VISITING FOREIGN COUNTRIES:

You cannot fully appreciate your own country until you have explored other countries.

          Plan your trip after  talking to people who have travelled in the countries you will visit.

          Go online to research and to find out the climate at your destination.

          Make sure your visas and passport  are valid for much longer than you expect to be away and your vaccinations are current  for the countries you plan to visit.

          Read your ticket conditions with care.

          Make a list of essential things to take before you pack.

          Learn some basic local language skills such as; ‘Thank you.’ and ‘Where is a toilet?“

          Try to get your travel from the airport and your first few nights accommodation organised before you depart.

          Travelling can be easy or stressful. Here’s some good advice from an experienced traveller.

Five of the best tips when travelling overseas

*  Travel with minimum luggage

          Take half as many clothes as you think you will need and twice as much money. If you need something you can always buy it.

          Try to avoid check in luggage.  This speeds up your exit at your destination and eliminates the stress of losing luggage.

          Load up and carry a credit or debt card. Check that the county you are visiting will accept your card. Always have some local cash to get to your  accommodation and for emergencies.    

*  Travel insurance is essential

          Shop around to find the best and most reliable travel insurance plan. You need a good insurance provider  because of the high cost of medical services in countries like the USA and the cost of bringing you home if you have an accident.

          Take pro-biotics – they help you avoid some illnesses.  Don’t forget your medications and a prescription to confirm you are not carrying illegal drugs.

*  Take precautions

          Advise your bank or credit card company of your plans so your money doesn’t stop when you are travelling.

           Be aware of dangers. Tourists are often targeted by thieves so take precautions. Wear a body belt for your valuables. Keep your passport details, credit card numbers and vital contact addresses  in several places.

          Before you start to explore a strange city take a photo on your cell phone of your accommodation and your vital travel documents. There is nothing worse than forgetting where you are staying or not being able to produce your passport if required.  

          Watch out for mosquitoes at dawn and dusk in tropical countries. Malaria and dengue fever are still major problems in many  countries.

          Don’t drink tap water or take ice in your drinks. Be wary of salads and uncooked foods.

* Find out Customs restrictions before you arrive

          Make sure you fill in your arrival form accurately and honestly.

          Never lose your temper with Customs or Immigration officials.

*  Aim for comfort

          Book early so you can choose where you sit in the aircraft  An aisle seat makes it easier to move around the aircraft and exercise on long flights and to get a drink during the night.                Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and to help reduce ‘jet lag’.

          Eat light meals and drink alcohol modestly.

          Enjoy your trips. Plan a flexible itinerary. Allow for relaxation times. Travelling can be stressful.

          Accept local hospitality if it is offered because you will make good friends and learn much.

-Geoffrey Moss

“Experienced travellers have the lightest bags.”

Source: ” Rolling On” contains many anecdotes of the authors travels. This e-book is available free from mossassociates.co.nz .