It’s been several years since I traveled to Europe. I’m not getting any younger, so I felt it was time to go back while I’m still young enough to enjoy it. Being able to afford it now helps.

Why Brussels? Mostly because it’s a little off the beaten path. I also considered London and Paris, but decided against them as they are too common. I wanted someplace more on the unusual side – so people would want to hear my travel tales. Belgium is known for two of my favorite things – beer and chocolate – so I’m sure to have a good time. Also, English is spoken quite regularly there, and there are direct flights from my nearest international airport.

Planning, though, can be a pain.

1. Make sure your cell phone will work. This means getting it “unlocked”, since your carrier doesn’t provide overseas coverage, and then buying a SIM card on arrival. Not that I plan on making a lot of calls, but it will be nice to get text alerts about any tours I’ve signed up for, or flight alerts. Pray you don’t lose the phone’s original SIM card.

2. Tell your credit card companies that you’ll be in Europe for a week or so, so you won’t get all manner of security alerts or even freezes.

3. Book a car to and from the airport. Hope you time things right so you’re not hanging around the airport for hours.

4. Wonder if you need to carry cash while there, and if so, where do you get some.

5. Hope you pack enough clothes and stuff. Don’t forget an umbrella.

6. Print out maps and all your travel documents, just in case.

7. It’s an overnight flight (both ways). What personal care items should I have in my carry-on bag?

8. Resist the temptation to plan out every hour of every day.

9. Will any of my perishables spoil in the refrigerator while I’m away for over a week?

10. Try not to have second thoughts about your hotel choice. Or your seat on the airplane.

11. Is there anything else that I should be thinking about?

At least I’ll get a bunch of blog posts out of it.