Because we travel so much, we have learned several things that will make our life away from home a lot easier. I am not being negative, but want to make you aware of some of the things that I have experienced that can spoil a trip if you are not prepared. Some of them are listed below:
1. Pack light. You will be carrying or pulling your own luggage quite a bit of the time, getting it from carousels, and putting it on buses. Pack your suitcase(s) with what you think you will need and then remove half of it. Leave room for souvenirs.
2. Buy a portable scale that you can take with you to weigh your luggage for your trip home. Overweight luggage is very expensive to check.
3. Do not put valuables in checked luggage. You never know who will be going through it.
4. Don't lock your luggage. Even if you use a TSA-approved lock, security in foreign countries will break it off.
5. If you are leaving Europe and want to take a bottle of water with you, purchase it at the airport after you go through security and have the cashier put it in unopened in a sealed see-through bag. Keep the bag sealed until you get on the plane.
6. You may be served strange and unfamiliar foods while traveling in foreign countries. Food that disgusts you might be food that is served in your honor by your host.
7. It is best to listen to your guide while on a bus tour. Your guide has been trained to look out for your safety and warn you of any dangers that you may encounter.
8. Be sure to be back at the bus on time when traveling with a group. Nobody wants to wait for late stragglers.
9. Make sure you carry Kleenex with you as toilet paper is not always provided in public restrooms in other countries. Also realize that toilets in other countries may look different than those we use in the United States
10. When going to another country, leave all electrical appliances at home. Converters don't always work correctly and you may burn up your hair dryer. Since you will never see the people you meet again, you don't need to worry about perfect hair.
11. Take all prescription medicines in their original bottles in your carry-on bag. Make sure you also include plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, especially if you are going to the tropics. Follow TSA regulations for liquids that you will carry on the plane.
12. Layer your clothing instead of taking a heavy coat. And remember that blue jeans will add weight to your luggage. Many stores and mail-order companies sell clothing especially for travelers.
13. In Europe, do not wear white athletic shoes. This will single you out as an American and a visitor to their country. You want to blend in with the country's people as much as possible.
14. Respect the people of the country you visit just as you expect them to respect you.
15. Leave valuables such as expensive jewelry at home. If you want to wear jewelry, buy cheap imitations.
16. Read about the country or countries that you plan to visit before leaving home. A simple travel guide gives you great information.
17. Don't gripe if you are inconvenienced. Remember that you travel to see how people in other countries live. You don't want them to get a negative view of Americans.
18. Guard your passport well. Put it in a safe place such as in a neck or waist pouch.
19. Remember that planes do not always fly on schedule, luggage doesn't always get to its destination, cruise ships are often missed, and tours are cancelled. Purchase travel insurance before you go to protect yourself. We have had to use ours several times. Insurance purchased 14 days after a trip is booked will cover preexisting conditions.
20. Have a great time! You are traveling to learn about other people, taste different foods, and see new sights. And think about what you can tell your friends at home!
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