'Tis the season for traveling adventures in a new country! Regardless of where you’re headed, these are things you should do before leaving the States!

1. Contact Credit Card Company
Do this especially if you’re heading out of the country or else when paying for your Italian gelato on day two, you might have some difficulty and will have to contact the company.

2. Clean Out Photos
You’ll accumulate endless snaps while traveling. You know what they say; out with the old and in with the new! Delete photos off your laptop, phone, and camera to make room for lots of new ones. How annoying would it be if right before you snap a pic, your iPhone alerts you that there is no more space on your phone?

3. Sleep
Traveling wears your body down. Do all that you can to catch your z’s prior to your departure.

4. Download a News App
Thinking like this gives me chills, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Turn on the notifications to your news app so that you will be up to date with breaking events. If something were to happen while you are abroad, you will immediately be up to date (depending on your service plan and the area’s Wi-Fi).

5. Phone Plan
Do your research and figure out the best possible phone plan for your trip. You should probably have some minutes for worldwide calls in case of emergency.

6. Eat Well
Pizza and gelato in Rome, pancakes in Amsterdam, macarons and brie in Paris, apple strudel in Austria… Let’s face it, Europe is not known for its kale chips, power juices, and acacia bowls. While abroad it is necessary to indulge in these sweets. In order to do so, fuel yourself well before the trip with clean foods. This will also give your great energy for the commute over.

7. Tell Your Friends
Don’t spend your whole trip texting friends and family (unless necessary). Tell your friends ahead of time that you will be out of the country and won’t have your phone on you at all times. Be in the moment and not on your phone.

8. Learn the Language
Just know the basics: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, yes, no, and questions you might need.

9. Make Copies
Make copies of your passport, itinerary, hotel reservations, travel member cards, and anything else you might need. Again, be safe or sorry!

10. Know Your Hotel/Dorm
Add your hotel to your contact list, know its address, and even snap a picture of it once you get there. That way, if you get lost, you have three options for returning safely.

11. Get Inspired
You’re going abroad. You will have the time of your life. So days before your departure should be spent packing, watching movies based in the city you will be in, and “Pinteresting” the best cafes for Italian cappuccinos.