Entry Requirements
Know the entry requirements for the location you are visiting for your vacation. Currently, in the times of the COVID pandemic each state has different guidelines for entering such as quarantining, COVID testing prior to arrival and/or filling out documents for entry. Similarly, each international location may require visas, known flights home, documentation of address you are staying on arrival, vaccine proof (ie yellow fever). It would be stressful and frustrating to arrive and be denied or get fined because of lack of investigation into the location you are going.
Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before-Dalai Lama
Money
Bring a travel reward credit card without foreign transaction fees and make sure to let your bank know if you are travelling internationally so your card doesn’t get put on hold. In that regard, it is always good to carry a back up credit card and some cash. When travelling internationally with cash, it is best to bring newer bills without cuts or creases or marks as sometimes they can be denied for these reasons at exchanges. It is advisable to look up the conversion rate prior to going so you can look for the best rate. Generally, you will get a better rate in the towns than at the airport. It is also good to put cash in two safe locations so if one bag/wallet stolen you will have a back up elsewhere.
Baggage
Know the airlines specific baggage requirements. Are you allowed a carry on bag or only a personal item? How large or heavy can it be without extra fees? Generally for budget airlines, it is cheaper to book baggage when you purchase the ticket or prior to arrival at the airport than at the gate. Carry all your necessary items on your carry on bag or personal item including chargers, medications, and a change of clothes and underwear in case your checked luggage gets delayed or lost in transit. Make sure to have your information on the baggage so the airport can contact you if located later.
Life truly is a journey, and the less baggage we carry the easier the ride. -Wally Amos
Getting to Town
It is a good idea to make sure you have the address of your first hotel/lodging and look basically into how you plan to get to your accommodation from the airport. There are usually a number of ways to get to major cities from the airport including public transportation, shared shuttles, uber/lift and taxis and it is good to know where to locate these things in the airport and generally what you should be expecting to pay. Many airports have specific locations where they allow uber/lifts to pick up and drop off that are not in the usual places.
Safety
Give someone your travel plans. You can register your trip on the state department website so they know you are visiting in case of an emergency or evacuation situation. You should also let your family or friends know your general plans and when you will check in with them to be on the safe side. It is not a bad idea to be aware of the dangerous areas of town you should avoid and be aware of your surroundings. Every country has it’s own version of 911 so you can look this up prior to arrival in case you need it. Keep your valuables safe (ie wallet in front pocket).
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone- Neale Donald Walsch
Electronic Tips
Adjust your phone/watch to the local time zone or store it on your phone. This is particularly useful for connecting flights and for the first few days of adjusting to the new time zone especially if you have scheduled tours planned.
Be aware of the country’s standard outlet or buy a universal plug adapter and make sure to carry it with you.
Consider bringing an unlocked mobile phone so you can purchase a local SIM card on arrival. T-mobile has some international flexible plans. Always check with your provider about daily costs while being abroad. If you can live without constant connectivity be aware that many places offer free WIFI. It is always best to connect to secure network.
Be Flexible
All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware- Martin Buber
Be flexible as travel is unpredictable and sometimes attractions close, transportation is delayed or cancelled, weather complicates your plans. It’s a great idea to have a back up plan or be easy going to change your plans if some obstacle gets in the way. Half of the fun is the journey.
