity
- Visa
- Health-related travel documents
- Vaccines — International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)
- Travel Insurance
- Train tickets, boarding passes, activity bookings, etc.
- Travel itinerary details
- International driving permit
- Arrival Card
B. Customs Regulations
Indeed, you have noticed the “Something to Declare” sign in red at the airport, which we usually ignore, right? We tend to go towards the “Nothing to declare” sign in green, which appears less intimidating.
The purpose of customs at any point of entry into a territory, such as an airport, port, or station, is to oversee the movement of goods across the country’s borders.
You should be aware of the rules and regulations of a country regarding the import and export of goods to avoid violating customs laws.
There are various types of violations that can result in the seizure of goods, payment of taxes, fines, and even a ban from entering the country.
It refers to dangerous or illegal products and affects cultural property, fauna and flora, pets, and cash.
A straightforward example is Australia, where bringing fruit into the country is forbidden. If, like me, you like taking a piece of fruit with you as a snack while travelling, forget about it if you are going there!
But it’s not just what you bring when entering a country, but also what you take when leaving. There are restrictions on the value of goods, including gifts, and the amount of tobacco, alcohol, cultural items and money you can take. It’s essential to be aware of these limitations to avoid any potential issues at customs.
Where to Get this Information
Check current regulations before travelling to know what to expect. I advise you to consult the IATA Travel Center, where you will have all the information you need by providing your destination.
I also leave you the link to the Spanish Tax Agency document (written in Spanish and English), with the summary of the Spanish customs regulations for travellers from outside the European Union.
C. Health Situation at the Destination
It’s highly recommended to check the current health situation in the country you plan to travel to before your trip.
Here I leave you two links where you can consult the updated information by country:
D. Luggage
Preparing luggage is one of the tasks we all do before travelling, but it can be stressful for many people.
Don’t worry; I’m here to assist you with the process. In my article How to Prepare Your Luggage, I guide you through the steps you must follow to pack a perfect suitcase and ensure you don’t forget anything important.
There, I talk about all the items to pack:
E. Adapters
Depending on your place of origin and your destination, you may need an adapter to charge your electronic devices during your trip.
The most convenient thing is to carry a multi-plug adapter. Some accommodations have few power outlets (wall sockets), so the fewer you require, the better.
If you are unsure about the type of plug used in the country you are visiting, refer to my post Types of Plug by Country.
In that article, I explain the plugs used in each country and their corresponding voltage. This will help you determine if you require an adapter and what kind.
F. Money (Cash and Cards)
Carrying cash in the local currency for small expenses is highly recommended, even though bank money is widely used in most countries today.
Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind during all your travels:
- You should take an extra card with you during your trip in case of any unforeseen circumstances. The saying “Do not put all your eggs in one basket” applies here, as relying on just one card is not wise. This is particularly important if travelling solo, in case your card suddenly stops working.
- Only carry the amount of cash you’ll need. When going out, limit the amount of money and bank cards you use. Leave the remainder of your funds securely in your accommodation.
If you are travelling to a country with a currency different from yours, don’t miss my article Exchange Currency, Cards, and Cash Abroad. The complete guide covers everything you need to know about the subject, including where to exchange money, which cards to use, and much more.
G. Communications
In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in our lives. Therefore, staying connected while travelling has become necessary for most of us.
If you require guidance on how to use your mobile phone and internet while travelling without incurring high costs, you can refer to the communications section in my post, Saving at the Destination.
If you travel to a country where they speak a language you don’t understand, I recommend downloading the ‘Google Translate‘ app to help you communicate.
This online translator lets you translate text from images using your smartphone camera. It’s perfect for translating menus in restaurants!
If you require additional information about the language spoken in the country you plan to visit, refer to my article Best Time to Go, which includes the official language spoken by each country. Alternatively, if you wish to search by tongue, my post, Countries by Language, has a table with all the languages and in which countries are spoken.
H. The Journey
If you travel by plane to your destination, these are my recommendations for the journey:
At the Airport
*️⃣ I recommend downloading your boarding pass from the mobile application before heading to the airport. This way, you will be covered in case of any signal or internet problems. ⚠️ Please note that taking screenshots of your boarding pass may not always work on readers.
*️⃣ Use the line next to the “business” counter to check your suitcase because it is usually faster. When they finish with these passengers, they help check-in for economy class travellers.
*️⃣ When going through security lines, it’s best to stand behind business travellers who are well-versed in the process and move quickly.
- When possible, try to avoid standing behind families with young children, as they carry many items and may take longer.
- Electronic items should go in a separate tray.
- Unless instructed otherwise, place the liquid bag outside your luggage. Only a select few airports have the new scanners that allow items to stay in your bag or suitcase.
*️⃣ Remember that any items purchased at the airport do not count towards the baggage allowance, which can be useful if you struggle to fit all your liquids into the required bag.
Delayed flight?
*️⃣ If your flight gets delayed during the night or early morning hours, and you find yourself stranded at the airport for a bit, you might want to catch some sleep. However, it can be challenging to locate a suitable place to rest. Fortunately, some websites like Sleeping in Airports provide valuable information on where to sleep at more than 1,200 airports. The website also offers helpful guides and tips for making the most of your time while waiting at the airport, including suggestions for nearby sightseeing activities if you have some extra time to spare.
On the Plane
*️⃣ Before getting on the plane, it is advisable to download any entertainment that you want to use during the flight, such as movies, podcasts, or music to watch/listen to offline. Long-haul flights usually have their entertainment system, so this is not as necessary.
*️⃣. Bring something warm for the plane because it tends to be cold on flights.
*️⃣ Include some earplugs in your carry-on luggage. They can be handy for sleeping or having small children nearby.
*️⃣ Carry a fully charged portable battery charger, just in case. Not all airports will have charging stations; if they do, they will probably be busy. In addition, this can also be very useful throughout your entire trip, mainly if you use your mobile phone a lot.
I. Jet Lag
When planning a trip to a far-off destination, it’s important to consider the time difference between your current location and your destination, as jet lag can negatively impact your holiday.
If you would like to learn more about this condition — including its causes and effects and remedies to prevent it — don’t miss my article, Tips to Overcome Jet Lag.
J. Transfers
Check out all the travel options available at your destination to save money on transfers with my post Save on Transfers.
I hope you liked this article and it was helpful.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me by leaving a comment below or filling out the contact form. I am happy to assist you 😊