Things to do before your next travel
Traveling is a beautiful thing to do that many people around the world enjoy. Exploring a new country, getting familiar with a culture different than yours, and tasting exotic cuisine are just some of the reasons why we love going abroad so much. If you’re about to venture forth for the first time to do some traveling alone, here are some useful tips about things you should do and get organized before starting your trip. Even if you are an experienced adventure traveler, it’s good to be reminded of the basic rules everyone should know. So check out these cool tips and make your journey a lot easier than you thought it would be.
Health and security
Do a medical check-up and update your travel insurance
Double check with your doctor to see if you have all the necessary vaccinations for your trip. Also, make sure you have all the prescriptions needed. Be ready to show all the medical papers at the airport in the foreign country. Get a travel insurance update and check if it covers your expenses overseas.
Bring copies of your passport
If your passport gets lost or stolen, you’ll need to prove your identity and citizenship. Make a few copies and keep them separately. For extra security, leave a copy of your passport back home and save one on your email.
Register with your embassy
Go to your embassy and let the authorities know that you’re in the country. They will help you out in the case of an emergency.
Money
Money conversion
Find out what the currency of the country you’re visiting is, and do your math at home. You don’t want to be surprised when you realize that you don’t have enough money when you’ve already left your home country.
Credit card check
Make sure your credit card is accepted in the country you’re visiting. Finding out that your card does not work with the foreign ATMs is not a pleasant experience.
Go to a bank or ATM, not a conversion center
Conversion centers and exchange offices can be a huge rip-off, especially if you don’t speak their language. Go to a bank or an ATM and get your money with the exact conversion and no fraud.
Have some local cash
You need to have some local money on you all the time because there are many places that won’t accept credit cards. For example, you’ll probably need cash for trains and bus tickets.
Call your bank or your credit card provider
It often happens that a bank blocks your account as a security measure if they see that someone is withdrawing money from your account in Thailand and you’re from Michigan. To avoid this simply let them know you’re going on a vacation.
Local research
Buy tickets in advance
Buy tickets for all the places you want to visit in advance. It can be cheaper, and you’ll be able to skip the queues.
Guidebooks
Get guidebooks of the place you’re visiting and download all the apps back home. A dictionary with basic key phrases is also a must-have if you’re going to a country with a different language than yours.
Research events
Read about all the events going on at the same time as you’re going to be there. Music, movie, and food festivals, religious celebrations, and local holidays.
Electronics
Bring a charger adapter
Countries have different sized plugs and voltage. Make sure you bring an extension or an extra adapter for your charger to be able to charge your gadgets.
Check the voltage
Nothing’s worse than having an adapter and still not being able to use a hairdryer because the voltage isn’t high enough for the country you’re visiting.
Luggage and packing
Pack extra clothes in your carry-on bag
If your suitcase gets lost or delayed, you need to have some extra clothes to wear until you buy new ones at the local shop.
Bring snacks
Bring small snacks that will keep you going during the night until you find the perfect restaurant that will satisfy your tastes.
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