International

CHECK PASSPORT EXPIRATION

Know when your passport will expire…..many countries now require that your passport must be good for at least six months after you arrive in their country. So even though you’re only staying there for two weeks, and your passport is good for five months, they may not let you enter.  Renew ahead of time, just in case.

MAKE SURE PASSPORT AND TICKET NAMES MATCH

Passport and ticket names must match exactly. Don’t use nicknames, or you’ll be in for trouble at the airline check-in counter.

GIVE CREDIT CARD COMPANIES A HEADS-UP

With all the concerns today about identity theft and fraud, credit card companies are constantly monitoring the usage of your cards. If they see charges coming in from London when you live in San Antonio, they may slap a credit hold on your account----very inconvenient for you in London. So before you go, call the toll-free number on the back of your card and let them know your complete travel itinerary.

DOUBLE UP ON CREDIT CARDS

It’s a good idea to travel with two different credit cards. That way if one is lost, maxed out by that fabulous but unplanned souvenir purchase, or the magnetic strip becomes damaged, you’ve got a back-up.

USE YOUR ATM CARD

ATM’s are on almost every street corner these days. You don’t need to carry a lot of cash around. And you’ll get the best possible exchange rate abroad.

KEEPING THE COINS STRAIGHT

Keeping track of currency, and especially coins can be difficult when going from country to country. It’s easier now, since much of Europe is on the euro, but can still be crazy when you’re going through a handful of change, trying to buy an ice cream cone. It’s best to take all the coins you have left, when leaving one country and put them in an envelope or out of the way, so as not to mix with the new ones.

LINGO MATTERS

Try to learn at least a few words and phrases of languages you will encounter in the course of your travels. Key words, sign language, and pointing, as well as the new language translators can save the day.

BLEND INTO THE BACKGROUND

When you head to another country, leave the baseball caps, team jackets, and funny slogan T-shirts at home. Wear more “generic” clothing; leave expensive jewelry at home. You want to blend in with the locals, not stand out as a tourist to thieves and pickpockets.

STAY OUT OF JAIL

Laws vary greatly from country to country. Do some research before you go and be aware of local laws and regulations. What may seem like a minor infraction here, could end up in a fine or even jail time in a foreign jurisdiction.

PLAN LESS

It’s always good to have a plan, but don’t plan to fill every available moment. Choose a few major events or activities or locations, and fill in the rest as you go. Often, the un-planned activities turn out to the most enjoyed.

BUS TOUR, A GOOD IDEA?

Although it may sound too touristy, taking a really good narrated bus tour can be a great way to get an overview of a new city. It’ll give you the lay of the land, and an idea what areas you want to go back to. And if locally directed, it can also provide details you won’t get from travel guides.

ENJOY THE LOCAL CULTURE

For a rich travel experience, try to see some of the local culture. Break away from the must-see attractions  and find where the locals shop. Go to grocery stores and markets, to see how the people really live. It’s a great way to pick up inexpensive souvenirs also.

MEMORY CARDS

Consider buying postcards from the places you visit, and making notes on them of your experiences and thoughts of each place. They’ll be great memories once you’re home!

MULTI-USE MATCHBOOK

Carry a matchbook from your hotel (a postcard can work too) when you’re out sightseeing in a new place. If you get lost, or just have trouble communicating to the taxi or bus driver, you can show him the matchbook---that’s where you want to go.

DEPARTURE TAX

Many countries have a departure tax, which you must pay (usually in cash) before you can board your flight and leave their country. Ask about it when you arrive and set aside that amount right away, so you’ll have it when you leave.