Any one who has traveled abroad can tell you that first it is a lot different than just travelling cross country in the US. Secondly they will also tell you that you must plan the trip abroad to make sure that you do not get in trouble far away from home and familiar surroundings. Here is a detailed list of things to research to plan a safe, pleasant and uneventful trip.
For starters, when traveling abroad, there is some required documentation that you have to carry with you. All foreign countries require you to have a passport and a number f them require you to get a visa to enter the country. You can apply for a U.S passport in your local post office if you do not have one and you are planning to visit overseas. For obtaining a U.S passport you require to take 2 passport-sized pictures, fill up a passport application form and also include a small processing fee by the passport office. Submit them with the postmaster and you will be able to have your passport in 3 to 6 weeks. For any visa requirements, you can check on country’s consulate website if American citizens require a visa to enter the country. Even if countries who do not require a visitor visa for American citizens will require you to register with in the foreign visitor’s office if you are planning to visit the country for more than 90 days. It does not matter if you are traveling by sea or land (same for going on a cruise as well); passport is mandatory. The passport is the proof of your U.S citizenship and you will you have to present proof of your citizenship while entering back in the US .
For International travel, it is advisable to plan your trip early. If you are visiting the country first time, it may be worthwhile to start planning your trip 3-6 months in advance. Book your flights at least three months before the trip. Most international routes are sold out much more in advance than domestic flights. Look for consolidator fares to save on the airfare cost. Consolidators are specialized travel agent who sell these tickets at a wholesale prices. Airlines sell these wholesale fares to ethnic population in the US through consolidators. You can find these fares either through ethnic travel agents (e.g. Greek travel agents will give you Consolidator Fares for Greece) or a few travel websites to save over 70% against airline tickets offered by large US travel websites. These specialist travel agents or websites will assist you in identifying cheap seasons/times/dates for international flights. They can also offer you some good advice on local hotels, tours, car hire, guides, sights to see and good stopover points. Moreover, purchasing air tickets in advance online can save good amount of money.
Before you begin on your trip, always keep a copy of your itinerary, passport and credit cards separately than the bag you carry actual tickets or your wallet in case you loose your bag or wallet do to some unfortunate incident. Also, leave photocopies of your passport, credit card, airline ticket and driver license with some friend, family member or associate just in case you need them when you are away.
Even though you can convert dollars in the local currency, it is always advisable to take some local currency from your bank. Your banker can help you in getting the currency in the denominations you want. Most countries allow you to dispense local currencies using your ATM card. It is advisable to check with your bank as there may be significant fees to withdraw in a foreign country. It is also possible that your bank may have special arrangement with certain banks in the country you are visiting to withdraw money at a much smaller fee than other bank ATMS. One simple tip is to take travelers checks which can be converted in cash in most countries. Compare the exchange rates and fees taken by the bank when cashing the traveler’s checks.
If you are visiting a country where English is not spoken widely, always take a language dictionary to help you navigate your way in hotels, taxi stands, local bus drivers or any other situation you may find yourself into. One time a friend of mine got on the wrong local bus on his way to the airport. He spoke very little Czech and was saved by his Czech English dictionary to make to the airport on time.
If you are traveling with children, look into booking an apartment in stead of a hotel. They cost the same but provide you facilities like kitchen and washer/dryer. These could be of significant help to help you cook the meals you want for children specially if they do not like the ethnic food and help you travel light as you will be able to do laundry at your convenience. If traveling with kids you can carry a baby stroller or a collapsible double stroller if you are travelling with kids of age less than 6 years old for your comfort. It can be very handy to go around. You can take metro, local bus or taxis and walk around with the same ease.
If travelling with kids, always visit children’s pediatrician prior to the trip to make sure they are current on their vaccinations and also get the required immunization if recommended by the doctor. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance when travelling with family. Most travel insurance are relatively cheap and can save you trouble in case of lost luggage or any medical issue or emergency when travelling in a foreign country. Do check out the location and contact information of the American Embassy in case you need urgent help in case of an emergency. If you are pregnant you must consult with your doctor before traveling abroad.
While packing for your vacation, make sure to carry the most essential items. However, don’t make a mistake to over pack items that can be easily left behind. Make a list of all the major and important things and do tally each one of it while packing. Don’t pack your entire clothes in your own bag. In spite of it pack some of your clothes items and even other things in your companion’s bag, in case you’re not traveling alone and vice-versa. This ensures that each one of you will have at least some type of garment if your bags get delayed. Put a proper identification tag on your bags. You will encounter numerous bags during the trip which will look alike your bags, so it’s wise to put a tag on your bags for identification. Learn enough about the weather and climatic conditions and kind of clothes to carry with you.
If you are taking any electrical accessories like hair dryers or electric tooth brush; it may be advisable to check as voltage and type of adapter needed in the country. A number of European and Asian countries different voltage and pins to connect electrical appliances. A trip to your local hardware store can save you trouble during the trip.
Before going on an international trip, do enough research on the country and places to visit. You can request brochures and other information from the country’s consulate as well as you can do research on the Internet as well. It may be able to buy event tickets on the Internet itself at a discount. It will further save you time as well as stress of standing in long lines specially if you are travelling with kids. Always check out local transportation including city metro and rail-passes to travel in cities and inter-cities without any hassle. In Europe and Asia specially, rail-passes can not only save you money in place of renting a car or travelling by air but also could be very convenient. Train passes allow you to take any train across courtiers or cities. Be careful to understand the rail-passes before purchasing one as there may be multiple options available to choose from.
Following above tips will definitely make your international vacation comfortable, enjoyable and safe.
