6 Ways to Prepare for a Tour (No. 2 is Often Ignored)

“He who fails to plan is planning to fail"- Winston Churchill

This quote is as true in traveling as it is in anything. Preparing ensures that you get to enjoy your trip.

However, when you take time to plan for your tour, it gives you a whole slew of benefits. For example:

● It saves time, money and frustrations, as you can find transportation and accommodation that meets your needs and budget

● Good planning is family friendly since knowing where you are going to sleep gives the whole family peace of mind

● Plus it's just exciting to go through the whole process of planning because it gives you something to look forward to as you wait for the tour to begin.

That's why in this article, we will look at how to prepare for a tour to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
This is so important that you should even have a checklist that you go through every time you want to travel.

So here are the 6 ways you can prepare for a tour.

1. Have necessary documents

If you think that passengers traveling with incorrect documentation is a minor issue for the world’s carriers, think again.

For your identification, security and safety, it's necessary that you travel with the most important documents including your passport, visa, identification card, travel tickets, driver's license, paperwork.
You should even make copies since they can come in handy during an emergency, especially if you lose your originals. If you get robbed, having copies ready for officials can make filing police reports and obtaining new documents much easier.

2. Health check

As you go from one place to another, there are health risks involved.

Some places are prone to certain health conditions and require you to be vaccinated before you go there. For example, the yellow fever vaccine when traveling to some parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

You are also in danger of certain allergens, which is why you need to do a risk assessment of allergies you might have and get prepared.

Even more important, have a first aid kit containing drugs such as Panadol, stomach illness medicine, eyedrops, Band Aids, scissors, hydrocortisone cream for allergies, antibacterial ointment, and a small supply of doctor approved antibiotics for probable infections. This will enable self care before receiving professional medical attention. You should consider having travel insurance in case you get sick and need medicalcare.

3. Carry necessary equipment

Of course, you can't go on a tour empty-handed. There are materials and gadgets you should carry to make your trip a success and a memorable one.

For example…

● Camera to take photos as you travel, pictures you can keep in an album, or share on your socials

● Pen and paper/journal: experiences of today are what make memories of tomorrow. Have pen and paper to document your experiences. Where did you go? What did you see? What did you do? What did you discover?

● Phone to keep in touch with the relevant people. It's important you also carry your power bank in case your phone battery runs out and needs to be recharged. Have a list of emergency contacts (friends, family, tour guide, police) that you can get in touch with in case you need help

● A small flashlight in case you get stuck and night falls.

4. Pack supplies

Do you have enough basic needs and travel necessities?

Make sure you pack water, food, clothes, and toiletries. You should even have a reusable water bottle with filter.

Have emergency cash as well, for you never know when you might need it, or even better, carry your credit or bank cards in case you will need more money while traveling.'

5. Research

Find a map and a compass before you set out. It's important you know about the place you’re visiting. Search the internet or read books on what life is like where you’re going. Know local culture, customs, food, laws, living arrangements, climate, rules. Learn their language and lingo for ease of communication. This will help you fit in and also avoid any misunderstandings

6. Make prior plans

Traveling isn't just about waking up and walking out the door. You should make plans for where you are leaving and where you are going.

You must make decisions such as:

● Will you travel alone or with other(s)?

● If there are people you are leaving behind, what preparations are you making for them?

● What is your budget?

● Are there accommodation reservations where you are going?

● What means of transport will you use?

In conclusion, whether you are traveling near or far, careful planning goes a long way toward ensuring your trip is a success. It's the best way to make the experience unforgettable (in a good way). While you are away from home, take precautions to safeguard yourself, your friends and family.