International Travel Tips
While the following tips will apply mostly to international travel, some may be useful for local travel as well.
1. Most countries require at least 1-2 blank pages in your passport. Check your passport.
2. Covid is here to stay. Check covid entry regulations when you buy your ticket, and also a few days to the day before departure (to make sure there have been no changes). You will find the information on the CDC website Travel | CDC.
3. The CDC also carries a list of other recommended travel vaccinations. You can find them here Travelers’ Health | CDC. Consider checking it prior to travel. The site shows you country specific vaccination recommendations.
4. A portable phone charger is handy. You’ll be running your battery down if you’re using the camera and/or navigation in addition to the usual use.
5. Do not forget a universal charger that will be compatible with the country you are visiting, otherwise you won’t be able to charge your devices.
6. Consider getting a VPN to protect your information as you log onto numerous public networks.
7. Covid has made travel more complicated. Strongly consider travel insurance to offset unexpected cancellations, and illness while traveling. Also, be sure to read the print because you may not qualify for reimbursement even in some covid related instances. I found this out the expensive way unfortunately.
8. It may be a good idea to arrive at your destination with cash in local currency, even if it’s a small amount, for incidentals like drinks and taxis for instance. You can get it from your bank prior to departure, or at the airport (Bureau de Change for instance).
9. Notify your credit card company of your travel plans prior to travel, so they don’t stop charges made abroad.
10. Check in with your phone company before you depart. You may need to get a temporary travel package that will prevent sticker shock while you’re on vacation.
11. Consider getting free calling/texting apps, like Whatsapp, that you can use to communicate with friends and family back home. It will save you a lot of money.
12. Reduce the stress of traveling by possibly investing in an RFID wallet, with or without an air tag. The RFID will guard against scanning theft of your cards and passport information. The air tag may be used to track your wallet if it gets lost or stolen. Amazon has a lot of choices.
Accommodation Considerations
These tips will apply with both international and local travel.
1. If possible, book as far in advance as possible. Prices tend to increase, while inventory (and therefore choice) decreases the closer it gets to travel. Italy – HER//Excursions (cloudwaysapps.com)
2. Location, location, location. This is one of the most important decisions made when booking lodging for your vacation. You want to consider:
a. Safety – lodging in tourist areas tends to be safe, but still check to be sure.
b. Proximity to public transport. This is obviously important if you will be using it.
c. A dedicated, or easily available parking space if you plan on driving.
d. Proximity to the city center, tourist sites, as well as food and shopping.
3. A good chunk of the world still smokes. A lot of home rentals also accommodate smokers. Make sure to check before booking if this may be a problem for you.
Driving Considerations
These tips will apply with both international and local travel.
1. Think carefully before you decide to drive in a foreign country. You not only have to consider the side of the road to drive in, but also the driving conditions, road conditions etc. For instance, will you be comfortable driving on roads crowded with more than just vehicles, or steep, narrow, winding roads, or icy roads, or pothole-laden roads?
2. If you are planning on driving in a foreign country, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP), in addition to your driver’s license. Some countries are very strict about using the IDP (e.g Italy) and you may be fined if you are found without one. IDPs are obtained from the American Automobile Association (AAA) for a small fee. It will be valid for a year. You may access, International Driving Permits & Licenses | DMV.ORG print and fill out the form and either mail it (together with 2 passport-sized pictures) or take it to your nearest AAA office (internet search).
3. Decide if driving is necessary. You may be able to forgo a rental if your stay will be limited to areas easily accessible by public transport, taxis or ride-shares. If not, find out if your accommodation comes with parking. Parking can be very expensive in certain places, and/or you may spend a good chunk of your time driving around to find legal parking.
4. Rental car options abroad can be complicated by the fact that some countries, in the UK, and Europe for instance, still utilize a lot of manual versus automatic shift vehicles. The key to getting an automatic is to book early – but expect to pay more if you do get it. If you rent a manual, be comfortable driving in the expected driving conditions – steep, narrow roads, congested traffic, wandering farm/wild animals etc.
5. While it may seem common sense, I believe a lot of people tend to book rentals they are more familiar with. I do this for sure because it reduces the anxiety of having to already navigate unfamiliar roads. I have thus gotten unnecessarily big vehicles, translating to higher cost. Bottom line, rent a vehicle just big enough to accommodate the number of travelers and luggage. The exception is if you need a specialized vehicle, for off road travel for instance.
6. Be ready to return your rental car earlier than planned if your plans change (or find that you don’t need it like you thought you would). This is a money saver, providing you do it at least a full day of your previously planned itinerary. Simply call the company and make the change. I did it easily with Hertz and I was not charged a fee.
7. I recommend getting a car with GPS. Yes, it’s an added cost, but your peace of mind will thank you. Phone apps are convenient and cheaper, but you’ll have to rely on the phone battery and that might be dicey if you’re looking for directions for extended periods. Alternatively, a car with Wi-Fi but no GPS could be used to help with directions by connecting to the internet without the use of data.
Miscellaneous
These tips will apply with both international and local travel.
1. I recommend registering with the State Department before foreign travel via Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (state.gov). It enables the government to quickly reach you in case of emergency, change in travel conditions (like unrest for instance) etc.
2. Share your itinerary with family and friends. Stay in touch while abroad.
3. Consider buying a small luggage scale. It’s handy in ensuring your luggage does not go over the airline weight requirements, preventing sticker shock or having to unpack right at the check-in desk. They typically cost less than $10 can be found at places like Marshall’s, Ross, and even Amazon.
4. Find an open reservation a dinner booking at a popular restaurant can be a challenge. Consider booking for lunch instead or arriving as the doors open for dinner service to see if open (or bar) seating is available. This will typically get you in without a reservation.
5. A handy tip to getting into a popular restaurant without a booking is showing up early as the establishment opens for dinner service. Some places have open seating on a first come, first serve basis earlier on in the service, and some have it in the latter part of the service. You can call to check ahead of time. Alternatively, arrive early and sit at the bar. Just be careful though because some restaurants do not serve a full menu at the bar.
