 Traveling
means a lot things to a lot of different people. Sometimes people
like to be adventurous and just pack a bag and go wherever their
feet may take them. This is great for weekend getaways to the coast
or to a bed and breakfast. But if you are serious about travel and
want to see new lands and experience new cultures, it takes serious
preparation and planning.
The following tips cover many of the general issues that come up
when traveling abroad. (Travel tips have been organized according
to category)
General Travel Tips
Share your travel itinerary with family and/or friends
so that others will know your travel plans in case emergencies arise.
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Packing Tips
Pack an extra outfit in your carry-on. if your luggage
gets lost or stolen, you will at least have a change of clothes
for one day.
Make sure to pack tightly. Packing too loosely means
that space is being wasted. Also clothes can get wrinkled faster.
But don't pack too tightly that you don't have room for unexpected
items on the return trip such as souveniors.
Pack an empty bag in your luggage just in case the souveniors
and any other extra items you pick up on your travels don't fit
into your regular luggage.
You can stuff shoes with all your socks to save on packing
space and keep your shoes from being crushed.
Put loose items in a plastic storage bag to keep them
from getting lost in your bag. This works especially well for small
items. Also, putting bottles and containers like lotions, hair gels,
and other liquid filled bottles in plastic storage bags, can keep
your clothes nice and clean in case a container breaks or leaks.
Casual clothing such as pajamas, nightgowns, or sweaters
can be rolled up to fill in small spaces that are left over when
packing. Be careful not to try and cram your suitcase full. This
could lead to broken zippers or your luggage to burst open.
Your travel documents, valuables, medication, money,
and other important items, should always be carried in your hand
bag and not in your check-in luggage.
When flying, be sure to know the carry-on regulations
and check-in weight limits so that you can pack accordingly.
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Health Tips
Be sure to speak with your travel agent about any health
precautions or immunizations you might need before traveling to
any place that you have not visited before.
If immunization or other shots are necessary, be sure
to contact your physician well in advance of your travel date to
arrange them in case their are side effects or multiple visits are
necessary.
If you need to take medication with you on your travels,
be sure to carry some in your check-in luggage and some in your
carry-on. This way, if you lose one set of luggage you will still
have your medication. In addition, make sure both sets of medication
have appropriate labels in case they are inspected at airports or
if refills are necessary.
When traveling by plane or other means of transportation
where there is some free time, it is a good idea to use that time
for rest and relaxation. Often, you will feel refreshed and ready
to make the most of your trip. Use pillows, blankets, and anything
else that will allow you to get the rest you need.
When traveling, your body will feel the effects of time
differences, changes in altitude, or any other drastic changes to
your system. To help deal with these sudden changes, drinking plenty
of water or sports drinks will help your body cope with the changes.
Traveling to places on the other side of the globe can
play havoc on your internal clock. Do not neglect to take brief
naps to help deal with time differences.
The U.S.
State Department has the most current information on important
updates on every country concerning health warnings and requirements.
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Money & Documentation
To save on money, look for coupons and
deals that you can use.
Making copies of various documents such
as passports, travel visas, and airline tickets can be very useful
in case your original documents get lost or stolen. Obviously they
won't be valid for use for travel but they will be useful for referencing
the information that was on them.
It is a good idea to exchange some money
for the foreign currency you will need ahead of time. Any major
bank should be able to do the exchange for you.
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Etiquette Tips
Languages can be the most difficult barrier to overcome
when trying to communicate with other people. Not just the actual
vocabulary but also in the grammar. Be conscious of the type off
language you are using. For example, using formal greetings for
those that are new to you versus someone that you know well.
Many cultures have different ways to have meals. It
is important to observe the dining customs of the local people to
avoid offending anyone. This is especially important if you are
having a meal at someone's house.
Some may not view how a person dresses as a concern
when traveling but in some cultures, how a person is dressed can
be very important. For example, middle eastern countries limit what
women can wear in public. Checking the local social customs can
ensure a safe and secure trip.
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Security Tips
To avoid having your luggage from accidentally opening,
make sure to lock it. Sometimes rough handling can cause it be a
major cause of this. The keys to your locks should be carried with
you in your carry-on bag.
Old claim tickets on your luggage should be removed
before each trip to avoid potential confusion for baggage handlers.
Security at airports haven't been the same since September
11, 2001. Be sure to check with the respective airports you will
be traveling to and from for updated security requirements and regulations.
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