Documents & Communication for Traveling

There are many things you can do to prepare yourselves before you travel besides packing your personal items, gear, clothing, and more. Let’s get started, preparing yourself for the adventure of a lifetime. Here are some handy categories and tips to help you have a great time on your travels. More often than not, there is freedom in structure; having the necessary documents and communications methods, packing as lightly as possible, gathering items a few days or weeks ahead, reviewing what you have, and asking yourself what you can eliminate is helpful.

Documents and Communication

A passport that is up to date (passport needs to be valid for 3 months after arrival date) and preferably in a satchel/wallet that helps you know where it is. You will be asked for this while traveling, checking into your accommodations, and for some purchases. Take a photo of your passport cover page and the page with the bar code. This will be helpful if you need to identify yourself or replace a missing passport.

Make sure your driver’s license is up to date. Insurance, Medical or Auto related cards, depending on your car rental requirements and medical needs, are necessary.

Traveler’s Insurance: I have used World Nomad  https://www.worldnomads.com/

I have also purchased coverage when buying an airline ticket, an inexpensive reassurance in case something happens and you need care.

Keep copies of all your documents in a separate location or bag. If you need to get information about a lost passport, please remember taking a photocopy of the barcode on the back of your passport is very helpful.

Download the Waze app for easy navigation, and screenshot your travel plans if cell service or Wi-Fi is unavailable.

Phone, charging devices, headphones or earbuds, waterproof case, and extra power bank. Your phone has a great camera, but if you love your camera, bring that, too. Add binoculars to the list if you enjoy birding or getting a close-up view of wildlife. A dry bag or waterproof backpack will protect your expensive electronics. This also applies to a laptop if that is a needed item.

Check how you will communicate and find your way around; phone plans vary greatly. Apps that come in handy. WhatsApp. Translation App (you can set most apps to be used as a dictionary without wifi) and Waze or another map app. Even if you can’t use it out and about, you can get an idea of where you are going before Wi-Fi is unavailable. Local SIM cards are another idea.

Cash, pack small bills. US dollars are accepted at most locations. Cash must be in good shape, with no rips, tears, or markings. Check your country of origin currency to see if it will be useful. I screenshot a conversion table before I go traveling for quick reference. 

Credit Cards and Debit Cards are used for cash withdrawals. Make sure to let your bank know you will be traveling away from home.
Rainforest Publications offers Guides covering flora, fauna, and marine life. Our general wildlife guide is a great overall guide, and we also have guides for specific regions of the country. https://www.rainforestpublications.store  I use the Ebird and Merlin identification apps for my birding activities. 

Read Part Two, “ Clothing & Accessories,” for even more helpful tips!