Acanela Expeditions Travel Checklist
Prior to departing for your travels, a thorough review of the following check-list will ensure you are well prepared for the many incredible experiences that await you.
Pre-Travel checklist
Preliminary note: Transporting abroad often takes longer than expected. Take this into account and log a generous amount of extra time to get to-and-from destinations. Enjoy your trip, and take in all the information you can from your knowledgeable guides!
Vaccinations: Your vaccinations should be up-to-date. For more information on specific vaccinations you need for your country of travel, please visit CDC.gov website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/
Visas & Passport: Your passport must be up-to-date (at least 6 months validity); and you should obtain any visas that are required by your countries of travel. For visa requirements, please visit the travel.gov website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html
Weather & Climate: Please see a 10-day snapshot of the weather forecast in your selected destination here, https://weather.com/weather
Currency/ Exchange Rate: The currency used in your country of travel / current exchange rate from the United States Dollar (USD) can be found using the currency converter: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ .
We ask that you bring a credit card, debit card, and at least $200 cash with you upon arrival in country. We find that most of our travelers use their debit card to withdraw any needed cash from local ATMS to spend on souvenirs, food, etc. but having a back-up plan is always a good option.
Remember to call your banks before you depart to let them know you will be out of the country.
Travel documents: Prior to departing, ensure that all important travel documents have been scanned and printed in case of emergency. These backups should be taken in addition to the original document. Important documents include:
Passport (1x copies)
Driver’s license (1 copy)
Credit cards / debit cards (1 copy)
Emergency contact information / Embassy phone numbers
International cell phone: Local cell phones and sim cards can be purchased in country, but it is recommended to get an international calling plan for the length of your trip. This will enable an acanela representative to call and follow-up at the most critical junctions of the trip (e.g. border crossings, evening check-ins, etc).
International Health Insurance: We recommend purchasing international health & trip insurance from our partners HTH or Allianz.
Last minute items at home: Before departing there are a couple logistical items that should be handled a week prior to departure (although much earlier is a smart idea):
Call your credit / debit card bank and inform them the countries you will be traveling to and the time period you will be traveling. Your debit card will be your most frequently used card. ATMs in main cities / regions will enable you to withdraw cash
Register on STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) - https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/step.html - This will ensure you receive the latest information on the countries you are visiting, as well as inform the Embassy of your whereabouts as you cross borders, travel, etc.
Refill any personal prescriptions – while pharmacies are accessible in many parts of the world, it is smart to refill any personal prescription requirements before departure
Packing list: While not comprehensive, the following items are good things to have with you while traveling in this part of the world:
Pack light. You will be travelling to multiple locations on this journey, so make sure you can easy handle your luggage. We suggest bringing 1 suitcase and a small carry-on size backpack.
Layered Clothing – the climate can change at any time, so be prepared for warm days and cool evenings
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes (nice to have)
Sunscreen & Mosquito Repellant – You never know when you will need these essentials, so we recommend always carrying at least a small bottle with you
Money pouch – Always be careful with your personal belongings and keep the most important items (passport, wallet) on you at all times. [Amazon Link to Our Favorites]
Mobile Wifi Device (for if you want wifi & cell service on the go – note that these devices only work in some countries) [Amazon Link to Our Favorites] *Please note that wifi is available in most hotels, with the exception of select locations
Universal Outlet Converters specific to the countries you are traveling to [Amazon Link to Our Favorites]
Packing Notes: Having good walking shoes or sandals is a must. We also recommend bringing sunglasses & a scarf (or hat) to protect yourself from the sun / heat. During the day we recommend having a daypack (backpack) or a money pouch on you. Your daypack will hold all the items you should have with you during the day, and your money pouch will hold all your important documents & cards you don’t want to lose (see documents section above).
Please note that some religious sites in Europe, Asia, and Africa that you may be visiting require a more "modest" dress code. This means that you should bring at least one shirt that covers your chest, shoulders, and stomach and a pair of pants that covers your knees and ankles. Examples of these sites include The Vatican in Italy, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Grand Mosque in Morocco, and many more.
General Packing List
Clothing:
3-4 short sleeve / tank tops
1-2 long sleeve tops
2 or 3 shorts (or skirts) / light pants
1-2 pairs long pants
Underwear & socks (1 weeks’ worth)
1-2 cardigans (for layering)
1 warm jacket (e.g., fleece jacket)
1 Raincoat (rain can come at any time)
Pajamas/athletic wear for relaxing
1-2 bathing suit (depending on location)
Hat / Scarf (to keep sun off head)
Sandals / open-toed shoes
Comfortable walking shoes (closed toed)
1 Backpack (Daypack) to carry daily items with you
Toiletries:
Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
Hand Sanitizer/wet wipes
Small hand towel (optional)
Electronics:
iPad/Computer (optional)
Phone / Alarm Clock
Camera & Camera Accessories
Additional Items:
Passport / Visas
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, & US Cash
Power adapters/converter
Money Pouch / Daypack
Journal / Digital Journal (such as iPad or Laptop)
Medications (Tylenol, Dayquil, Band-Aids, etc.)
Favorite Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, etc.)
One of the major problems that every traveler encounters is baggage limit, especially if you're only using a carry-on OR a lightweight suitcase.