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Travel Tips
(For Packing Tips - Click Here)
Planning
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| When you travel to another country, it is vital to be aware of both the local customs as well as the local laws.
Research your intended destination at your local library or consulate
before leaving in order to avoid making rude or illegal mistakes.
The internet is a marvelous invention for the world traveler. Before any trip, email a digital copy of all relevant documents to yourself.
If there is ever an emergency, you will always be able to access the
copies. Additionally, give copies to a friend or family member at home
who can send them to you if you accidentally delete the email.
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Passports and Visas are becoming more important than ever.
Even if travel to and from a particular country does not require a
passport, you may find other documentation to be unacceptable. Also,
Visa regulations are currently changing for many countries, so before
you leave, check the Visa requirements.
Cell phones tend to only work on the continent on which they were purchased. Plan your method of communication before you leave home.
Your medical insurance does not necessarily cover you away from home. Check with your provider and purchase extra insurance if required.
Always confirm your reservation one week in advance.
If your reservation was mistakenly removed, you will still have time to
secure a room. Even if the hotel, cruise, or airline is at fault, they
can not provide you a room/seat if there are none left.
Don't bring shorts.
In general, shorts are a waste of valuable packing space (unless you
are going to a beach resort). Even when hot, most museums and historic
sites will not allow you to enter when wearing shorts (or tank tops for
that matter).
Qualify for an International Driver's License before you travel. The test is harder outside of the United States. A US driver's license is not always valid abroad.
High Season at your favorite destination may be the trip of your
dreams, but don't forget all the other travelers making the same trip. Try visiting during low season when you'll able to enjoy the same things as the locals.
If you plan on using your ATM while abroad,
check your bank's
policies and make sure the card will work in other countries. Then,
only use your ATM at a bank where a teller can help you if there is a
problem.
Departure tax is a nasty end to a trip. Be sure to determine your departure tax and set it aside at the beginning of your trip, before you have spent all your money on souvenirs!
Never carry all of your money in one place.
Keep large bills close to your body, and a few small bills easily
accessible, in case you need to throw them at a mugger as deterrent.
Always ask for a discount. Even if a discount isn't typically offered, you may get one if you ask!
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While Traveling
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If you do not speak the local language, at least learn to ask for help and for an english speaker in the home language. Everyone will appreciate it if you learn the basics and make an effort. Do not assume that all people speak english.
When you first arrive at your destination, spend
a little time (whether a day or an hour) finding the location of the
local train station, hospital, grocery store, consulate, and of course
your hotel. The time will be well spent in case of emergency.
Stretch your muscles! Do
not get hurt with all the extra exercise you will be getting. Make sure
you stretch at the end of the day and especially during and after long
car, train, and plane rides.
Tipping matters!
Tipping varies widely around the world. In some countries you will
tip to use the bathroom, but not your server at the restaurant. In
others, the tip will cost more than the service itself. Be sure to
research before your trip, or watch the locals carefully and do what
they do!
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