International travel can be an exciting adventure or a stressful experience, depending on your personality. Not knowing what to expect, delay issues and cultural differences can affect people in different ways. Some find it an exciting challenge while others feel uncomfortable. But with these tips for traveling abroad everybody with feel more confident and prepared for their vacation.
Packing
Pack an entire outfit with a few pairs of underpants in your hand luggage, in case your luggage is delayed or lost. This way you have the clothes you are wearing plus the addition set.
Take snacks. Food abroad is not to everyone’s taste and it may take a while to find a restaurant you like. Take some small snacks with you to keep you going. Remember: some food cannot travel with you like meat, fruit and vegetables.
If you are taking electronic devices, make sure to pack a travel adapter. Lots of countries have different shaped plugs, so your devices may not fit into the sockets.
Preparation
Set up your phone and understand its settings before you leave home. This means downloading any apps you think you might need and make them available offline, like google maps and a translator. Also, find the flight mode option, and download any films or tv shows you may want to watch whilst on the plane. Learn how to switch off your data roaming, so that when you return home your phone bill is not more expensive than your holiday.
Buy attraction tickets in advance. Many attractions provide online booking, which have discounts. You can save money and jump queues when you book in advance.
Research your destination for events during your stay. Perhaps, you will be there for a popular or cultural event that is unmissable.
If you are traveling to a country that English is not their first language, learn a few useful phrases in the native language.
Money
Contact your debit and/or credit card provider to enquire about potential charges if you use your cards abroad. Also, inform them of your adventure so that your cards are not stopped, leaving you with no access to cash or credit.
Purchase foreign currency required in advance at home. Keep your eye on exchange rate savings and deals. Many establishments and mode of transportation still don’t accept card payments.
Create a mini conversion table, to understand the difference in value between items you wish to purchase. You don’t want to spend a fortune on something that you can get at home for a lower price.
Security and Safety
Purchase travel insurance in case of any lost baggage, illness and accidents. You may need to visit a doctor to complete this paperwork. While there, discuss potential immunizations that you may require.
Photocopy your important documents e.g. your passport. Leave one copy at home with a trusted person and take another copy with you, in case you lose your actual passport.
If you are traveling to countries that have issues with crime, terrorism or nature disasters it may be a good idea to register with your embassy. Then the government can contact you if needed and they can help you quicker in the event of an emergency.
Hopefully, these handy tips will make traveling abroad a more relaxing and safe experience for everyone.