Taking a trip to a far away destination can be a thrilling experience, one that you might look forward to for months before. You will have the opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, climates, and ways of life, all of which help you experience the world in a totally new way. Traveling overseas helps a person appreciate the huge world that we live in even more because now there is a personal connection with it. Most of the time in our lives the majority of an overseas experience comes from a textbook, but actually visiting there helps you see people living in their home environment and truly experiencing their way of life. Even though a far away travel destination can be exciting, it definitely takes its toll on us as travelers. To make the transition more smooth, here a few pointers to help make the most of your vacation.
Comfort Is Key
The most important time to relax in comfort is while you are on the incredibly long flight or road trip. There are many options that you can employ along the way to help make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable. For example, when you are flying try to purchase the very best seat that you can afford, so that you have adequate room. This also applies to road trip traveling. When you are situating luggage and people, make sure that each person has enough room to maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Also, it helps to take along a book, a comfortable travel pillow, and maybe some eye covers. Sleeping always seems to help the trip go faster. The last thing you can do to help make your trip more manageable is to break the traveling up into sections. This means try to extend your layovers for a little longer so you have time to look around the city. This might make your trip extend by a day or two, but by breaking up the travel, you won’t get so antsy waiting to arrive at the final destination.
Necessary Documentation
Depending on which country you are visiting, there will be different documentation requirements. For example, some countries allow visitors to stay for 90 days, while others only allow a one week stay. Prepare yourself ahead of time so that you know fully the documentation requirements for your intended destination. By allowing yourself plenty of time to process the documents, like months in advance, you will find that you won’t be trapped waiting for your passports and other items to arrive in the mail.
Check Your Shots Record
Different countries have different immunization suggestions, just like they have different entry requirements. You will want to make sure that you are covered on your shots, so you will not be taken ill while you are traveling or after. Many tourists like to go backpacking, or visit remote places while they are traveling, so it is important to keep yourself protected. Some immunization shots are quite expensive, but they will be well worth it because you will stay healthy. If you invest in the shots now for your trip, you probably won’t have to get them the next time you travel.
Set Aside a Cash Reserve
It may not seem like a big deal to use your debit or ATM card here in the United States or Canada, but when you are traveling to other countries these cards might be useless to you. To avoid any hassle when you are making purchases, be sure to have a credit card on hand with you. You can bring the other cards with you, but in case of an emergency, a credit card will always be your friend. Another good financial piece of advice is to shop around when you are exchanging currency. It may not be in your best interest to do it right at the airport, because they will charge you extra fees that a bank or a business that specializes in foreign currency exchange might not. It’s a good idea to do your homework on this.
Bringing Souvenirs Home
It seems like it is always fun to hunt for the perfect souvenir to take home with you. This item will help you remember your great vacation and all of the fond memories. What a heartbreak it can be if you get home and your prized possession is broken because it wasn’t packed right. Make sure whatever it is, that it can be stored in your carry-on for extra protection, or tucked snugly between clothing in your suitcase.
Bring An Adaptor
Most likely you will bringing along with you a shaver, straightener, hair dryer, laptop, etc. These items may work well here in your home town, but when you get to a foreign destination, you will find that they plugs just don’t cooperate with each other. To avoid this, make sure to buy an adaptor before your vacation, because most likely they will not have one where you are going.
Prepare Yourself for Food that May be Outside Your Norm
If you have a stomach of steel and you don’t flinch at being adventurous at trying new foods, you will not have a problem. But, if you have a hard time getting yourself to try new things, you will want to research common foods and what you might expect before you travel. By preparing yourself for what may come, you will avoid a possibly embarrassing situation. A good rule of thumb when eating in foreign places is, although something may look different, it doesn’t mean it tastes bad. Be adventurous and try it. After all, when are going to have the opportunity to try these dishes again?
What Are the Cultural Expectations
If you are worried about being offensive to people when you reach your destination, just make sure you are respectful in all that you do and say. There are many cultures that have different ways of showing or not showing respect, so it is a good idea to read up on these before you go, so as not to offend. For example, many Arab cultures find it is quite offensive if you show the bottom of your foot, while in Hong Kong it is offensive to blow your nose in public. To ensure that you and the people around you are comfortable when you reach your destination make sure to do a little research ahead of time. It will prove to be very helpful.
Learn the Language
It is not expected of you to totally learn the language, but learning a few key phrases will come to be pretty helpful. Not only will you make a good impression on those you speak with, you will also be helping yourself. For example, finding out where a bathroom, restroom, or water closet, depending on where you live, is or knowing how to ask for directions, will help you feel more in control.
By following these simple tips, you will find that your trip is thoroughly enjoyable. It is a very exciting thing to visit where you have never been before, it almost has a fairytale quality about it. To make sure that you keep that good spirit with you while enjoying your destination, make sure that you have prepared yourself ahead of time.
