International Traveling

photo via mint.com

Traveling in the US is already difficult - TSA, carry on vs. checked bag, flight delays, ticket prices - all of these can make the task of booking and enjoying a flight not so joyous.  I am not an "experienced" traveller per se, but I have had my share of flights, both nationally and internationally.  Here are some tips for easy international travel:

Always have your passport on hand.  You will not need your driver's license in another country, so it is best to leave it behind (if you can).  Your passport is your life.  Without it, you could be stranded in a country FOREVER.  Keep it on you at all times.  I use an under the garment passport/money holder that functioned similar to this one:

photo via www.1ststoptravelstore.com

It keeps everything close and since it is under my clothes, I don't have to worry about pickpockets trying to "stick me for my papers".  Mine is more of a waistband, but having it on your body (to me) is the best option.  Also, when you are in your room, lock up your passport and other belongings in the safe.  Most rooms should have those.

Buy a weight scale and a tape measure.  These two items will help you pack efficiently, since international travel only allows for 50 lbs per checked bag.  Since there are also bag size requirements, the tape measure will definitely come in handy.  I purchased a duo from Target years ago.  It looks similar to this:

photo via takeoff24.eu

It is also lightweight enough for me to carry to ensure I have the correct weight and size amount on the way back, too.

Call all of your credit/debit card companies and let them know you will be out of the country.  The last thing you want to do is swipe your card in a foreign land and your company puts a hold on it, especially if you have limited phone access.  Give your card providers a courtesy call and let them know your whereabouts and when you plan on making a trip back home.  It will save you a headache later.

Get international access on your cell phone or decide that you will be limited to talk/data time when you have WiFi.  I chose the latter for my trips, but got an international calling plan just in case I had to call home. The decision is yours, but most places (as you will find) have free WiFi and if you have a smart phone you're pretty much set.

Make an itinerary and have a copy for someone back home.  You may stray from the places just a tad, but your trip should not change too drastically.  If people know where you are and you get lost, they can at least try to fill in the gaps by way of your itinerary.

Check the weather and pack accordingly.  I cannot stress this enough. You will end up spending money on clothing and other weather appropriate essentials if you do not pack what is needed the first time around.  I brought a couple of lightweight items and was unable to wear them due to the frigid cold in France.  I knew better, but I thought layering would be enough, and in some cases, it was! In others, I wasn't as successful.

These are just a few tips, but reading additional information would better prepare you for travel:
Tips for Traveling Abroad
International Travel Tips for Globetrotters - How to Pack
How to Travel International on a Budget

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