Traveling internationally has given me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Part of the experience is swapping unique travel stories and tips with fellow independent globetrotters whom I encounter along the way. Traveling enlightens me, and brings perspective into my microcosmic life.
Traveling internationally has given me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Part of the experience is swapping unique travel stories and tips with fellow independent globetrotters whom I encounter along the way.
Traveling enlightens me, and brings perspective into my microcosmic life. It has taught me the meaning of humility while I embark on my fascinating yet at times, hair-raising adventures. I have endured many fiascoes and adventures in life’s university at its rawest form, anticipating heart-wrenching, adrenaline-pumping excitement from my fear of the unknown each and every time I board an airplane.
The following are travel tips compiled from my true-life experiences, which I share with you my fellow travelers and friends, to alleviate pain, heartache and hardship, and to make your own travels a much more pleasurable and rewarding experience! Happy traveling to all!
How to Pack
- Stack your clothes in piles on your bed/sofa. After assessing your inventory, remove half of what you think you need because the truth of the matter is, you really don’t need it. Unless you are going on a formal cruise or business trip, leave your suits, evening gowns and dress shoes at home. Keep your wardrobe simple, casual and versatile. Bring Woolite and wash clothes in your hotel room or at a local Laundromat.
- In order to avoid excess creasing or wrinkling; roll your clothes instead of folding them. Another alternative is to wrap clothing in tissue paper or in plastic laundry bags.
- Save space by stuffing socks in shoes. Utilize all pockets in clothing and compartments in your luggage.
- Do not pack valuables in suitcases/backpacks. In fact, valuables should be left at home.
- Traveling light is key. Stick with one carry-on and one piece of check-in luggage preferably with wheels. You will ultimately save on skycap tips and taxi fares. In European countries, taxi drivers’ charge for every piece of luggage.
- Mark suitcases with a color ribbon or sticker.
- Pack underwear and an extra set of clothing in your carry-on. Just in case your luggage is lost, you will have an additional outfit on hand.
- For trips less than two weeks in length, purchase toiletries such as shampoo, saline solution and toothpaste in sample size containers.
- If traveling as a twosome, pack half your belongings in your suitcase, and the other half in your travel companion’s suitcase. If your luggage doesn’t arrive on time, you will still have some of your belongings until the airline tracks down your lost article. Sometimes this may take a day or two especially if you fly on connecting flights, and/or are traveling internationally.
Continue Exploring
8 Credit Card Security Tips When Traveling Internationally
You probably know how important it is to secure your passport while traveling internationally, but you might not know that safeguarding your credit cards is vital as well. Paying for overseas purchases with a credit card can be incredibly convenient – you don’t have to hassle with converting cash, and you can generally receive a lower conversion rate than you would with traveler’s checks. But if you’re not careful, a credit card mishap could interrupt or even ruin your trip. Keep these eight tip
International Travel Tips for Globetrotters (5 of 5)
Currency/Banking Be sure to inquire about international ATM capabilities with your local bank at home. Although my ATM card is part of the Cirrus system worldwide, I was unable to use it on various occasions in South America. The best exchange rates are given at the banks in town, not at the airport or hotels.
International Travel Tips for Globetrotters (4 of 5)
Jetlag/Altitude Sickness Flying internationally causes jetlag because of the fact that you are crossing three time zones. Some precautions to take include: a) drinking plenty of water and no alcohol intake; b) sticking with a bland diet; c) adjusting your watch according to your destination’s time clock and attempt to adhere to your arrival schedule
International Travel Tips for Globetrotters (2 of 5)
What to Pack Photocopy three sets of your passport, driver’s license, airline tickets, traveler’s checks, trip itinerary and hotel confirmations. Keep one copy with you, another in your luggage, and one set with a family member back home. If any emergencies arise, you will have photocopies as proof. Bring unwanted T-shirts, baseball caps, chewing gum,
International Travel Tips for Globetrotters (3 of 5)
In-flight Activities Traveling during the daylight hours is less tiring than traveling in the evenings on an overnight flight. It is easier to “trick” your body out of jetlag. Try to keep your blood circulating properly by walking around the plane on an average once every hour. Drink plenty of water. Skip alcohol entirely.