Here is a list of travel tips
of which you should be aware when traveling, particularly in foreign countries.
· Ensure you have a valid passport where one is required
(see “Travel Protections”, 8/13). If yours is currently valid but expires in less
than 6 months after the end of your trip, ask me what the specific requirements
are for where you are going.
· Take a copy of all travel reservation
confirmations/invoices.
You can generally depend on the travel
provider to have your information in order; but a copy is good backup.
· Keep your passport and other important documents in
your possession – outside any checked baggage. But keep a separate copy of them
in another place or with another traveler. Do the same for your driver’s license and
credit cards.
· Along with any medications you need, take a copy of
prescription labels in order for foreign pharmacies to ensure filling the
proper prescriptions in emergencies.
· Take steps to minimize sickness during your travels.
On airplanes: advance use of Ibuprofen can
relieve pressure headaches; Melatonin can reduce the effects of jet lag; and
exercise can relieve leg pain. Adjust to local times ASAP.
In hotels or on cruises: do not walk
barefoot in bedrooms.
In all public places: frequently use a sanitizer
for hands as well as on those things you frequently touch.
Do not let inconveniences in foreign
places stop you from drinking sufficient water.
Take an empty water bottle through
security checks and fill up on the other side.
· ATM machines represent the easiest way to obtain cash
everywhere.
For foreign travel, notify your ATM/Credit Card
banks where you will be and when you will be there; this will prevent holds
being placed on your cards.
· Don’t be too conservative when withdrawing foreign
currency: there are many places where cash may be your only option for payment.
However, it is best to plan for running out of cash on the last day you will
need a particular currency.
· Tipping: in most of the world outside the U.S.,
standard tipping policies are more conservative.
In Western Europe - usually no more than
10% in restaurants, less for other services.
In Japan, China (exc. Hong Kong),
Australia and Brazil – no tipping.
Most importantly, make sure a tip has not
already been buried into a bill.
· Pack as light as possible, especially when your
travels involve significant handling of your bags. Be aware of the tightest baggage limits of
all travel carriers.
Also identify where you might be able to
wash some clothes to help limit what you take.
· For cruises, complete online check-in (generally after
final payment). All guests in a cabin must complete the check-in in order to
print e-documents. You can also purchase shore excursions in advance to
guarantee getting what you want.
· Prior to air departures, re-confirm flights and
complete online check-in (when available) to simplify airport check-in.
Do not plan a flight too close to a cruise debarkation; you can't be sure of getting off a ship very early.
· Ensure you have arrangements for transportation
to/from airports, ports, etc.
· If you are traveling by train and visiting cities
where you won’t be staying overnight, ask for storage lockers for your bags at
the stations.
· Learn a few basic phrases in the languages used where
you travel; e.g. Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, where is a
bathroom (“toilet” most common), Do you speak English.
I welcome other suggestions.