Top Tips when Traveling Abroad

It can be scary traveling abroad. The country you are traveling to probably have a different culture, language and traditions. Navigating through the streets can be confusing – especially when you do not have a tour guide. You have to really of Google Maps to find restaurants and accommodation.

This article offers important tips that you need to follow before your trip abroad.

 Also Read: Why Traveling is Beneficial For Everyone?

Health Checkup:

Some countries will require you to have documentation for various vaccines; most common ones been yellow fever. You can find what is required when you are applying for your visa. A Brazil e visa can easily be acquired in the local embassy in the resident country. If you are suffering from any ailment check with your doctor whether it is safe to travel – this applies to pregnant mothers. Inquire from your medical insurance company whether your medical policy covers emergency evacuations oversees. If they don’t then it could get a supplemental insurance. Make sure you have a full stock of all the prescription medications that you may need. 

Passport:

You also need to ensure that your passport has not expired. You can register with your embassy on arrival so that they can locate you in case of any emergencies. When leaving home makes sure that you make a copy of your passport. When packing for the airport ensures that you have packed your passport and any other necessary travel documents.

Carry adequate money:

You will need to switch to the local currency of destination country to make purchases and bookings. Inquire from your bank whether your credit cards will be accepted in the destination country. While at the bank inquire the conversion rate and you can get some local currencies before boarding the plane. Most of the conversion stations in the airports spot the desperation on traveler’s faces and decide to overcharge. Try using the airport ATMs if you need cash or wait to visit the local banks where rates can be fair. It is important to inform your bank of travel plans so that they do not switch off your credit card thinking it is credit fraud.

 Travel Plans:

Before boarding that plane for your destination do some research on the particular country. Find out what language is often spoken, popular foods, tourist attraction sites, upcoming festivals and events. You want to make the best of your trip and not miss out on anything. When purchasing your travel tickets makes sure you book a hotel for the night. It can be confusing doing this when you step on foreign soil. Another great way to explore a country is to purchase guidebooks for a particular country. This are often more elaborate and even have common keywords used in the country you are visiting. You can also download various travel apps like travel zoo app and this will help you navigate the towns better. 

Travel warnings:

Travel warnings and alerts can inconvenience your travel plans. Warnings can either be health-related or from terrorist attacks. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) can issue a travel alert if there health-related emergency like the H1N1 in the country you are traveling to. Governments can issue travel advisories to countries they think their citizens will be exposed to terrorist threats. This can be a complete ban or a ban of particular areas of a country. It is important to follow this warning so that your life is not in danger.

Traveling with children:

Foreign officials often require documentation to show that you have custody of a child. You can have your lawyer draft you and affidavit if you do not have proper documentation.

Mobile phones:

Check with your service provider whether you can switch your SIM card to roaming services while in a foreign country. Some countries have free Wi-Fi and you can use this to Skype. You can also purchase a local SIM card and use it for calls. Researches on what kind of sockets are provided in the hotel rooms. You can purchase a separate set of adapters for your laptop or phone. USB cables work on almost all devices and this can come in handy when you are charging your phone. Some modern backpacks enable you to charge your phone on the move.

Pack enough clothes:

Depending on your destination, it is important that you pack for the local weather. If it is winter, pack enough warm clothes. Buying new ones can be tasking when you are not familiar with the local departmental stores. Pack enough clothes to last you until the next laundry day. Carry some ear plugs to help you sleep during travel. 

Separate your important items:

Do not carry important documents in one bag. It is tempting to have all your credit cards, cash and Identification card in your wallet. This can be dangerous when you are robbed. Try to keep items in separate places some in your wallet, room and backpack. Make photocopies of crucial documents like passport and IDs. Be careful when paying for stuff with cash as you do not know who is following you. Pickpockets easily recognize new people in their town and they become the target for theft. Do not put all that you own in your backpack because this is usually the target by pickpockets. If you have jewelry, leave it locked in a safe in your hotel room.

Talking to strangers:

You will often find friendly people in the land you are visiting. While you might have the tendency to be friendly with the locals, do not reveal important information about yourself like hotel room you are staying, the purpose of visitor asking for areas to convert your money. Avoid going to the streets that you are not familiar with. The probability of getting mugged in dark alleys is very high.

Conclusion:

Traveling is exciting but it can be a hassle when you are new in town. Doing adequate research and having a tour guide can help you navigate the streets with ease. Do not go to unfamiliar sections of the town without help. Avoid carrying all your important documents because if your wallet or backpack is stolen you can find yourself stuck in a foreign country.