After over 20 years in the travel industry, I’m often asked if I have any tips for either first time or seasoned travelers. Here’s a quick list of good ideas that my experience has certainly proven to be helpful. Although numbered, these tips are not in priority order. Each tip is as important as the next and previous.
1. Dress conservatively and try to blend in, avoid clothing or other items that openly label you as a U.S. citizen.
2. Want to assure yourself a good meal? Eat where the locals do. Casual restaurants with a large local clientele are likely to be high quality and low cost.
3. Leave your valuables at home, expect that any valuables you do bring may be misplaced, lost or stolen.
4. Use ATMs rather than travelers checks. ATMs come with a transaction fee, but it is usually less expensive and you will get your cash faster and easier. You can minimize the fees by making fewer and larger withdrawals.
5. When traveling outside the U.S., always be sure to inform your bank and credit card companies as to the countries you plan to visit, the dates you'll be there and when you plan to return. This will allow them to watch for suspicious charges and should ensure that you are not denied the ability to use your credit cards/bank accounts during your travels. If this is a new credit card or ATM card—use it before you leave the US to make sure it works.
6. To avoid any problems drink bottled or boiled water and carbonated soft drinks. And, don't use ice in your drink, ice turns to water. It is very important to minimize the affects jet lag has on us. This can be achieved by following some simple rules.
7. Drink little to no alcohol on board your flight and drink plenty of water.
8. Get up every hour and walk around—drinking plenty of water will assure that you will get up.
9. Bring something to read or work on during your flight. Set your watch to your arrival cities time.
10. Move your ankles and feet frequently during the flight. Wear socks and take your shoes off.
11. Upon arrival DO NOT GO TO BED. Get some sunshine, take a walk and then retire , however for not more than three hours. Set your alarm, or ask the front desk to give you a wake up call. Get up, eat dinner, take a walk and try to stay up for a few hours. If you succeed, you will save yourself from the overwhelming feelings of jet lag.
12. Do some research, learn as much as you can about your destination.
13. Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.
14. Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination. Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, extend it, if you are close to expiration. Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.
15. Use a secure flash drive to keep a copy of your passport and credit card numbers in the event you need to replace or cancel them.
16. Insure you will not be pickpocketed-keep your money and credit cards in a money belt or purse worn underneath your clothing.
17. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to them.
18. Find out what type of vaccinations you will need to enter the country. There may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
19. Find out what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use for any electronics you bring.
20. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.
For more information Contact Clementi Travel Services 239.598.2296 or email Clementitravel@aol.com
