Making International Travel Easier This Summer

Heading overseas is an exciting endeavor, but there is so much to know if this is your first time, or if you haven’t travelled in a while. Read up on these tips to help you plan, pack for and enjoy your trip to the max!

1. Take care of The Basics first
• Several months before travelling, make sure you have an updated passport and any visas you may need for the country you’re visiting. Make sure someone back home has a copy of your itinerary and passport.
• Register with the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program, which will alert you to any safety concerns in the country while you are there. Additionally, check their database for any known alerts or warnings before you leave on your trip.
• Look into your health insurance company’s international coverage so you understand how (and if) it works overseas. Consider purchasing international health insurance and emergency evacuation insurance.
• Obtain any needed vaccinations and documentation before you travel. Certain countries have strict requirements and won’t allow you to cross their borders without them. You can easily get vaccinated from Travel clinics such as your local urgent care centers that are open at flexible timings all year round.
• Make sure your credit card company knows your travel destination and dates so they won’t suspect theft and freeze your card. Also check with your credit card company and bank to find out their foreign transaction fees for ATMs and transactions. It may be worth shopping around for credit cards and checking accounts that waive such fees for travelers.
• Contact your cell phone provider and investigate whether it’s worth paying for a global roaming plan so you can use your phone on the fly. You may just choose to rely on free Wi-Fi, but it can be a difficult adjustment when you’re used to doing research on your phone whenever you like.
• If you are planning on driving, check to see if you need to obtain an International Drivers’ Permit to drive legally.
• Make sure you have the correct plug and voltage adaptors for the country you are visiting.
For more details, check out our article: Travelling internationally this Summer? 13 Things you must Know. The U.S. Department of State’s website is a wealth of information when it comes to international travel. Familiarize yourself with their website and all the specifics on the country you are visiting by going to http://www.state.gov/travel/
Now comes the fun stuff! Planning your trip can be an exciting time as you discover more about your destination and the sights you’ll see. Check out the following tips to guide your preparations:

2. Do Your Research
• Investigate your destination thoroughly so you can pinpoint the top places you’d like to see. In all likelihood, this may be the only time you’ll ever visit this country, so plan well! However, try to leave flexibility in your itinerary for some down time or to pursue something that intrigues you on a whim.
• Check the calendar of events ahead of time for local activities and festivals so you can join in…or avoid it if crowds aren’t your thing! Getting in the thick of things by going to a local event is a great way to mingle and experience the true culture, but it’s not for everyone.
• Many people buy guide books for their destination, but they can be heavy! Think about tearing out only the pages you need, or if you can’t stand to rip books apart photocopy key pages to cut down on weight.
• Check out the host of travel information and apps available online and download travel apps before you go to avoid incurring data charges. If you don’t have a data plan or want to avoid roaming, try checking out maps and info ahead of time using the hotel’s Wi-Fi and then taking screen shots of what you need.
• Many popular tourist attractions are in high demand in the summer months, and may be crowded or have long ticket lines. Secure your tickets in advance to avoid time wasted in lines and to ensure you’ll gain access to your chosen activity during peak travel season.
• Arrange for an English speaking guide ahead of time. Try asking your hotel if they can recommend a local person, maybe even a hotel employee, who wants to make some extra money sharing their local knowledge. It probably won’t cost you much and can be indispensable in the first day or so as you navigate the local language and customs.
• Make sure you learn a few key phrases in your destination country’s language. Even though your pronunciation may be off, locals will appreciate your effort and if no-one speaks English, you’ll be glad you know some basics!

3. Pack and Fly like a Pro
• Pack lightly. Trust me, your back will thank you! Consider taking quick-drying clothes that you can wash and re-wear instead of multiple outfits. Saving space in your suitcase for souvenirs will be an added bonus.
• Take photos of your luggage in case it gets lost. It will help to have a visual when language barriers get in the way.
• Don’t forget to bring your prescriptions. Depending on where you are travelling, it may also be a good idea to fill a prescription for antibiotics beforehand. Pack some basic meds to treat diarrhea, fever or pain and if you are prone to motion sickness, make sure to bring those remedies too.
• Bring sanitizing gel and wipes for the plane and for touring around.
• Pack some large scarves. They can have many uses beyond the obvious, such as: a towel, pillow, eye shade, wrap, cover-up or mosquito protectant.
• Bring insect repellent. Tiger balm doubles as a bug deterrent and muscle pain reliever.
• Stash ear plugs and an eye mask in your carry-on and consider trying Ambien or natural remedies such as melatonin so you can get some shut-eye on the plane.
• Americans have a reputation for dressing too casually overseas. Make sure you bring a set of nicer clothes even if it’s just a pair of khakis or a skirt, a simple sweater and non-sneaker shoes.
• Pack a change of clothing and a warm layer for the plane. Accidents happen, and wearing a wet or soiled outfit for the entirety of your flight is a serious buzz kill.
• Order a special meal for your flight. These meals are usually made in smaller batches, are often healthier and will be brought out before the rest of the plane is served. Bonus! The Asian vegetarian meal seems to get the most votes.
• Drink plenty of water on the plane. Bring an empty bottle and fill it in the airport or on the plane so you can stay hydrated – one of the first steps in avoiding jet lag.

4. Arrive and Start your Adventure!
• Grab a few hotel business cards when you first arrive so you can hand them to taxi drivers or locals in case you get lost.
• If there is any concern about contaminated water in your destination country, take care to drink only bottled water and steer clear of ice cubes and food that may have been washed in water (think salads, fruits).
• Make sure you get some local cash but don’t carry too much at a time for your safety. Pickpockets are primed to hone in on tourists who may be too lost or busy sightseeing to pay full attention.
• Don’t be afraid to try using the foreign phrases you learned…or try English! You may be surprised by how many foreigners know at least a smattering of our language.
• Finally, before you leave, don’t get stuck with unwanted currency. You can use your leftover local money to tip hotel staff or pay for part of your hotel bill, then pay the rest by credit card.

Author Bio:
Jack Roberts is an expert marketer who specializes in promoting and growing physician practices. He currently works with UrgentWay to help improve their online footprint and garner interest in their Urgent Care, Occupational Health and Health services.Heading overseas is an exciting endeavor, but there is so much to know if this is your first time, or if you haven’t travelled in a while. Read up on these tips to help you plan, pack for and enjoy your trip to the max!

1. Take care of The Basics first
• Several months before travelling, make sure you have an updated passport and any visas you may need for the country you’re visiting. Make sure someone back home has a copy of your itinerary and passport.
• Register with the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program, which will alert you to any safety concerns in the country while you are there. Additionally, check their database for any known alerts or warnings before you leave on your trip.
• Look into your health insurance company’s international coverage so you understand how (and if) it works overseas. Consider purchasing international health insurance and emergency evacuation insurance.
• Obtain any needed vaccinations and documentation before you travel. Certain countries have strict requirements and won’t allow you to cross their borders without them. You can easily get vaccinated from Travel clinics such as your local urgent care centers that are open at flexible timings all year round.
• Make sure your credit card company knows your travel destination and dates so they won’t suspect theft and freeze your card. Also check with your credit card company and bank to find out their foreign transaction fees for ATMs and transactions. It may be worth shopping around for credit cards and checking accounts that waive such fees for travelers.
• Contact your cell phone provider and investigate whether it’s worth paying for a global roaming plan so you can use your phone on the fly. You may just choose to rely on free Wi-Fi, but it can be a difficult adjustment when you’re used to doing research on your phone whenever you like.
• If you are planning on driving, check to see if you need to obtain an International Drivers’ Permit to drive legally.
• Make sure you have the correct plug and voltage adaptors for the country you are visiting.
For more details, check out our article: Travelling internationally this Summer? 13 Things you must Know. The U.S. Department of State’s website is a wealth of information when it comes to international travel. Familiarize yourself with their website and all the specifics on the country you are visiting by going to http://www.state.gov/travel/
Now comes the fun stuff! Planning your trip can be an exciting time as you discover more about your destination and the sights you’ll see. Check out the following tips to guide your preparations:

2. Do Your Research
• Investigate your destination thoroughly so you can pinpoint the top places you’d like to see. In all likelihood, this may be the only time you’ll ever visit this country, so plan well! However, try to leave flexibility in your itinerary for some down time or to pursue something that intrigues you on a whim.
• Check the calendar of events ahead of time for local activities and festivals so you can join in…or avoid it if crowds aren’t your thing! Getting in the thick of things by going to a local event is a great way to mingle and experience the true culture, but it’s not for everyone.
• Many people buy guide books for their destination, but they can be heavy! Think about tearing out only the pages you need, or if you can’t stand to rip books apart photocopy key pages to cut down on weight.
• Check out the host of travel information and apps available online and download travel apps before you go to avoid incurring data charges. If you don’t have a data plan or want to avoid roaming, try checking out maps and info ahead of time using the hotel’s Wi-Fi and then taking screen shots of what you need.
• Many popular tourist attractions are in high demand in the summer months, and may be crowded or have long ticket lines. Secure your tickets in advance to avoid time wasted in lines and to ensure you’ll gain access to your chosen activity during peak travel season.
• Arrange for an English speaking guide ahead of time. Try asking your hotel if they can recommend a local person, maybe even a hotel employee, who wants to make some extra money sharing their local knowledge. It probably won’t cost you much and can be indispensable in the first day or so as you navigate the local language and customs.
• Make sure you learn a few key phrases in your destination country’s language. Even though your pronunciation may be off, locals will appreciate your effort and if no-one speaks English, you’ll be glad you know some basics!

3. Pack and Fly like a Pro
• Pack lightly. Trust me, your back will thank you! Consider taking quick-drying clothes that you can wash and re-wear instead of multiple outfits. Saving space in your suitcase for souvenirs will be an added bonus.
• Take photos of your luggage in case it gets lost. It will help to have a visual when language barriers get in the way.
• Don’t forget to bring your prescriptions. Depending on where you are travelling, it may also be a good idea to fill a prescription for antibiotics beforehand. Pack some basic meds to treat diarrhea, fever or pain and if you are prone to motion sickness, make sure to bring those remedies too.
• Bring sanitizing gel and wipes for the plane and for touring around.
• Pack some large scarves. They can have many uses beyond the obvious, such as: a towel, pillow, eye shade, wrap, cover-up or mosquito protectant.
• Bring insect repellent. Tiger balm doubles as a bug deterrent and muscle pain reliever.
• Stash ear plugs and an eye mask in your carry-on and consider trying Ambien or natural remedies such as melatonin so you can get some shut-eye on the plane.
• Americans have a reputation for dressing too casually overseas. Make sure you bring a set of nicer clothes even if it’s just a pair of khakis or a skirt, a simple sweater and non-sneaker shoes.
• Pack a change of clothing and a warm layer for the plane. Accidents happen, and wearing a wet or soiled outfit for the entirety of your flight is a serious buzz kill.
• Order a special meal for your flight. These meals are usually made in smaller batches, are often healthier and will be brought out before the rest of the plane is served. Bonus! The Asian vegetarian meal seems to get the most votes.
• Drink plenty of water on the plane. Bring an empty bottle and fill it in the airport or on the plane so you can stay hydrated – one of the first steps in avoiding jet lag.

4. Arrive and Start your Adventure!
• Grab a few hotel business cards when you first arrive so you can hand them to taxi drivers or locals in case you get lost.
• If there is any concern about contaminated water in your destination country, take care to drink only bottled water and steer clear of ice cubes and food that may have been washed in water (think salads, fruits).
• Make sure you get some local cash but don’t carry too much at a time for your safety. Pickpockets are primed to hone in on tourists who may be too lost or busy sightseeing to pay full attention.
• Don’t be afraid to try using the foreign phrases you learned…or try English! You may be surprised by how many foreigners know at least a smattering of our language.
• Finally, before you leave, don’t get stuck with unwanted currency. You can use your leftover local money to tip hotel staff or pay for part of your hotel bill, then pay the rest by credit card.

Author Bio:
Jack Roberts is an expert marketer who specializes in promoting and growing physician practices. He currently works with UrgentWay to help improve their online footprint and garner interest in their Urgent Care, Occupational Health and Health services.