Tips For International Travel
Photo From carolinerosetravel.com
With Centenary in Paris approaching fast and the school year about to start, it’s a good time to start preparing for traveling abroad. Maybe you’re a first-time traveler joining the rest of your freshman class to explore Paris, or perhaps you’re just thinking ahead for your May module. Either way, it’s important to know some tips when you’re traveling internationally:
First and foremost, pack appropriately. It’s super easy to overpack, but you’ll want to save room in your suitcase for souvenirs, and you certainly don’t want extra fees for an overweight bag. So, no, you don’t need to pack a sundress AND a winter coat. Look ahead to see what the weather will be like at your destination, and decide on which clothes you’ll want to take- and don’t take too many!
Secondly, pack a good pair of walking shoes. Walking around to get to places in foreign countries is much easier, especially if you are traveling to Europe. It’s tempting to pack multiple pairs of shoes, but try to avoid this as much as possible to save space. Unless you know for sure you’ll be going out to eat at a fancy restaurant, avoid dress shoes. Bring extra socks, too! You might get hit with surprise rain, and wet socks will ruin your day.
In terms of packing, unless you’re an avid photographer or going on a trip specifically for taking photos, don’t bring a fancy camera. A Polaroid is okay, but pack it in your carry-on and be sure you always know where it is. Anything bigger than that will just take up space, and you’ll spend most of your trip worrying about the camera rather than experiencing the moment. Your phone’s camera is very capable of getting the pictures you want.
Another crucial part of traveling is money. Be sure to notify your bank beforehand that you’ll be out of the country. Otherwise, your bank might freeze your card because of fraud prevention- you don’t want to get stuck without your card!
That being said, having the equivalent of $100 USD in cash is never a bad idea. This will allow you to know how much you’re really spending, and if you end up going to smaller towns, you might be in a place where it’s cash only. Additionally, knowing how much ten dollars equals in the currency of the place you’re going is beneficial. You might end up spending waaaaay more money than you intend to because you think it’s cheaper than it actually is.
If you do decide to take some cash, do not, under any circumstance, flaunt it or show it to anyone who’s outside of the group you’re with. Pickpockets thrive in big cities, especially areas that attract tourists. Keep your money securely to your body, such as in a pocket on the front of your person or a fanny pack or bag that’s also on the front of your person. Never put anything too valuable in a backpack- it’s easy pickings for thieves.
It may be tempting, as you travel, to give money to someone asking for help. Unfortunately, these people are likely trying to trick you, as it is a common con. There is a good chance someone else is waiting to snatch your wallet or purse as soon as you pull out money. There are a lot of pickpocketing cons, including throwing a baby at you so you drop your purse (no, I’m not kidding). Be aware of them, and never, ever, EVER accept something “free” because it’s never free. Once you touch something, these con artists will try to make you pay for it, even if it’s just a flower.
Tourist traps are also very common! You’ll know them when you see them, but a good indicator is expensive prices for low-quality things. For restaurants, a very, very large menu isn’t a good sign. That being said, stick to well-lit areas, and unless you’re being guided, don’t go exploring in suspicious areas, especially at night- don’t walk down back alleys.
It’s also good to be aware of customs and laws in the country. If you’re driving, know the traffic laws (many places do not permit right turns during a red light), and be SURE not to violate traffic laws if you’re walking across a street. Also, be careful with certain gestures, as they may not be taken the same way as they are in the US. A thumbs-up isn’t always a sign of something good; it can also be a very offensive sign.
Lastly- and only if you are twenty-one, or the appropriate age for drinking for the country, AND YOU HAVE PERMISSION FROM CENTENARY, be sure to have someone with you who’s not drinking. This way, you’re not targeted for pickpocketing and won’t accidentally cross the street when you’re not supposed to, and you’ll just be overall safer.
These tips can help you have a fun and safe experience in another country. There is a lot more to traveling, so be sure to do your research before you go. Happy traveling!
