10 Vital Tips for International Travel

Traveling abroad is a chance to experience new cultures and landscapes, but leaving the comfort of home and jumping into an unfamiliar environment can be intimidating. Navigating new customs, languages and locations should be an exciting adventure rather than a stress-filled nightmare. With adequate preparation, you can enjoy your excursion and grow to love your destination. Here are ten tips to help you experience an unforgettable international journey.

Research Your Destination

Search for restaurants, famous sites and museums online and make notes for your trip. If you’re making an itinerary, you can research the operating hours of different businesses to coordinate your sightseeing plans. For dining, you can look at online menus to get a feel for the area’s cuisine.

Contact Your Bank

Before leaving the country, contact your bank and explain the timeframe of your trip. Some banks will freeze an account if a charge appears from a foreign place. You can also order a travel debit card that you can take in place of your primary credit card.

Check Your Phone Coverage

Although some providers include international coverage in their plans, check your cellular coverage before leaving. Adding international service isn’t expensive, but you can run up high costs if roaming isn’t disabled on your trip.

Copy Your Passport

In case you lose your passport, photocopy it and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you but keep it separate from the original.

Notify Friends and Family

Tell the people you trust that you’re going on vacation, but avoid notifying them on social media. A posting about your upcoming trip may entice some contacts, who aren’t exactly friends, to check out your property when you’re away. Check in with your loved ones at home regularly and update them about any changes or delays.

Try to Blend In

Flashing your money, showing off or acting aggressively to the residents in a new place isn’t going to make you any friends. Try to be low-key and blend in with the crowd to avoid any conflicts.

Bring Cash

Bring cash with you to exchange for new currency when you get to your destination. Travel debit cards will also allow you to use foreign ATMs.

Pack Light

Packing only the essentials and leaving the spare battery chargers at home will make your trip more enjoyable. You may have to transport your luggage for several blocks or miles on ancient streets, and a light load is much easier to handle.

Meet the Locals

Make your trip more memorable by connecting with the locals and sharing a meal or drink. You could make some lifelong friends.

Observe the Customs

Your prior research should include some information on the country’s customs and laws. When you’re aware of the region’s rules and customs, you can avoid an international incident.

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