Get your passport well in advance, as it can take up to six weeks to obtain one.
For Americans, you can get more information here.
And if you already have one, make sure it does not expire soon (within 6 months).
While there are many things you probably want to cover on this trip, know that you cannot do everything (even though you may want to!).
A good rule of thumb is to have a loose itinerary of the tourist attractions and activities you simply MUST do, but also leave room for spontaneity.
Why?
Because no matter how much you plan in advance, once you get to your destination and start exploring, you are virtually guaranteed to find places you want to check out that are not in any travel guide.
You may also very well have conversations with locals or fellow travelers who suggest great things to do that you may never have thought of.
Next, research your destination country’s culture.
If you don’t speak the language, you may want to consider learning a few words and phrases to help get you around!
While it’s true that many people you may encounter understand English these days, learning their language shows that you are really making an effort to appreciate their culture.