1. 1. check visa requirements
   go to malaysia’s official website for ministry of foreign affairs and check the visa entry requirement for the countries that you are going to. if you need to apply beforehand, make sure you get it done before departing. also - your passport have to be valid for at least six months (usually).
2. 2. jot down the malaysian embassy address and contact details
   write down the malaysian embassy address and contact details as well as opening hours in the country that you are heading to. if there are none, write down for neighbouring countries. email this list to yourself. sms it to yourself. write it down and tuck it into your backpack. you will need this information if you lose your passport during your journey. (touch wood!)
3. 3. weather forecast
   google the weather forecast. if you are going to a temperate country, also note down the wind conditions as this will affect the temperature. check whether it is rainy season. shape your packing list accordingly.
4. 4. check the plugs
   make sure you bring the correct electrical plug adapters. a good site to check is Electricity Around the World.
5. 5. buy travel insurance
   this is not an option. buy your travel insurance. it is so reasonably priced that the cost is almost waivable compared to the cost of the entire journey. during my europe trip, my luggage was delayed for two days. the insurance compensated every cent that i spent on the necessary items that i purchased. not having my luggage in one of the coldest country i have been in is frustrating, but knowing i will be compensated by my insurance made the shopping fun!
6. 6. photocopying the important documents
   photocopy your passport, ic, credit card, plane tickets, train tickets. lock your passport in your room, carry the copy around. keep the photocopied credit card in the room, carry the actual card around. in other words - separate the original and the copies.
7. 7. scan the important documents
   scan your passport, ic, credit card, plane tickets, train tickets. email them to yourself. keep a copy in your phone memory card. if you lost your entire bag (touch wood!) at least you can still download a copy of your identity for the police to expedite their work.
8. 8. call your mobile service provider
   check the sms rates and calling rates from the country that you are travelling to. ask whether there are cheaper alternatives to call home. maxis has their *120* deals. what i usually do before i travel is check the calling rate and the receiving call rates, the sms rates. then i manage my calls & smses accordingly.
9. 9. pack light
   packing less means worrying about less things. means having a lighter load. means less packing/unpacking time. but more importantly - there will be one or two occasions, where you will have to RUN with your backpack. it is in that very moment when you are most grateful for packing lightly.
10. 10. be ready for change - know your alternatives
    things don’t always go as planned. trains will be delayed, flights cancelled, airports close down, the alarm won’t ring. be ready for change, know your alternatives. keep your wits with you and be ready to test Murphy’s Law. don’t forget to laugh.

above everything else, travel with an open heart. that is the only way to do it.

published on Jan 15 09 at 11:32 am under category : travelling.