As I began wrapping my head around my move to Venezuela, I found there were a few tips that I needed to remind myself of in order to maintain a sense of calm. Here they are in no particular order:

1) Actively work on keeping your sanity. This would be a good time figure out how you can best do this – meditation, medication, exercise – whatever gets you through the day.

2) Make sure your passports are current.

3) Make sure you have the appropriate paperwork submitted (i.e. visas, work permits, etc.). The best place to find this information is the country’s consulate or embassy.

4) Breathe – it’s amazing how easily this can be forgotten.

5) Research local/international schools (if applicable).

6) Get you medical papers current and check to see if any immunizations are required (this information can be found at the State Department).

7) Breathe – as you can see, this tip is very important.

8) Book your flight. Find out if it works best to get a one way ticket, open-ended or round trip with a much later date. I find that most airlines have different policies.

9) Pack – this may cause you to refer back to tips #4 and #7.

10) Research any newcomers’ clubs that may be able to show you the ropes when you get there.

Did I leave anything out?

Photo credits: Boxes, boxes, boxes by audreythebug and Travel by fdecomite

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