Travel Tips

Having been to more than 35 countries and all 50 states, along the way, I've learned a thing or two about making travel just a little. Here are a list of considerations for your next journey.

Before you leave:

• Take a picture of your passport and save it to a cloud that you can access without your phone.
• Know where the nearest US embassy is located and their phone number. I have this noted before leaving. You never know when you might need to get in touch with them.

Packing:

• Handbag, anything bag that you carry should have a zipper that can fully in case it falls over you won't have to worry about spillage.
• Luggage - never pack more than you can carry up 2 flights stairs. There are many places where you will have to go up steps of some sort, despite listing an elevator. And if you are in a really poor country, it may not be working. 
  • Packing cubes will help you organize and make things easier. 
• Toiletries should be in travel size! Do a test run before you start your trip. Fill up a travel size shampoo, lotion, hairspray and keep track of how much you have consumed in week. This will tell you how much you will need for your trip. My goal is to always come home with little to nothing. This will allow more weight for souveniers! 
• Medications, of course bring your prescriptions. Always pack them in your carry-on, your purse would be even better. Tip: Look up rules on narcotics specific to the country you are traveling to, this could really be critical.  
  • Prescriptions: Cipro just in case I get food poisoning.
  • Over the counter to consider: aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, Aleva for cold sores.
  • Things that make me feel better when I am tired and have had too many days without a break: vitamin C, magnesium with electrolyte powder or tablets, glucose tablets.
• Shoes - always take two pairs of shoes in case one gets wet you will always have a second dry pair.
  • Mole skin, band aids, and if on hand, kinetic tape.
• Clothing pack as light as possible, mix and match to create outfits, wear layers. Look up the local laundry service for anything over a week. It is cheaper than the service at the hotel. 
  • Always, always, always pack a scarf. Cotton or silk is preferred. There are about 100 uses for a scarf. When you need to cover up to enter a religous site, when there is a draft, when you need something to sit on, as a pillow, to cover your eyes for a nap...the list goes on. Pack a scarf!
• Power convertors vs adapters - anymore convertors are not necessary for your electronics as it it built in. Consider traveling with adapters as they are much lighter. That being said, blow dryers, curling irons and electric shavers are a different story. Take time out to look this up before you leave. 
What should go in your carry on? I learned this the hard when we lost our luggage never to be seen again. 
• Prescriptions, cash, memory cards from your camera, camera, cell phone, dental appliances. Anything that is not easily replaced. 
• Extras - safety pins, electrical tape, 2 USB cords, eye mask, bug spray.

What to pack in your carry on. I learned this the hard way when our luggage was lost, never to be seen again. 

• Prescriptions, cash, memory cards, camera, dental appliances, anything that can not be replaced easily.  
• Consider packing one set of clothing and a few essential toiletries in case your luggage is lost.

Money:

• When using a credit card, always accept the charge in the local currency if you credit card does not have a foreign exchange fee. 
• Using an atm card to pull out cash is usually cheaper than the exchange counter. 
• There are many countries where the local banks will exchange money at a much better rate without additional fees. There are also places where there are government run exchange desks which are safer and again with much better rates. 
• Never accept money that is torn, locals will not accept it. Always ask for smaller denominations leaving the airport, this will help with tipping. Unload coins as soon as possible; they are heavy and you will not be able to exchange them if you have left over money.

Phone service: 

• If you do not have an international plan, it is most cost effective to get either a simms card while in country or an Esimms. If using an Esimms, make sure that your phone has the technology and is unlocked. It is best to check with your cell phone carrier.
• Set up a Whatsapp account before you leave and have it in place. 
• Before you leave the airport on arrival, make sure you connect to the airport wifi and ensure that everything is up and running. If you leave the airport without service, you will have to wait until you find a wifi signal. 

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