These are in no particular order. These are my opinions based on my travel experiences.
1. Always have local cash. Not every place takes credit cards. If you planning to take a cab, you will need local currency. There are alot of places you are able to use your card but just know that you will be paying a little more when using them because of bank fees. Go to your bank before you leave and get the correct currency. Look up the monetary conversion before you go. You don’t want any surprises to your budget. Do your math before you travel to get a sense of where the conversion rate is.
2. Make sure you tell your bank and credit card people that you will be traveling abroad. You do not want to use your card and it NOT work while purchasing something and then have to go through the hassle of calling your bank long distance to get everything straightened out.
3. Make sure you have an international calling plan. Call your carrier and see what they offer. It will increase your bill but you need some sort of communication while you are traveling. I plan on carrying a portable Wi-Fi box, so that I am always connected. It is $10 a day and you can have it with you at all times. Www.tepwireless.com I will be doing a You Tube review on this box around Mid-May. Note: I did not have an international calling plan. I only used wifi and when I needed to talk to friends or family, I used an app called Whats App or Imo. Both of these apps allow wifi called and texting. (No Overages for me!)
4. Buy adapters for the country that you are going to. You will need it for your phone, hair dryer, laptops, I pad etc. Countries have different size plugs and voltage. You can get these adapters on amazon for less than $10. Note: Please take more than one. As an American, I know that I am electronic excessive person. I needed a plug for my cell, laptop, and hair curlers. If you are traveling with other people you most definitely will need extra sockets and adapters.
5. Eat native food. Do your research and see what the country is best known for. Try it because you only live once!!
6. Make sure you check to see how many bags you are allowed to check when flying international. All airlines are different.
7. Buy your tickets early for any tours you want to attend. Try to plan your days out. Note: On the first day of your holiday/vacation don’t plan anything. You will probably be tired, jet lag and all screwed up because of the huge time difference you are use to.
8. Register with your embassy. If there’s a problem in the country, it will be easier for your government to contact you and get you to safety.
9. Take Flat shoes. Don’t try to be cute and wear heels. You will be doing a lot of walking. Only take a pair or two if you are planning to go out to dinner or to a bar/club.
10. Learn a few phrases of the country you are visiting. You will appreciate it and so will they.
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