Planning Guides

Banking & Money

• Call your bank and credit card companies to notify them of your travel dates and destinations (avoid fraud blocks)
• Check if your cards have foreign transaction fees—if yes, consider getting one that doesn't
• Know your daily ATM withdrawal limit and ask your bank to raise it if needed
• Store bank customer service numbers in your phone (the international ones, not the 1-800)

Phone & Connectivity

• Check your carrier's international plan options or consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly)
• Download offline maps for your destination in Google Maps
• Save important confirmation numbers, addresses, and contacts offline (screenshots work)
• Test your eSIM or international plan before you actually need it

Documents & Health

• Check passport expiration—many countries require 6 months validity beyond your trip
• Make digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, prescriptions
• Pack prescriptions in original bottles with labels visible
• Check if you need any vaccinations or health documentation
• Add emergency contacts to your phone's lock screen

Flights

• International trips: Start tracking fares 3–6 months out; book when prices are stable and route times are good
• Domestic trips: Usually best 1–3 months out for regular travel dates
• Peak seasons/holidays: Book earlier than usual—seat selection and nonstop options disappear first

Hotels & Stays

• City hotels: Reserve 1–3 months ahead for strong location options
• Boutique stays/high-demand areas: Plan 3–5 months ahead if your dates are fixed
• Flexible plans: Favor free-cancellation rates so you can reprice if better deals appear

Trains, Ferries & Ground Transport

• Popular train routes: Book as soon as schedules open for best fares and departure times
• Ferries/island routes: Reserve early in summer weekends and holiday periods
• Airport transfers: Pre-book late arrivals, early departures, or remote pickups

Attractions & Restaurants

• Timed-entry attractions: Secure 2–8 weeks ahead for your preferred slots
• Signature restaurants: Book 2–6 weeks out in major cities (earlier for weekends)
• Regular meals: Keep lunch flexible and pre-book only high-priority dinners

Airport Strategy

• International flights: arrive 3 hours early (2 hours for domestic)
• Research airport transportation before you land—train vs taxi vs rideshare
• Download the local rideshare app if available (Uber doesn't work everywhere)
• Keep some local currency for situations where cards don't work

Public Transit vs Rental Car

Helpful Apps

• Google Maps: Download offline maps before you go
• Citymapper: Best for navigating public transit in major cities
• Rome2Rio: Shows all transport options between two points
• Local transit apps: Research the official app for your destination

Currency & Cash

• Use ATMs for the best exchange rate—avoid airport currency exchange booths
• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize ATM fees
• Always choose to be charged in the local currency (not USD) when given the option
• Carry some cash for small shops, tips, and places that don't take cards
• Keep small bills and coins separate for quick transactions

Credit Cards

• Bring at least two different cards (in case one doesn't work or gets blocked)
• Chip + PIN is standard in Europe—make sure you know your PIN
• Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, and others have no foreign transaction fees
• Some places don't take American Express—Visa/Mastercard are safer bets

Tipping Customs

Check-In & Check-Out

• Standard check-in is usually 3-4pm, check-out is 10-11am
• Ask about early check-in when you book—sometimes free, sometimes a half-day charge
• Most hotels will hold luggage before check-in or after check-out (free)
• For Airbnbs, confirm exact check-in process and key location before arrival

Luggage Storage

• Hotels usually offer free luggage storage on arrival/departure days
• Train stations often have lockers or storage services (LuggageHero, Bounce)
• Plan your last day around luggage logistics—don't drag it to museums

Hotel vs Airbnb

Location Considerations

• Prioritize walkability to main attractions or transit stops
• Check Google Maps at night—is the neighborhood well-lit and active?
• Read reviews specifically about noise, especially in city centers
• Being near a grocery store or café makes mornings easier

Jet Lag Strategy

• Try to adjust your sleep schedule 1-2 days before departure
• On arrival day, stay awake until at least 8pm local time (no matter how tired)
• Get sunlight in the morning and avoid caffeine after 2pm
• Don't schedule anything intense on day 1—give yourself time to adjust

Daily Structure

• Plan 2-3 "must-do" things per day, not 7—you'll burn out
• Build in downtime: afternoon rest, café breaks, or just wandering
• Group activities by neighborhood to minimize transit time
• Save one day with zero plans for flexibility or rest

Restaurant Reservations

• Book ahead: Popular restaurants in big cities (especially dinner spots)
• Walk-in friendly: Lunch, casual bistros, neighborhood places
• Use Google Maps to find busy local spots—if there's a line, it's probably good
• Ask your hotel/Airbnb host for recommendations—locals know best

Museum & Attraction Tickets

• Must pre-book: Major museums (Louvre, Vatican), popular attractions with timed entry
• Day-of is fine: Smaller museums, parks, neighborhoods
• Check if there are free days or reduced-price evening hours
• Skip-the-line tickets are worth it for places with notoriously long waits
• City passes can save money if you're hitting 4+ attractions