Most of us have mastered the art of domestic travel with weekend trips to
Disneyland and road trips to national parks. But when we switch the destination
to a far-flung locale, we’re at a loss as to how to prepare for our vacation and, even, what to do once we’ve arrived. Everything from language barriers to cultural differences can make a
trip abroad feel daunting, if not exciting at the same time.
Fortunately, if you do a bit of pre-trip planning and follow insider travel
trips once you arrive, you can calm your nerves and guarantee your trip will
begin and end worry free. To learn how to make your trip a success, read on.
Make Big Decisions Pre-Trip
The fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach to travel worked great when you
backpacked through Europe in college. But unless you want to sleep on benches
at the train depot again, start your planning by making arrangements that cater
to more grown-up tastes. There’s no need to plan out an hour-by-hour itinerary. Instead, secure big-ticket
items like lodging and even dining reservations at restaurants with
hard-to-score tables in advance. Make these plans pre-trip and you won’t waste time wandering the streets looking for lodging when you could be
picnicking in a park instead.
Consult the Weather Channel
It might be summer where you live, but chances are the climate in your
destination is a few degrees different from that of your hometown. Peek at an
online weather planner before you leave to get an idea of what you should bring
to your destination, whether it’s a sundress or snow boots. Then consult reputable guidebooks for information
about typical weather conditions during the month of your trip to further
inform your packing list. Finally, remember that a good rain jacket and an
umbrella are excellent investments for any trip if you plan to spend your days
exploring outdoors.
Search for the Subway
Before you depart, research your options for getting from point A to point B in
your chosen destination. Determine whether subway, train, taxi, or rental car
is the most practical and affordable option for your needs, and always look for
deals in advance. For example, tourists traveling to Paris can purchase a
multi-day Paris Visite pass that grants them use of the metro, bus, and train
network for less than individual tickets would cost.
Prepare for Minor Emergencies
No one wants to get sick on vacation, but you’ll be thankful you prepared for the possibility if you catch an infection
abroad. Before you leave, read up on the health-care system in your destination
and note the steps you’ll need to take if you become ill or injured during your trip. Always carry
emergency contact numbers and an e-mail address for your primary care doctor
with you. And finally, contact your health insurance company to learn about
their policy on overseas coverage before you depart.
Explore Like a Local
A trip spent seeing famous sites, say Big Ben in London or the Taj Mahal in
India, has merit. But spending all your time at tourist-driven landmarks can
also be exhausting. Punctuate visits to the main sites with explorations of
local haunts, from charming city parks to neighborhood bistros. You can easily
find insider places using blogs, books, and magazines written by locals; a
hotel concierge can also steer you toward his or her favorite local gems. Just
remember that staff at the local hangouts won’t always speak English. For this purpose, it’s important—and considerate—to carry a travel dictionary when you head off the beaten tourist path.
Be a Better Packer
Whether you’re a chronic overpacker or an underpacker, packing can pose a challenge—particularly when you’re traveling to a new-to-you destination. Use these tips to help you improve the
packing process for your international trip.
Pack a color-coordinated mix. “Pack around one basic color to save space, i.e. black, brown, navy,” says Anne McAlpin, a packing expert from www.packitup.com. “This limits the number of shoes and accessories you need to bring, so you’re packing lighter.”
Select pieces with ensembles in mind. Pack enough clothes to create an outfit
for each day you are away; depending on the destination, a good approach is to
strike a balance between casual outfits and more polished looks for evenings
out.
Stock your carry-on. Bags do get lost en route, so stash necessities such as
prescriptions, TSA-acceptable toiletries, and an extra outfit in your carry-on.
Also worth carrying: a list of emergency contacts (from home and in your
destination), on-flight entertainment, and food. Unless you are fond of airline cuisine, pack
plentiful snacks and a water bottle to keep you well fed and hydrated during
your flight.
Interpack when possible. If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, put half of your stuff in each
other’s bags. This savvy move ensures you’ll each have a few items if one of your bags gets lost by the airline.
Leave unnecessary items at home. Most hotels provide items such as hair dryers,
alarm clocks, and irons for guests. Leave these items at home and you’ll have room in your bag for a special-occasion outfit or, better yet, space to
bring souvenirs home.
