Traveling Tips

 



Travel Guideline by Karine Armen

                                                         Things to do before you travel:

1-  Call your bank and credit cards and inform them about your trip days and locations. 

2—Learn about the culture and history of the place you want to visit. Watch DVDs and read. The more you know about a culture, the more you will enjoy your travels.

3—Pack lightly. Take basic colors and layers. Even in summer, some countries have cold and rainy days. Always have closed shoes for rainy days and good shoes for walking. Take layers, jackets, and cardigans. During summer, some churches in Europe and temples in Asia expect you to cover your shoulders and arms (especially for women).

4-  Pack your electronic gear:  camera, mini-laptop, cell phone, and plugs for foreign countries.

5—Always have some cash. Cash is power. Carry small bills, too. Leave some cash for your return; you never know what might happen. You might need to take a taxi or pay an exit visa in a foreign country.

6-  Take a photo of your passport’s first page and your driver’s license, email the photo to yourself, and save a copy of the information in an album called Info on your phone. Make a few copies of your passport and driver’s license, keep one copy in your luggage, and carry one with you. Leave one copy with a close friend in the U.S. Just in case you lose your passport, they can find the number.   On a small piece of paper, write your credit card numbers and contact info.  Keep a copy in your suitcase and another copy with you.

7—Take care of your bills. If you already have monthly deductions from your bank account, make sure you pay everything ahead of time. You want to avoid surprises when you return.

8—Put a timer on a light near the window so that in the evening, it looks like somebody is home.

9-  If you receive the local paper, put it on vacation hold.

10- Buy mini locks for your suitcases.  Lock the checked-in bag.  If TSA breaks it, then you will have an extra one to lock it later.

                                                         During your trip:

1-  Be open-minded.  Respect the local culture. Talk to locals.  Ask questions and listen.

2-  Get up early.  Walk a lot.  Use your time nicely.

3- Drink lots of water.  Drink EmergenC or Air Born to avoid dehydration.

4—You can keep a small notebook to track your expenses, cash withdrawals, and credit card charges. You can also create a Google Document and keep track of your itinerary or places you visit. You may share the document with close friends.  

5-  Have a calendar page to write the places you visit each day.

6- Carry a colored copy of your passport and ID with you.  Leave the original passport locked in the hotel.  If there is no safe, put it in a locked suitcase. Always lock your luggage in the hotel when you leave the room.

                                                         After returning:

1-  Unpack, do laundry, and organize your souvenirs.

2- Download the photos.  Keep them organized.  Having a small album can be fun, too.

3-  File your maps and info.

 

 

 

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