Are you planning to go on a trip any time soon? If so, check out these handy travel tips:
Know the local custom and laws. Conduct research in advance to
know the custom, the laws, and the overall conditions in your
destination especially if you are visiting a foreign country for the
first time.
You can check out Travel.State.Gov, a website managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the US Department of State, to get accurate information about the specific country you will visit. In case of an emergency, the Bureau of Consular Affairs can be reached at 1-888-407-4747.
Take precautionary measures. Write down or print your itinerary and passport information. Leave the document to a family or a trusted friend who stays in your country of origin.
You can check out Travel.State.Gov, a website managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the US Department of State, to get accurate information about the specific country you will visit. In case of an emergency, the Bureau of Consular Affairs can be reached at 1-888-407-4747.
Take precautionary measures. Write down or print your itinerary and passport information. Leave the document to a family or a trusted friend who stays in your country of origin.
If you live in the US, don’t forget to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the State Department can assist you right away in case of an emergency. You can sign up the form at https://travelregistration.state.gov. All the information you will provide regarding yourself and your planned trip will be held strictly confidential, in accordance with the Privacy Act.
If you have a medical insurance, review the policy to know
if emergency expenses incurred overseas are covered in the plan.
Do not bring a large bulk of cash or wear conspicuous jewelry while on your trip. Do not speak and never accept packages from strangers who may approach you.
If you are on medication, be sure to bring along a letter from the attending physician. The letter should clearly state your medical condition and the name including the generic names of the of prescription drugs you are carrying. Be sure to pack your medicine kit in your hand luggage for easy access.
Pack light. Carrying too many luggage is a big hassle so bring only what’s necessary for your trip. Choose clothes that are light, can be worn in layers, and can mixed and matched, especially if you’re going in a cold country or if you plan to stay there for a few weeks.
Bring two or three coats that you can wear on top of casual as well as formal outfits, and two or three pairs of shoes that you can wear with a sporty, casual, and business attire. You can also bring in a few accessories such as scarves and belts to create different looks with the same pieces of clothing.
Bring small, refillable, plastic bottles for your toiletries. You can surely buy more of your personal stuff from a department store or a convenience store at your destination, unless you will be staying in an island or a remote province. Pack in extra underwears in your hand bag just in case something unexpected happens with your luggage.
Bring small, refillable, plastic bottles for your toiletries. You can surely buy more of your personal stuff from a department store or a convenience store at your destination, unless you will be staying in an island or a remote province. Pack in extra underwears in your hand bag just in case something unexpected happens with your luggage.
Create a list and double check when you pack. Jot down all the things that you need to bring on your trip. Gather all the items on your list in one place before putting them one-by-one in your suitcase. As you put an item in your bag, strike through the item from your list so you can be sure that you will not leave behind anything important. Don’t forget to bring with you the list and use it again when it’s time to re-pack and go back home.
Make sure that you can easily recognize your luggage from the rest of the bags at the airport by adding name tags and distinctive stickers.
Search for an online translator and check out phrases and terms that you might need to use in an everyday conversation such as the customary greetings, how to ask for directions, the local currency, etc. Print it out and bring the copy with you.
Even if the people you meet understand and speak English, tourists who try to communicate using the local language are much appreciated. Besides, meeting the local people and being able to converse with them in their dialect is part of what makes traveling fun and memorable.
Review the Terms and Conditions of your credit cards. It is much safer to travel with a credit card than to bring a large amount of cash. However, bring only the credit cards that you will need to use while on your trip. Read the fine print so you can be aware of your privileges and limits as a cardholder.
Major
credit card issuers usually provide perks and services that are
important for travelers such as travel insurance, collision insurance
for car rentals, lost luggage insurance, roadside assistance, etc. Using
these perks can literally save you hundreds of dollars but you need to
be ready to do the paperwork. To be sure, call up your issuer and ask
the exact procedures involved in claiming these perks.
Furthermore, credit card transactions from an unfamiliar destination may trigger a fraud alert and the issuer may block the account to protect the cardholder so you should inform your bank about your planned trip. And while you’re on the phone, ask for the customer service hotline that you can call from your place of destination just in case you might need assistance. Check out this article from Creditcards.com, “A Guide to Travelling with a Credit Card”.
Be adventurous. Enjoy the sights and sounds! Don't be afraid to try out new things. Savor the taste of the local food. Observe how the people live. Speak the local language. Make new friends. Experience life in the other world. Learn. Take photos and capture moments.
photos:
1. car ride
2. suitcase
3. map
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