I live to travel! My love of travel started with my first international trip to Japan. Even though I experienced one problem after another (I didn’t go during the right season; I packed too many clothes and not the right clothes; and two years of Japanese with good grades, wasn’t enough!!), I never allowed them to steal my joy of seeing and experiencing a new culture and new things. Now when I travel, I’m very organized and know what to do when things go wrong. Below are some tips to help ensure your next trip (business or personal) goes smoothly so you can experience everything you hoped.
Start off with a check list that ensures you've thought of everything to prepare or bring. Make sure your check list includes some ideas for contingency planning. Keep this check list for when you also pack to return home. There is nothing worse than leaving items back in the country you just returned. (i.e. bathing suit on the back of your bathroom door in Turks and Caicos)
Unless you are traveling for a specific event or festival, off season travel is always the best. If your location is know for hurricane season's or typhoon weather, make sure you have insurance and again, a good contingency plan. Rates are best during this period. Remember, regardless of the time of year, Machu Picchu or the Louvre will always be there.
Take as many direct flights as possible. Amsterdam (regardless of what is being said in the news today) is one of the best locations to get to anywhere in the world. This is my favorite international airport for Europe, Africa and parts of Asia.
Have some of the countries currency on hand before you land. Nothing is worse than arriving late, can't find an exchange booth, and you’re hungry. Although more people are charging items when they travel, identity theft is an issue when traveling abroad so be cognizant of where you decide to charge.
Let your bank and credit cards know when and where you are traveling. Also, reduce your limit of money that can be withdrawn or charged. I recently did this when I traveled to a former Soviet Union country, known for issues with identity theft. The last thing you want to do on your trip is waste time talking to bank officials.
Make a copy of your passport and don't keep it in the same bag as your passport. Its purpose is in the event you lose yours or it is stolen. This will make things easier for you when working with your Embassy.
Talk to your phone carrier before your trip. Although AT&T is international, the rates are not cheap, even if you are on an international plan. I returned to a $300 bill from my trip to Montreal, Canada. I called and explained that I am on their plan. However, the charges for data to text was not thoroughly explained to me so they did give me credit. But who needs the hassle.
Just because you can carry two bag for domestic travel in the US, and we are not as strict about weight, doesn't mean intra-flights within other countries allow this. In November last year, I traveled from Venice, Italy to Rome. I was SHOCKED to find out I was carrying too much weight and an extra bag that HAD TO BE checked in. I paid my Euros (the equivalent of $75), but I wasn't happy about it!
Be sure to pack a small carry on with a few extra outfits in case your larger bag is lost or damaged.
Play down your wealth. Kidnappings are on the rise and not just in developing countries. Plan your day wisely and don't look lost. You don't want to be a victim because you appear to have money/wealth or look like a tourist.
Most importantly, no matter how well you plan, problems happen. Don't let it ruin your trip. Once when I went to India, KLM misplaced our luggage for four days. My girlfriend and I had the best attitude because we decided "When in Rome...." So we bought sari's and ran around India as though we lived there. One of the most memorable trips of my life!
