I love checklists because they give you an overview of everything that needs to be done – or at least they give you the feeling of it. As I am working on my next adventure at the moment and you guys keep asking me what needs to be thought of before departure, here is my Countdown-Checklist:
2 months before departure:
- Quit your job/ report unemployment
- Is your passport valid for the duration of your travels? If not, get a new one
- Get help for visa application if needed / apply for visa
- Book flight / Open Return?
- Cancel rental contract/ look for a subtenant
- Cancel contracts / cancel contracts temporarily
- Improve language skills
- Health check/ preventive medical check-up/ vaccination
- Collect most important medical supplies
- Get overseas health insurance/ cancel normal health insurance for country of residence?
- Get international driving licence
- Make a copy of important documents and get them authenticated if needed
1 month before departure:
- Print and learn training documents for job
- Credit card still valid? Get a new one if needed
- Online-banking account
- Organise a place to stay for the first few nights
- Get a forwarding request at post office
- Clear open debts
1 week before departure:
- Write down important information (mobile numbers/ addresses etc.)
- Give address and contact number of first accommodation to family/ friends
- Pre-pack (less is more!) to see what is really needed
- Pre-pack hand luggage with most important things in order luggage gets lost
- Final packing
- Farewell party
- Being excited and happy about the fact your adventure starts soon
After 1 week in the new country:
- Let everyone know you’ve arrived safely
- Get a SIM card
- Open a bank account
- Apply for a tax number
- Get to know your area
- Fight the jetlag
- Get started
With this list I’ve started all my adventures!
When each box is ticked it is time to enjoy!
