Things to do before you travel:
1. Contact your bank and credit card companies to inform them of your trip dates and locations.
2—Learn about the culture and history of the place you want to visit. Watch DVDs and read. The more you know about a culture, the more you will enjoy your travels.
3—Pack lightly. Take basic colors and layers. Even in summer, some countries have cold and rainy days. Always have closed shoes for rainy days and comfortable walking shoes for everyday use. Take layers, jackets, and cardigans. During summer, some churches in Europe and temples in Asia expect you to cover your shoulders and arms (especially for women).
4. Pack your electronic gear: camera, mini-laptop, cell phone, and plugs for foreign countries.
5—Always have some cash. Cash is power. Carry small bills, too. Leave some cash for your return; you never know what might happen. You might need to take a taxi or pay for an exit visa in a foreign country.
6. Take a photo of your passport’s first page and your driver’s license. Email the photos to yourself and save a copy of the information in an album called 'Info' on your phone. Make a few copies of your passport and driver’s license, keep one copy in your luggage, and carry one with you at all times. Leave one copy with a close friend in the U.S. Just in case you lose your passport, they can find the number. On a small piece of paper, write your credit card numbers and contact information. Keep a copy in your suitcase and another copy with you.
7—Take care of your bills. If you already have monthly deductions from your bank account, ensure that you pay all outstanding amounts in advance to avoid any issues. You want to avoid surprises when you return.
8—Put a timer on a light near the window so that in the evening, it appears as if someone is home.
9- If you receive the local paper, put it on vacation hold.
10- Buy mini locks for your suitcases. Lock the checked-in bag. If TSA breaks it, then you will have an extra one to lock it later.
During your trip:
1- Be open-minded. Respect the local culture. Talk to locals. Ask questions and listen.
2- Get up early. Walk a lot. Use your time nicely.
3- Drink lots of water. Drink Emergen-C or Airborne to help prevent dehydration.
4—You can keep a small notebook to track your expenses, cash withdrawals, and credit card charges. You can also create a Google Document and keep track of your itinerary or places you visit. You may share the document with close friends.
5. Have a calendar page to record the places you visit each day.
6- Carry a colored copy of your passport and ID with you. Please leave your original passport locked in the hotel safe. If there is no safe, put it in a locked suitcase. Always lock your luggage in the hotel when you leave the room.
7- Be prepared for the unexpected. I was in Spain on April 28 when a nationwide power outage occurred across Spain and Portugal. Nobody could use credit cards. I had some U.S. dollars, but not enough Euros. Always keep some extra local money. Spain has a fantastic infrastructure. This situation was a big shock to many.
After returning:
1- Unpack, do laundry, and organize your souvenirs.
2- Download the photos. Keep them organized. Having a small album can be fun, too.
3. File your maps and information.
