Your Vacation Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before a Big Trip

There are few things that will ruin the start of your trip more than not being able to check into your first hotel because your card doesn't work. It's a good idea to call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you will be leaving the country (or the state) to avoid any fraud alerts or security stops.

As a backup, keep hard copies of your reservations on your body so you're not dependent on your phone. Leave a second copy with family members or relatives so they know where you will be and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

While a few cents here and a dollar there might not seem like much, tacking on extra fees with every single transaction can really add up. Check to see if any of your cards offer zero transaction fees, so you know whether or not you should go the cash route. If you don't have a fee-free credit card and you're an avid traveler, it's definitely a good idea to apply for one (as many come with an array of additional travel perks).

It's important to have the currency of the country you're visiting once you arrive, especially since not all places accept credit cards. You will typically get a much better conversion rate with your local bank than at the airport, and you can get the cash in less than a week. Once you've arrived to your destination, if you run low on cash, use a local ATM to stock up on money as the fees are usually much lower and the conversion rate is exact. The best case scenario? If you bank with a large international entity, see if you can find an ATM for your bank.

Travel insurance covers stolen luggage and cancellations, but perhaps the most important aspect is it will have your back in case of any medical emergencies while you're abroad. Most health insurance plans don't cover international travel (definitely check if yours does), and since you probably didn't budget thousands of dollars to spend on potential medical expenses, it's a good thing to have.

Taking the bus or train once you land can you save you serious cab fare, but it's better to know the routes/schedules beforehand (especially if you don't speak the language). Print out or screenshot the routes in case you don't have cell service or WiFi.

Imagine coming home after an incredible tour through Italy and being immediately welcomed with an outrageous phone bill (not fun). Just because you can make phone calls in a foreign country doesn't mean it's covered in your plan. Call your carrier to find out your options; some offer totally free international roaming, but it's something that needs to be activated. To be safe, you can also leave your phone in airplane mode and use WiFi to communicate (this is also where printing the reservations/addresses comes into play).

Vaccinations are recommended and even required for certain countries, so it's important to know before you go. Check the CDC's website to find out if your next destination is on the list.

Just in case your passport gets lost or stolen, it's important to have an extra copy on you so you can prove your citizenship. You can also leave a copy of your passport at home with a parent or someone you trust.

There's no point in adding an international plan on your phone if you can't charge it once you arrive. Be sure to research what type of adapter is needed in the country you're visiting so you'll have access to all your electronics.