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.
Packing:
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.
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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