As with everything else, to have a strong structure you need to lay a good foundation.  There are a series of things you need to see to in advance.

• If you are working for yourself, arrange for either suitable replacement to run your business while you are away unless you decide to close for the duration.  If in employment organise for suitable time off from work
• According to your travel destination you may need appropriate shots, vaccinations or medication, consult your doctor
• Consider purchasing insurance/medical insurance
• Make household arrangements:
• See if someone can house-sit for you
• If not possible, put special timer lighting in place
• Arrange for any pets
• Stop any regular deliveries
• Arrange with the post office to keep your mail until your return or arrange for collection by someone trusted
  
• Arrange for suitable foreign currency for destination, travelers cheques and that credit cards are up to date (preferable Visa or Access which is accepted worldwide).  Break up the currency into usable amounts for taxis, tips, possible airport departure or other fees etc
• Make sure passports are up to date for the duration of your honeymoon vacation
• Inform family and/or friends of your schedule and contact number

As a general rule, please check the dress customs of each country before visiting, particularly Muslim, so as not to offend.

It is not always necessary to dress the same as the country protocols, although sometimes you may have to conform, but in general you do have to show respect in your choice of clothing when traveling. For example locals may not appreciate you being too scantily dressed in church or wearing beach wear while shopping.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing yourself for travel.  Remember you will not be in your own country so customs, food, facilities etc will be different.

• Be careful or at least be aware of wearing belts with very big buckles, these can sound off the airport alarm.  If you simply must wear your favourite, remove on alarm, hand to guard and walk through again.  Also be careful of packing things which airports don’t like in carry-on luggage, big scissors, cooking oil, some food items of which there may be import/export regulations.  If you insist on bringing these, you may be asked to leave them at the airport
• Make sure all items of a liquid nature are well sealed as they are affected by pressure
• Accommodate for just in case you are not able to find laundry facilities, bring a small amount of detergent in your main luggage
• In Barbados we like to dress appropriately as befitting the occasion.  Remember the country you are visiting may not appreciate or even allow the dress code you are accustomed to.  Do your research beforehand and pack clothes as a result
• Make sure all luggage is suitably marked
• When packing try to anticipate for various occasions including formal wear and church
• Enquire as to the availability and voltage of the electricity where you are visiting so you can bring suitable adapters for electrical appliances
• Carry general medicines with you for the occasional head/stomach-ache.  Remember you will not be accustomed to the food and/or the climate.   It is always good to be prepared.
• List all important numbers and personal detail numbers, cards, passports etc in case of emergencies.  Leave a copy with someone trusted and carry a personal copy

A little planning beforehand can greatly improve your traveling experience and save costly mistakes which could have been avoided.

• When going through the luggage check ask for a hand inspection of cameras, cell phones etc.  Leaving them in the carry on luggage when going through the X-ray may damage them
• Check beforehand and make sure your luggage falls within the allowed capacity.  If you go over you will be charged an extra fee or have to leave it behind if you don’t want to pay.
• Remember that airport checking is a very time consuming sequence be sure to arrive in plenty of time.  Up to three hours is satisfactory
• Drink plenty of fluids and often while in flight for dehydration
• If you need to visit the bathroom often consider selecting an end seat so as not to constantly disturb others and for your own convenience