General Travel Tips & Precautions

Many of us spend weeks or even months planning a trip. We cover all the accommodations, transportation, and activities. We check off a list of things to pack and it would appear that we’re good to go. However, there are many little details that are often overlooked, but extremely important to know in order to ensure a safe travel adventure. Below are a few safety and general tips I keep in mind while traveling.

• CURRENCY EXCHANGE
  • Request foreign currency from your bank
  • Pull money out of an ATM in the country you’re visiting
    • Same bank or partner ATM to avoid high fees
  • Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
    • ALWAYS be charged in local currency NOT your home currency
• THEFT
  • Remember to lock up all valuables in a safe or locker
  • Keep credit cards/cash stashed in different “hiding” spots
    • For example: Keep a card with you, one in a hidden zipper in your backpack or suitcase, one in the safety box. If you get pick pocketed, you’ll still have a back up.
  • Never keep your wallet in your pocket
    • Males: Purchase a lanyard and tuck it in your shirt
    • Females: Zippered small cross body bag
• DOCUMENTS
  • Make copies of important documents, such as passport/ID
    1. Leave a copy for your family at home
    2. Keep a copy with you
    3. E-mail a copy to yourself
• EMERGENCY CONTACT
  • Keep someone informed of your whereabouts
  • Give that person an itinerary with accommodation details
• OUTLETS
  • Don’t forget to pack a converter/adapter plug!
  • Also pack a portable phone charger
• CELLULAR SERVICE
  • Ask your carrier about international plans
  • WIFI is available in most hotels, hostels, trains, restaurants, and even buses
  • To avoid any mistake roaming charges: turn cellular data off or set phone on airplane mode
  • Longer trips: Look into purchasing a SIM card from the country you’re visiting
• CUSTOMS
  • Do research on the country’s customs
    • What NOT to do
    • Rude gestures
    • What to wear/not to wear
• STAY ALERT: It’s important to remember that you’re in a foreign country/area. Thieves can spot tourists a mile away. Always be aware of your surroundings and never let your guard down.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
  • Research different travel insurances to purchase
  • You never want to be unprepared for any situation
  • Many credit cards include travel insurance. Check to see what your plan covers.
• INFORM YOUR BANK/CREDIT CARD COMPANY OF YOUR TRAVEL PLANS TO AVOID ANY DISRUPTIONS
• LANGUAGE
  • Try your best to learn the language
  • Keep note of common phrases/words
  • Download translation apps

For tips on how to travel for cheap, check out my blog post here.

Also, check out Skyscanner’s post which they add even more detail to the tips I posted above. You can never have enough information!