Traveling out of your native country is exciting, but can be intimidating. There are so many unknowns that you may not have experienced, and some look at it with extreme trepidation.
The best part is, it’s easier than ever to travel to many locations around the world. Especially if you know as much as you can ahead of time.
Don’t Ignore the Practical Stuff
Research ahead.
It can be stressed how important planning is. There are so many questions to ask before you leave. It may feel daunting, however, many questions/issues are easy to resolve.
Everyone checks out the obvious – hotels and famous sites. But it’s integral to look at a wide variety of considerations. Such as – does your hotel have a lift or have accommodations for those with disabilities?
But perhaps it’s just as or even more important to check out things like:
- Transportation – renting a car or using public transport? If renting a car, it’s importing to know about things like parking, tolls, how to drive a stick shirt, and how to drive on the left side of the road (for some countries). If using public transportation, how close is my accommodations to the nearest train station or bus stop? As some trains can sell out, do I already have tickets?
- Your passport and whether visas and travel permits are required. Is it worth it to obtain Global Entry or TSA Pre-check? Is a COVID test required for my return?
- Then there’s understanding how exchanging currency and negotiating currency work. Should I get foreign currency before leaving or when I get there? How much will I need?
- You’ll also want to research how the electric works in your destination countries.
- Will you need to wash clothes while you’re there or are you taking enough clothing for the entire journey?
- Language is also a consideration. It never hurts to practice the basics – hello, thank you, how much, etc. to better negotiate whatever you are doing. Plus, it shows you’ve at least made an effort.
The above list covers the basics. We’ve found that often unanticipated things happen. If prepared ahead of time most “surprises” can be easily worked through.
Places to See
Things like the Roman Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, The Freedom Trail in Boston, Machu Picchu, Cliffs of Moher, the Great Wall of China, Castles, Wineries are on most people’s list. The true goal is to check out and visit what interests you and be prepared for what that entails.
For example, if going to the Sagrada de Familia in Barcelona, Spain, you need to know that it costs approximately 32 euros (currently around $35) per person. More importantly though, you may not get in if you plan on buying tickets that day. It is so popular on busy days it sells out quickly.
There is so much more to take in than the obvious, and often can be just as fascinating.
In today’s world though, there’s so much more availability to information that just by “Googling” we can get almost anything we’re looking for. The key is to understand enough about where you’re going and what information you need to feel more comfortable about your journey.
The biggest “trick” is to cipher enough information so that you maximize your ability to travel abroad. This concept is one of the purposes of this blog website. Our intent is to share both experiences and knowledge. Hopefully that will get you that much closer to having an amazing journey – wherever that is.
Find out what it’s like where you’re going. How locals live, what to expect. What’s near where you’re staying.
The best roads to take, or can you walk there? What about public transportation?
We always leave some things to mystery, like local restaurants/pubs. Local people on the street can offer incredible suggestions.
Situational Awareness
Managing your security and safety details is an important factor as well. Whether you’re acting like an American in another country (not advisable), trying to figure out where you’re going, or trying to avoid pickpockets, you need to pay attention to where you are.
Situational Awareness is a term that the US military uses frequently. However, it is wholly transferable to normal everyday life, but especially traveling. Situational Awareness is merely paying close attention to your surroundings/environment and how you and/or your fellow travelers could possibly be affected.
Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Many of us already do it without realizing. Obvious things like – crossing the street at an intersection when the electric sign says it’s ok, rather than in the middle of a block.
When traveling abroad it is particularly important to be aware as things can be radically different for different reasons.
Barcelona, Spain for instance has a purportedly higher rate of pick pockets than other European cities. It’s advised for men to keep their wallets in a front pocket. Women should have their purse strap across their body so it’s more difficult to grab and run. Paris has a real issue with their subway system – scammers, thieves, and pickpockets.
Understand where you’re going to best fit in and avoid problems. Not taking the chance of getting robbed may be worth the cost of that taxi.
The idea of keeping your eyes open to your surroundings will enable you to see you things that you wouldn’t otherwise. It will also allow you to more greatly enjoy your journey.