Passport and Visa

Always make sure you have a valid passport that is not expired before you leave for your destination.  If you need a new passport give yourself enough time to obtain a passport so you can avoid having the process expedited and incur additional fees.  Different countries have different visa requirements.  China requires you to obtain a Visa before arrival in the country.  Thailand will let you obtain a Visa upon arrival in the country.  Make sure you understand your destination’s Visa and Passport regulations before traveling.  The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport in a foreign country and be told to fly straight home (and pay full price for another ticket) because you did not have a Visa.

Flights and Accommodation

Make sure to do your research on your flights and accommodation.  The internet is a great resource and there are plenty of discount travel agencies on the internet.  You can save money by searching for the best deals.  This holds true for hotels as well.  Feel free to talk to your doctor and ask them for recommendations.

Research Travel Itinerary

Researching your travels is exciting and rewarding.  Learn about the country, the culture, the sites, and absorb as much information as possible.  For example, if you are going to South Africa you might want to plan a safari in advance.  Many medical tourism destinations are in beautiful and exotic places.  If you are going to Brazil make sure you allocate a couple of days to relax on the beach and enjoy their unique nightlife.  Keep in mind to plan activities you will be able to do after your procedure.  Always consult your doctor as to what activities you can do after your surgery.

Back Home

While you are gone life at home will go on.  You are still going to have to pay your bills, mortgage, feed the pets, etc. Pay your bills in advance of your trip if you can.  A great option is to pay all of your bills via the internet.  If that is not an option have someone you can trust and is reliable to get your bills, mail, watch your house, pets, etc.  This will give you peace of mind.  Most hotels will have internet access.  If not you can go to an internet café.

Packing List

Make a packing list a couple of weeks before you travel.  As the trip nears you will certainly think of more and more items you will need.  Again, use the internet as a resource.  There is a variety of packing lists for travelers on the internet.  Find out what the weather will be like, what type of electrical adapter you will need, and research other important differences between cultures.  This varies in different countries.  Bring only the things you will need.  Pack efficiently.

Money

Understand the currency of the country you are going to and the best way to exchange money.  You can exchange money ahead of time at your local bank for many destinations.  Many countries accept credit cards and have access to ATM machines today as well.  Travel checks are a great method of exchanging money and are relatively safe.  US dollars can also be exchanged fairly easily in most countries.  Always do your research before you go.  A combination of monies is your safest bet.  Never carry too much excessive cash on you.  You would not do this in your home country so why would you overseas?

Staying In Touch

You will probably want to stay in touch with people back home while you are gone.  Make sure to take a little address book with you.  If you have internet access you might also keep an address book their as well.  Give the phone number of your hotel or hospital to your family and friends.  Calling cards, email, the internet, letters are all ways to keep in touch.  You can access the internet almost anywhere you travel.  If your hotel does not have internet then you can go to an internet café.  They are all over the world.  If you do not have an email address then get one.  Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail are all free and only take minutes to set up and are easy to use.  You can also set up a travel blog on the internet.  Most of your family and friends will be interested to read about your stories.  Remember, the world is a much smaller place these days with the advancement in communications and technology.

Vaccinations

Different countries suggest that you should get vaccinations before you go.  Your local doctor can tell you what each country suggests or requires.  If you are going to be in a major metropolitan city you might not need the same vaccines as you would if you are doing a jungle safari.  Some travelers choose to get vaccinated while others do not.  This is your call.  Do your research.

Travel Insurance

You might want to think about travel insurance.  You never know when your flight might be delayed, your luggage lost, or something stolen.  Accidents do happen.  Most likely none of these things will happen but always be prepared.  Travel insurance is relatively cheap.  Numerous companies provide travel insurance.