|
7 December 2005
Get ready for travel abroad
Travel Tips 101: International Edition
By Terry Riley
In case you haven’t noticed, the world is going… well, global. That means
more people are taking more trips beyond their country’s borders. While
globalization does bring some standardization to the way things get done
around the world, there are still enough differences among nations to hang
us up when we travel.
Here are some suggestions to help you avoid problems and optimize your
efficiency while “over there.” For new overseas travelers, this is a
primer; for seasoned travelers, it’s review.
 Get your papers in order
Not having the necessary documents in hand when you travel can lead to
difficulty and even delay your departure from one country or your entry
into another (even your own). Consequently, you should assemble all the
papers you need for your trip in advance—well in advance—of your
departure. Not just your passport and visas, but your medical records,
travel insurance policy, and cell-phone rental agreement, too. The
following sites can help you determine which documents you’ll need and
help you get them.
Get some dough
Few experiences are more disconcerting than arriving in a foreign
country without a dollar (or a peso or a euro or a yen) in your pocket.
Sure, you can stop by a currency exchange booth at the airport—if one is
open and you don’t mind the fees—but why not have currency delivered to
your home before you leave? Here are some sites that provide such a
service.
Get your bearings
Travel is challenging enough without getting lost at every turn of the
road. Get a map of your destination and study it before you leave home,
then carry it with you everywhere on your trip. You can find maps
of just about any place at the following sites.
Get your tongue wagging
You don’t have to be fluent in your host country’s language to get by,
but knowing a few phrases will make you more comfortable and your trip a
heck of a lot easier. Even if you stumble your way through a conversation,
you’ll get points for trying, and locals will be more likely to lend you a
hand. These sites can help with anything from a full-blown language course
to a pocket-size phrase book.
Get your rest
There are any number of “programs” available to help travelers deal
with jet lag—everything from popping melatonin tablets to changing your
diet to altering your sleeping routine. I’ve yet to find one that works
for me, but you may get some help at one of these sites.
By the way, Jet Lag Travel is a
whole ’nother story. Check it out for a good laugh. And bon voyage.
© 2005 Applied Psychology
|
|
