The Ultimate Travel Checklist

You've been raving about this trip/holiday for quite sometimes and of course you wish the travelling process will be hassle free and ease. This could be your lifetime adventure and checklist is a must! 

Here are some handy tips to make the most of yours.

1) Six Month Validity Passport Rule

Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel. So make sure your passport validity is long enough to embark your journey 

2) Bring Copies Of Your Passport / Electronic Copy of Passport 

Most of us did not take this seriously. But i advise you, please bring copies of your passport just in case if your passport get stolen or lost, you are able to prove your citizenship. Consider making an electronic copy you can store in your email account as well.

3) Visa

We often overlooked about Visa. Lucky us, as Malaysian we are permit to enter most of the countries without Visa. However, please check before you travel.If you engage with travel agent, please check multiple of times just to make sure there is no typo error (misspelled) because this will be bring a trouble to you. You’ll be forced to leave the country immediately on the next available flight, which means this “little mistake” could end up costing you thousands of dollars. Or even worst, you might not be able to embark the flight. 

3) Register / Notify With Your Embassy

Due to the political unstable during my visit to Kashmir, we decided to notify our Malaysia Embassy in India regarding our departure. Ever since then, it become a practice to me. Our embassy is the closest place we can seek for any help, and should there’s a problem in the country, this will make it easier for your government to contact you and get you to safety.

4) Insurance 

Medical expenses can costs you a fortune. Be a smart traveller, make sure you bring sufficient medicine during your trip and engage with travel insurance. There are tonne of travel insurance you can search, however AXA Travel Insurance is my favourite one! The coverage is good enough to me, and the most important thing is hassle free to purchase. You can just do it online and get your policy instantly. 

5) International Driving Permit (IDP)

Certain countries require us to obtain IDP if you plan to driving for your trip. For Malaysian, IDP will costs RM 150 with a year validity. You need to make sure that your Domestic Driving License is also valid till the expiry of IDP. 

For Malaysian who wants to obtain IDP. May refer to JPJ Website!

According to the Geneva Convention treaty (1949), this facility has been agreed by the countries that signed it.

In order to apply for International Driving Permit (IDP), 

You need:

i) Valid driving license for Class B2 or D.

ii) Photocopy of the above license (Both sides).

iii) Original and photocopy of identity card (Both sides).

iv) 2 passport size photographs.

v) Complete Form JPJ L1.

vi) Payment of RM150 per year.

6) Planning

Other than preparing all the essentials (flight ticket, passport, visa etc) , you need to start planning! Allocate your resources properly and plan!

a) Pre book your accommodation and don't forget to print it out 
b) Should you require to buy train ticket / domestic flight in advance, you may do so. 
c) Get yourself familiar with the train map. 

d) Local research 

e) Check weather at your destination in advance. So you can packing proper attire. 

f) Bring your survival kit.

g) Always bring travel adapters and power plug. Each new countries have different types of plug so please make sure you don't forget ro bring one. 

h) Charge all the electronic devices. (handphone,camera, powerbank , pocket wifi etc)

i) Bring snacks / food (can food / instant noodles) , make sure you check the food entry policy because every country have different requirement. 
j) Activate you mobile phone for roaming so you can easily connected with the love ones. 
k) Pocket WIFI! 
l) Make sure you have a softcopy of ur itineraries / bookings etc. Easiest way is email all the important documents to urself or any medium that you can easily access. 

No matter what your age, never underestimate the importance of letting someone at home know where you will be. It doesn’t make you any less independent, or any less “cool”. In the event that things gone wrong you’ll have someone who can act immediately to aid and assist, or even attempt to locate you. So don't forget to give a copy of your itinerary to your family or friends.

7) Money 

LASTLY $ $ $

a) Local Cash! You may also want to consider to bring extra cash if you visit to the country that might have a limitation access of credit card. 

b) Activate you credit / debit card to roam internationally. Please bare in mind that withdrawal fees may varies from different bank. 

Xo,
dreambytj