A trip to an offshore spot that you have never visited is always invigorating. It is an eye-opener that there is a lot to see, learn, and enjoy. I was only 20 years old when I boarded my first international flight to London. Later, I went on business trips several times, but the ‘first thing’ always comes with some special feeling.
Before my first foreign trip, I ended up messing with everything while packing, and it reminded me of two famous characters in ‘Three Men in a Boat’ by Jerome K Jerome. And I left my passport at home, set for the airport, and returned from half of the way. By the time I reached the airport, I had worn a tired and disheveled look, picking up glances from many for the wrong reasons.
I do not want you to make those mistakes. Here are three important tips – or you can say suggestions – for you before jetting overseas.
Hotel business cards:
I always ask for the business card at the front desk upon my arrival at an overseas hotel. Even if I lose my way, I will still have the hotel’s name and physical address written in the local language.
Though English is an international language and the second most spoken tongue in the world, having something written in a local language will always be very helpful.
Carry cash:
Though you can get quick cash through ATM, some US banks charge hefty fees for using ‘out of network’ ATM service. As an alternative option, you may carry a good amount of cash so that you can pay that much fee at a time at an airport ATM.
However, I will always discourage you from carrying a hefty sum of cash; otherwise, you may find yourself left with too much local currency after your trip ends. Both Fidelity and Charles Schwab provide checking accounts that would not require a minimum balance and will pay you back for all ATM charges, including overseas fees.
Six-month passport regulation:
The date of expiry on your passport is quite misleading. In the US, foreigners are allowed to use their passports until the date mentioned on them. However, some countries will deny you entry if your passport expires in less than six months.
This is because if some unexpected reasons force you to stay there longer than your planned vacation, you need to have a valid passport. To avoid such problems, it is better to renew your passport in time, at least nine months ahead of the expiry date.
Experience makes a man perfect. After a few overseas trips, you will find yourself in my shoes, i.e., you will start advising others who are jetting to an exotic destination for the first time in their lives.
Top Tips for Stress-Free Overseas Travel
Smart Packing Strategy Begins
Image: Alzamoregroup
Packing for a foreign trip can be very stressful if one is traveling for such a long time. Here are a few tips that will make packing easy:
- Packing Cubes: Use these space-saving wonders to organize your clothes and maximize luggage space. Roll out your clothes to store them without getting them wrinkled and create much more room.
- Essentials First: Pack what you need the minute you land, such as power adapters, medications, and travel documents, and carry all that on your carry-on.
- Pack according to the Weather: Learn about the weather in the place you are going and pack accordingly, packing layers in preparation for changing climates.
- Limit Shoes and Accessories: Shoes have too much space, so pack just two or three pairs. Likewise, limit accessories to a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched with most outfits.
Leverage Technology for Easier Travel
From booking your flight to navigating a new city, technology makes traveling much easier. Here are a few apps and tools you will definitely want to download before your trip:
- Google Maps: Google Maps is priceless, even without an internet connection. Download a map of where you are going in advance to avoid roaming.
- Translation Apps: Language bars are pretty intimidating. However, thanks to Google Translate or Duolingo, any traveler can now converse easily with locals about their places if his destination uses a different language.
- Travel Arrangers: Use apps like TripIt or Kayak to arrange all your flights, hotel reservations, and itineraries in one place.
- Currency Converter: Carry a currency converter app with you so you know exactly how much the exchange rate is kicking in and do not splurge too much.
Learn Requirements for Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for international travel is one of the most overlooked but important. Provided that the uncertainty of events could be covered by medical emergencies, lost luggage, or cancellations, it is first and foremost to seek a plan that has coverage for medical emergencies.
- Trip Interruptions or Cancellations: Check if your policy covers trips canceled because of illness, bad weather, etc.
- Lost Luggage Coverage: Luggage can be misplaced or lost upon return from a trip abroad, so you are covered if it contains things you may need urgently.
Get Familiar with the Local Culture and Customs
Immersion in the local culture could be one of the best ways to make your travel experience even better. A little research on local customs and etiquette will let you connect with people and avoid unintentional faux pas. Here are examples:
- Greetings: Greetings differ vastly in many different countries. For instance, bowing in Japan or a handshake is common in some countries of the Middle East in specific cultural circumstances.
- Tipping Culture: Most countries have a tipping culture, but not all of them do. In Europe, you will find a service charge on your bill, whereas in the U.S., it makes up quite a significant percentage of the server’s pay.
- Dress Codes: Most religious locations have conservative dress codes. It is a good idea to be culturally sensitive and dress modestly while visiting such places.
Safety and Health
Travel safe and healthy. These are some of the few tips for keeping you secure and healthy.
- Health Precautions: Visit a travel clinic before your trip, get recommended vaccinations, and pack basics in a first aid kit, such as band-aids, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medication.
- Hydrate: Long-distance travel tends to dehydrate, and air travel even more so. Hydrate throughout the journey and only take a little alcohol or caffeine.
- Safety Tips: Do not store valuable items in hotel room safes, do not walk alone during the night, and get yourself informed about the emergency services and procedures of the locality. Carry an extra set of passports and travel insurance in case the worst happens.
Conclusion
Traveling outside your country is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. With proper planning and a few simple strategies, you can make sure that your trip is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable. It begins with packing smart, using technology, meeting financial needs, and guaranteeing your safety. So, pack those bags, embrace the journey, and seize every moment during your international adventure!