Worldwide: before any trip

Check-list

1. Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages. 2. Visa or electronic travel authorisation (many countries now need one even for visa-free visitors, e.g. the UK ETA, the US ESTA and Australia's eVisitor; the EU's ETIAS and Japan's JESTA are planned, so check their official pages). 3. Arrival card or health form if the country uses one. 4. Travel insurance. 5. Vaccines and medicines paperwork. 6. Copies of documents in your phone and e-mail. 7. Register with your embassy if your country offers it. 8. Check the government travel advice a few days before you go.

• Passport Index - visa checker ReferenceWhich countries you can enter visa-free, with e-visa or visa on arrival. Reference tool.
• UK Foreign Office advice (every country) OfficialSafety, laws, entry rules, health - per country.
• Australia Smartraveller (every country) OfficialRisk levels and local laws.
• WHO travel advice OfficialHealth rules and outbreaks.
• CDC Travelers' Health OfficialVaccines by destination.
• XE currency converter ReferenceLive exchange rates.

Culture differences: the short version

Every country has its own rules on dress, greetings, photography, alcohol, religion and politics. Three habits avoid most problems: dress modestly at religious sites, ask before photographing people, and read the 'local laws and customs' section of the government travel advice for your destination. In the Middle East, respect prayer times and Ramadan; in East Asia, bow or nod rather than hug, and do not tip in Japan; in Europe and the Americas, tipping and queueing customs vary - check each country's page.