How to Prepare for International Travel

International travel is exciting, educational, and fulfills a sense of adventure. Other countries differ greatly from the USA, not just in language, but in many other aspects. Learn how to prepare for international travel to get the most out of your vacation.

Instructions

1

The first step is to obtain a passport. You can't enter another country without it, and you can't come back to the USA without one either. You can apply for a passport at the post office (only certain branches offer this service). Visit this URL for all the details on how to apply for or renew a passport.

2

Familiarize yourself with the language. It isn't necessary to take a complete course in the language spoken in your host country, but it is courteous and polite to be able to communicate with the citizens in their language. Don't expect them to speak your native language. You can find all kinds of crash courses on the internet to help you learn basic phrases like greetings, how to order food, asking for help, etc. You may also want to carry a pocket dictionary with you. If you get stuck then you can at least try to communicate with someone using the dictionary. If anything, you can point to the word in the dictionary even if you can't pronounce it.

3

Understand the currency and exchange rate in your host country. Some establishments will gladly accept the US dollar. Others won't. Understand what the currency is (such as the Euro, GBP, or Peso), and understand the exchange rate both to and from this currency in relation to US dollars. Understanding the exchange rate will help keep you from being ripped off or swindled by natives who know you are a tourist.

4

Credit cards are the best way to go when making purchases in another country. You don't have to worry about the exchange rate - the credit card company does the currency conversion for you. Most establishments will accept Visa or Mastercard. American Express and Discover Card are not as readily accepted.

5

Determine if the electrical outlets are the same or if you need a voltage adapter. You will probably be traveling with items like an electric razor, hair dryer, or curling iron. If you can't find this information on the internet, a travel agent will know.

6

Study the weather and climate of the country you plan to visit. Understand the relation of Fahrenheit and Celsius. The United States is one of the few that uses Fahrenheit - don't expect your host country to know how to convert the temperature for you. The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is Tc = (5/9)*(Tf-32). Pack your clothes accordingly.

7

Determine the time difference in the host country. This will aid you in planning your airline flight times. Knowing the time difference will also help you prepare for dealing with jet lag.

8

Understand the traditional foods that are part of the host country's daily diet. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, you want to be prepared and understand the ingredients in the dishes. Always carry an anti-diarrheal with you - even on day trips. When you travel abroad, you are introduced to bacteria and foods that your system has never processed before. This is what causes Traveler's Diarrhea. On the other hand, traveling can cause constipation because you are off your normal routine, long airline flights are dehydrating, and your diet is different. Be sure to carry a stool softener or gentle laxative.

9

Leave your computer at home. Your hotel probably has a business center or there is a library or internet caf nearby. You can check email and your personal business there. Carrying a computer significantly slows down the security process in the airport. You also run the risk of the computer being stolen either from your room or from your person when traveling. You should be able to find a public computer to use. You are on vacation - so you won't be glued to the computer all day anyway.

10

Purchase an international calling card to carry with you. Using a calling card is the least expensive way to call home. You can call home without one, but you will pay dearly. You can purchase these for a very reasonable price at member's clubs like Sam's and Costco.

11

Pack a small carry-on bag with the essentials such as your medicine, a change of clothes, eyeglasses or contacts, or anything else you can't live without. If your luggage is lost or delayed, or your flight is canceled or rerouted, at least you will have the essentials with you.

12

Do your homework and learn what is offensive in your host country. Some hand gestures and phrases we use here take on a whole new meaning in another country. You don't want to embarrass yourself, or insult anyone by doing something socially unacceptable. You can Google "Offensive gestures in XYZ country" to learn more about your host country.

13

Carry your passport on your person everywhere you go when you travel abroad. Also, when you pass through immigration in the host country, you will be given a white card they have stamped. Keep this in a safe place as you will need it to leave the country to go home.