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
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 – the sooner, the better.
If at all possible, attempt to plan your travel plans departing eastbound and returning westbound. It is more difficult to adjust to jetlag flying eastbound.
Take ½ of a sleeping pill; the dosage is adequate enough to drone out the noise around you.
Give yourself 2-3 days to acclimate to the altitude and time change.
Cut your ambitious itinerary in half.
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage once you reach your destination.
Destination Planning
Try to book your vacation during the “off season” months. Not only are there significant cost savings to you the traveler, but also, you will receive better service and treatment in restaurants, hotels, etc. It is also the most opportune time to interact with the locals.
For the most part, planning a tour when you arrive at your destination is significantly less expensive than when you book it from home. You eliminate the middleman in the process. If you are spontaneous and adventurous, this is the way to go.
Hop on a ½ day city tour to orient yourself to your new surroundings. This gives you the opportunity to decide which sights you would like to return to at a later date.
Consider hiring a personal driver instead of taking a group tour. A driver can take you to off-the-beaten-path places. Being a ‘tourist’ is fun, but being a ‘traveler’ is travel at its best.
Consider taking local means of transportation. For example, take a tuk-tuk (3-wheel motor bike with a backseat for two) or a kalong (motorized canoe) down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. In Morocco, take a caleche (horse drawn buggy) through the Medina (Old City). This offers a different perspective of the city and it is a great way to beat the maddening traffic jams.
To ensure that you don’t “lose” your hotel, especially in countries where you cannot speak or read the language, keep a copy of your hotel’s business card or matches so you can show your taxi driver or a local to find your way back.
If you want to enjoy a fancy restaurant without paying top dollar, opt for lunch instead of dinner at the establishment. The menu is usually similar but costs a fraction of the price.
Avoid eating dairy products and fresh fruits & vegetables that cannot be peeled.
Engage in the obsolete art of bartering instead of using cash expenditures for your overseas purchases. Recent paperback novels, denim jeans, T-shirts, and baseball caps with American sports logos are valuable commodities in every foreign country.
Always bargain for a better deal especially in marketplaces and hotels. In hotels, always ask for an upgrade. Although Americans are not accustomed to bargaining, it is a way of life in a lot of other countries. As a rule of thumb, never pay more than 50% of the initial asking price.
If you photograph locals and offer to send photos, follow through with your promise. In poorer countries where locals have limited financial means, a photograph is priceless.
Be spontaneous. Hang out at local places. Don’t be misled by what is recommended by the standard guidebooks (like the trendiest hotspot), otherwise you will miss out on experiencing the essence of your destination. Besides, what’s the point of visiting a foreign country?
Continue Exploring
International Travel Tips for Globetrotters (1 of 5)
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.
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 (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.