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A few ideas before you go...
There are many different methods to the art of travel and some may suit one particular traveler better than the next. Here are some basic travel tips which have worked well for us in the past. We will be continually updating this section so please feel free to let us know what you think or if you would like to share any of your own personal travel tips!
Packing:
What to bring
-Check out the weather forecast before you pack. Will you need to plan for warm or cold weather? Will it be rainy or sunny?
-Will toiletries be provided where you are staying or do you insist on having your own?
-For extended stays, will you be able to purchase more personal items at your destination, or should you stock up in advance?
How much to bring
-Contact the airlines or other companies you will be traveling with and find out the luggage size and weight regulations and how many check-in and carry-on articles you are allowed.
-For weekend or shorter trips consider bringing only a carry-on. It will eliminate the chance of lost baggage and save you time at the airports.
-If you will be changing destinations frequently throughout the trip, it may be wiser to pack less.
-If you will be able to wash your clothes easily/frequently, also consider packing less.
Money:
Credit, Debit and ATM Cards or Cash/Travelers Cheques
-Bring some cash and travelers cheques for emergency situations, but not enough to rely on for your entire trip.
-Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at stores and restaurants in destinations around the world, even more so than travelers cheques.
-Ask your travel agent about the accessability of ATM machines at your destination. More frequent, smaller cash withdrawals in the local currency can save you time and often give you a better rate than you will get at a bank in exchange for travelers cheques.
Where to keep it?
-When in public, keep your wallet or money clip in your front pocket or just keep your cash and credit cards in a passport holder. Passport holders that wrap around the waist fit more comfortably and are easier to access than the ones that hang from the neck underneath the shirt.
-Any extra cash or travelers cheques, and even an extra credit card should be left locked securely in the safe in your room.
Foreign Travel:
Language and Culture
-Become familiar with greetings and phrases in the local language. It is alseo a good idea to find out if there are any physical gestures that are commonly used OR not used.
-Avoid conversation involving politics, personal or religious beliefs. Even if someone inqures about your personal thoughts, its often better to stay away from these topics. Remember whose country you are in and what kinds of questions or comments by foreign travelers in your country may be found offend you.
Jet Lag
-Rest and eat well the day before you travel. Even if your not physically doing much work, long flights, train and car rides can be tough on your body.
-When you arrive drink plenty of fluids and try to keep active until the local bed time. It is important to try and adjust yourself to the local hour when traveling as quickly as possible.
Dining
-Foreign cuisine can often be the best part of a trip! But be prepared for those little differences and the false cognates as a result of language barriers. In Italy, a pepperoni pizza is actually a pizza with red peppers!
-Some countries may not eat at the same time you are accustomed to or in same quantity. Breakfast can vary from a simple toast and coffee to fried eggs, sausage, bacon, beans and fruit.
Tipping
-In some countries tips are frequently added in to the bill and may not be customary. In others a tip can be expected just for giving driving directions. Check your guidebook or ask your travel agent what the tipping practices may be for taxis, bellhops, waiters and bartenders in the destinations you are visiting.
Souvenirs:
Buy Locally
-Hand made crafts and artwork from smaller stores are great souvenirs and can help put money back in to the community.
Shipping gifts home
-Some shops will ship larger or more expensive gifts directly to your home address with insurance. Make sure to watch the merchant pack delicate gifts carefully and that you pay for these gift with a credit card (in the case they arrive broken or not at all).
-Often you can purchase these gifts duty free. Be sure to fill out a an official duty free claim form with the vendor that you can show with your receipt at the airport to receive your money back.
-Check out www.ups.com and www.fedex.com for their international shipping locations. In foreign countries they will probably be more reliable and quicker than the local postal service.
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