Camera, sunscreen, underwear–you've got everything you need for your trip abroad, right? Not quite. Who's going to pay your bills while you are gone? What happens if your place gets burglarized while you're away or if a meteor annihilates your car? Before you leave, these pre-trip planning tips could end up saving you time, money and hassle during and when you return from your international jaunt.

Passport Photocopies: Make copies of your passport identification page. You can use these if your passport is lost or stolen. Be sure to keep these copies separate from each other and from your original passport. It is also a good idea to leave one copy at home with parents or a relative so they can send it to you if you lose all of the others. Consider purchasing travel insurance that may cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen passport, among other things.

Power of Attorney: Consider granting a power of attorney to a trusted parent or a close relative while you are away. This will enable them to deal with pretty much anything involving you: money, taxes, bills, assets, etc. The University of Minnesota has information about this at their Learning Abroad Center. Though this website will help, you'll also want to talk with a legal adviser to get more details.

Money Matters: Take different forms of currency with you, such as traveler's checks, credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Then store them in different places. This can help ensure your money is secure and prevent easy theft. Visit independenttraveler.com for more information about using money abroad.

Phoning Home: Check out international cell phones and plans. Call your cell phone provider and see if you already have international coverage, or find out if they have international plans. Look into international phone cards also, so you've got some options in an emergency. Find out if your destination will have Internet cafes at cybercafes.com, to update your friends and family with your antics–it could be cheaper.

International ID: If you're a student, get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). An ISIC provides you with access to a variety of student discounts and is recognized in 106 countries around the world. It also gives you access to a free 24-hour, multilingual emergency help line. If you're not a student but under 26, you qualify for the International Youth Travel Card, which offers similar benefits. Check out isic.org for more information.
 

Sources: umabroad.umn.edu; oag.state.ny.us; isic.org; diversityabroad.com; travel.state.gov; tinet.ita.doc.gov; cybercafes.com; cnn.com