FAQ

It doesn’t matter how seasoned a traveller you are, you always wonder what to pack and what to leave behind, as well as how much planning is too much or too little.

I’ve traveled plenty for business and for pleasure and at the end of the day (short of going on an extreme adventure which you will plan for in extreme detail) most things you can acquire or deal with on arrival. Now that I’ve got that “it’ll all work out” message out of the way, these are the things I do and advise you to consider when planning your next trip.

  • Take photos of essential documents for digital backup. You may do this already, but check to make sure your pics are up to date, you may have renewed something. Also, the day of, take pictures of your luggage.
  • I hate to spend money on this, but depending on the cost of your trip, you may want to consider travel insurance. It’s saved me more than once. Flights get canceled, and that creates a cascade of problems. Especially if you’ve booked non-refundable hotels, train tickets or whatever.
  • Call your credit card company and have them explain what they will cover, in particular lost luggage and car insurance. My last trip we got two flat tires and several hours of towing… all covered by our CC policy.
  • Research destination health requirements and vaccinations.
  • Two words, “pack light”. Short of relocating, keep it down to a carry on, airlines are getting worse, not better when it comes to luggage, also, baggage handlers do go on strike. If you’re checking it in, use an AirTag.
  • I also have my list of essentials items: a Tide pen, a flashlight/headlamp, portable travel battery, clothesline/paracord, shopping bag, universal plug adapter with USB outlets, water bottle, spare phone cord (they get beat up/lost), pen & small note book, Advil & Advil PM (to fight  jet lag), ear plugs (Mighty plugs are the best).
  • Check your mobile carrier’s international plans. 
  • Depending on the duration of your stay, consider getting a local disposable smart-ish phone. They’re cheap and you can give the number to receive texts for food delivery and the like. International numbers won’t work.
  • If you can, discover what apps people use locally for everything from paying for parking or public transportation to free local news sites. Doing this ahead of time can be tricky, but plan to ask a local as soon as you get to where you’re headed. Great ice breaker too.
  • Depending on where you’re headed, cell phone connectivity may be terrible or non-existent. If you’re driving or hiking, get a Garmin GPS (with car attachment). It also prevents you from having to use your phone’s data plan.
  • Gone are the days when I could recognize an Italian, an American or a Swede at the airport based on how they dress. We all look more or less alike, that said, this can be deceptive, be attuned to the differences. If you have questions, simply ask someone that speaks your language. What are the rules on tipping, how do you hail a taxi, when do museums/stores/restaurants close…
  • Learn basic phrases in the local language. Search them on google translate, save them to your notes. Here are my favorite:
    • Hello – Yes – No – Goodbye – Thank you – No Thank you – Excuse me/sorry – Today – tomorrow – open – closed – stop
    • Do you speak (your language)
    • Take me to (the airport/train station/a big hotel)
    • Where is (the bathroom/
    • Check please
    • How much
    • When
    • Left / right / straight ahead.
    • Pharmacy / Medicine
    • Numbers 1-12 (ideally 1-24 because some places us 24hr clock
  • You can notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card issues, but personally I’ve found this to be pointless. Their systems are automated. What you can do is if your card is rejected when out of town check your phone immediately for email and text alerts. You can often rectify something immediately that way.
  • Consider getting some local currency. You won’t need that much, many places the world over will take a credit card, but it’s great to have for tips, and cash only places. Best advice here, get it ahead of time (not from the airport). You don’t even have to go to your bank, you can request currency online and they’ll mail it to you (at least mine does ;).
  • Some cards charge currency transaction fees when abroad – check ahead of time.
  • FYI, when you use your credit card abroad and if prompted to pay in either the local currency or your country’s currency, always choose the local currency. The fees will be less.