Before you leave home there are some useful websites that you should check for travel warnings as well as checking the weather, to decide what you should pack.
Some useful websites include:
Australia http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/
Canada http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
UK http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/
Also, don’t forget to take out travel insurance, some countries, such as the UK and Australia have reciprocal free medical services, but many others, such as the US, if you end up needing to seek medical advice can cost you thousands. Though even in Australia if you need to call an ambulance, without insurance you can be up for hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
What do you never leave home without checking first?
In the US sometimes your personal insurance will cover med expenses when you travel, sometimes not – good point to check!
I never leave without my iPhone. I'm a closet geek, and have music, stuff to do and fun things on there. I also NEVER leave without my art pad. This keeps me sane while enduring unreasonably long layovers!
Hey travel safely!