Before, During, and After: Your Comprehensive Vacation Preparation Guide

The first step in preparing for your vacation is choosing your destination. If you’re traveling to a foreign country, you should research basic information about entry rules, such as obtaining a visa or receiving certain types of vaccinations. Some visas can be obtained upon arrival in the country, while others require you to apply before the actual trip. After you’re completely sure that you’ve addressed all legal requirements, you can focus on the fun side of planning. It is a good idea to set goals and milestones for your journey. It might sound simple, but it’s a crucial early step to ensure it goes smoothly when you’re getting ready for a trip! According to your goals (e.g., active vacation, family vacation, or complete and total rest), you can now research the location, its culture, attractions, and activities. It’s also useful to check the opening hours of museums, shops, and other attractions so you don’t miss out on places and experiences that interest you. You can start the list the day you decide on your destination and upgrade it day by day so that it is ready on your departure day.  

The ‘’Before the trip’’ phase is the most challenging one since it comprises many activities that you need to do at your home destination while keeping in mind your future holiday destination. To make sure everything runs smoothly, we have prepared a check-list you can use to make sure you are on track:  

Travel Documentation: Check if your passport, visa, and other personal documents are valid, and keep digital copies of these documents in case of unexpected issues. Prepare a designated place in your bag to keep all the documents so that you know where they are at all times. 

Travel Insurance: Invest in travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. 

Check your prescriptions: If you or your family members are on specific therapy, check if you have enough medication and inquire whether you need a doctor’s certificate for border crossing. Also, be sure to pack pain relievers, fever reducers, and similar medications to have them on hand for unforeseen health situations. 

Transportation: If you’re traveling by plane, bus, or train, make sure to book your tickets in advance. If you’re traveling by car, be sure it’s in good working condition. Visit an auto service center promptly to embark on your planned journey worry-free. Download your travel itinerary from the internet, and prepare all tickets and confirmations, especially if you’ve purchased them online. Be prepared for situations where you may not have internet access at all times. 

Accommodation: Choose your accommodation carefully; look at its location and distance from planned activities; review pictures, comments, and appraisals from previous guests, as well as additional facilities and amenities it offers. If you’re traveling to Split and choose Marvie Hotel & Health, you can be sure that you’ll be our top priority. A perfect location near all the sights, attractions, and natural wonders of Split, spacious rooms, and guest health care through a perfectly planned menu containing local produce, through environmentally friendly and sustainable processes, will result in your dream vacation. 

Check the currency. If you’re traveling to a country that uses a different currency than your own, exchange a certain amount of money in advance so you can have cash on hand when you enter the country. Always distribute your money in different places (pockets, bags, jackets…), and don’t keep cards and cash together. 

Pack Light and Smart: Pack according to the climate and activities. Be sure to check the weather forecast a few days before your trip. Think flexibly and mix and match items. Remember to include essentials like toiletries and charging cables. It is a good idea to take a photo of the contents of the luggage in case you are traveling by plane. This makes it easier to file a baggage loss claim if anything happens to your suitcase. Additionally, make sure that your luggage complies with the carriers’ rules.  

Take care of Your House/Apartment: Water your indoor and garden plants; inspect your rooms and yard to ensure everything is locked and closed; take care of your pets if you’re not bringing them with you; make sure you’ve turned off the water and appliances and cleaned your home so you can travel in peace. Leave your apartment keys with trusted individuals to occasionally visit your home, turn on some lights, lower the blinds, and create the impression that the apartment isn’t empty. 

Learn basic phrases: Learn at least some basic expressions in the local language, because it will greatly help you when interacting with people, as not everyone speaks foreign languages. 

Take a deep breath! If you tend to feel a bit worried about packing and traveling, keep in mind that you can always replace most things if you forget them. As long as you have money, phone, travel documents, (and travel insurance), you’ll be just fine. Have a safe trip!