Those of you who follow my blog will recognize these travel tips from my site. I do print and copy them and include them with the documents that I give my clients. Just a few things that I have learned over the years that make travelling a bit easier.
-Always,
always, always, contact your credit and/or debit card companies before you
leave home and advise them of your upcoming trip. In these days of credit card
fraud and identity theft, if you do not do this, your cards will be locked and
you will not be able to use them which could be a nightmare. Try to keep cash
to a minimum (though I do recommend have a few bucks handy for those moments
when someone doesn’t take credit cards). ATM’s are readily available at most
places in the world.
-Check with
your health insurance company and determine if you have coverage when traveling
internationally. If not, make sure to
purchase trip insurance that covers your medical needs. Accidents happen everywhere and you need to
protect yourself. Also, if renting a
car, the same applies for car insurance.
-Get
yourself a really good tour book and read it, prior to your trip or on the
plane so you are somewhat familiar with the cultural norms at your destination.
Things that are acceptable at home may not be so in other lands. You never want
to insult the residents of your host country. Always remember their way may not
be the same as ours but it is not wrong, it is only different.
-When
travelling abroad it is best not to talk politics. Not every country has the
freedoms that we do, so err on the side of caution and leave the political
banter at home.
-Do not let
your cell phone roam or you may come home to an astronomical bill. Either set
up an international plan before you leave or use your phone only on Wi-Fi. This
tip holds true for cruises also because once you enter international waters you
will get hit with very expensive charges.
-When you
check into your hotel, ask for their business card (one for each member of your
party). That way, if you get lost, are too tired to walk or had one drink too
many, you can simply hail a cab and give the driver your card. Even if you
don't speak the local language, it will be obvious where you want to go!
-Always
carry pjs, a change of clothes, a toothbrush, your jewelry or any other
valuables and any necessary prescription drugs in your carryon. Keep a copy of
your itinerary in your checked bag. In the event that you and your bags get
separated, the airline can quickly determine exactly where you are going to be
and that will expedite the process of getting those bags back to you and in the
meantime, you should be okay for 24 hours.
-In some
destinations, like the Dominican Republic or Mexico, it is wise to drink only
bottled water. Also order drinks without
ice and bear in mind that fresh fruit and vegetables are washed in local
water. No matter what your destination, it is always advisable to travel with Imodium and Pepcid or something similar, just in case.
When
traveling abroad, always leave a copy of your passport at home. Also have a
copy in your suitcase or take a picture of it with your phone. In the unlikely
event that your passport should be lost or stolen, it is much easier to replace
when you have a copy with all of the pertinent information needed.
-Border
control agents DO NOT understand humor or sarcasm.
-In these
uncertain times, it may be a good idea to register with the State Department’s
International travelers program at https://step.state.gov/step/pages/common/citizenship.aspx.
In the event of a natural disaster or any other unforeseen event, it
helps if the government knows how to locate you. I register every time I travel
internationally.
So, until next time, safe travels!
Today's Quote: " You don't have to be rich to travel well." --Eugene Fodor
Today's Quote: " You don't have to be rich to travel well." --Eugene Fodor