A beachside escape is essential in summer, but there’s one big hassle standing between you and that well-earned break: preparations. Should you print out the hotel bookings and have cash on hand? Is relying on public Wi–Fi risky? To help make this process much more manageable, here's a list of everything you might need for your next summer vacation.

Before you start packing, you should check the destination country’s regulations for entry. Some may require a visa or an entry permit, while others will ask for your passport to be valid for at least three or six months after your trip is over. This part is crucial as you may be prevented from entering the country if you don’t follow the protocol. 

Once you get the visa and passport sorted, research whether the immigration officials ask for any additional documents upon arrival. This can usually be verified on official government websites, especially for those that require a visa for entry. In most cases, you’ll need proof of accommodation, a return flight itinerary, and travel insurance that covers your entire stay. 

Moreover, if you’re planning on renting a car, you need to bring your driver’s license. In case the country has not signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic or is part of the GCC, you’ll probably have to convert or translate your license before using it. Also, if you’re visiting the UAE, Bahrain, or Oman by road, don’t forget to get car insurance. 

Lastly, in case you’re traveling with a minor as a single parent or a non-parent companion, you should have a letter of consent. It's signed either by the other parent or by both, written in English or the official language of the destination country, and notarized.

You’ll probably need an internet connection as soon as you land. You can rely on airport Wi-Fi, as most of them have it. But as with any public connection, this one is pretty unreliable. Instead, you should check your operator’s roaming internet options to see if there’s a cheap upgrade for your destination country. Alternatively, you could purchase a local SIM card. Bear in mind that most countries require you to be a resident to get their cards. 

But the most budget-friendly option is to get an eSIM for the destination country. Most reputable eSIM providers, such as Airalo, Saily, and aloSIM, cover almost every country. You can even get eSIMs for specific regions if you’re planning on visiting multiple states during your trip. 

In addition, download apps to help you navigate the town and communicate more easily. For instance, Google Maps has an offline map download option. You can download a map for any country and use it without an internet connection. Another great idea is to get an image scanning app like Google Lens and CamFind for reading menus and traffic signs.

Translation apps will also be pretty useful. There are many to choose from, including Google Translate, Apple Translate, and Reverso. 

Packing items based on what you’d like to wear instead of how you actually dress is one of the most common mistakes people make. This results in you having a bunch of stuff you don’t feel comfortable wearing that is wasting valuable space.

A good strategy is to plan outfits by day and activity, and stick to a neutral color palette that would be easy to mix and match. In addition, triple-check the weather to see if you need additional accessories such as an umbrella, a hat, or a scarf.

Aside from outfits, don’t forget to pack:

• Toiletry bag 

• Accessories

• Leisure items such as books or a travel pillow

• First aid kit (with medicines, SPF, bandages, and disinfectant)

• Power banks and adapters 

Regardless of how safe the country you’re traveling to is, you should always have a list of its emergency contacts, including the police and ambulance, saved in your contact list. Moreover, having the address of your country’s consulate in the city you’re visiting written somewhere is also smart. Writing it on a piece of paper is the best option, as something may happen to your phone. 

What’s more, always have cash in local currency on hand. Small businesses and taxis may still accept only this payment method. While on this topic, contact your bank to check whether you can use all your cards abroad and whether there are any transaction fees for currency exchanges.

Last but not least — get travel insurance. In some countries, it’s mandatory to be insured for the duration of the trip. But even when it isn’t, you shouldn’t let anything ruin your trip. Travel insurance protects you financially from the unexpected — from medical emergencies to trip delays.