As Roger and I prepare for our road trip through England, we realize that there are a lot of details that can make or break a trip to a foreign country. We thought it would be helpful to list a few.
If we forgot anything please be sure to let us know.
Traveling internationally is not as easy as just hopping on a plane and flying across the USA. You are a guest visiting a different country(s) and their customs and rules will be different. As you would as a polite guest in someone’s home, it is important to have knowledge of these differences and graciously abide by them. To not do so, could have dire consequences on your grand tour.
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| Katie and Roger in Istanbul, Turkey |
Traveling internationally is not as easy as just hopping on a plane and flying across the USA. You are a guest visiting a different country(s) and their customs and rules will be different. As you would as a polite guest in someone’s home, it is important to have knowledge of these differences and graciously abide by them. To not do so, could have dire consequences on your grand tour.
It isn’t hard. You just need to be aware. Also, not only is the enjoyment of your trip at risk so might be your safety.
IMPORTANT PAPERS ….
1. PASSPORT – you need to have six months left on your USA passport to travel internationally; make two copies leave one at home with someone responsible and take one with you putting it in a safe place different from where you carry the original passport.
3. VISA – This is NOT the credit card. Do you need a Visa for the countries you are visiting? Check their web site.
SAFE TRAVELING …
4. SMART TRAVELER – Register with the state department https://travel.state.gov There is also a Smart Traveler App and a Traveler’s checklist. They will keep you up-to-date on the security situation in the country(s) you are visiting. In today’s atmosphere of terrorists’ attacks, both on locals and tourists, this is invaluable information.
5. TRAVEL SAFELY - In today's world, American traveling internationally need to be cautious. Here is a link with good advice to help you TRAVEL SAFELY.
5. TRAVEL SAFELY - In today's world, American traveling internationally need to be cautious. Here is a link with good advice to help you TRAVEL SAFELY.
6. ITINERARY – I always write out our itinerary with contact names and number, ticket locator numbers, reservation confirmation numbers, etc. This keeps all this information in one place and easily retrievable. I leave a copy of this with someone at home in case we need to be reached.
7. IMPORTANT NUMBERS – Make a list of credit card, driver’s license, medical insurance, and anything other numbers you would need to recover quickly if your wallet is lost or stolen.
MONEY MATTERS …
8. FOREIGN CURRENCY – Best to arrive with some local currency in your pocket. Enough for some food, taxi or trains, etc. Airport currency exchanges are not the best rate. Check with your USA bank to see if they provide foreign currency. Use your currency conversion App to see what is a decent rate.
9 . CASH – ATMs seem to be a good bet to readably get cash as you need it so you don’t have to carry large sums of cash. However, check with your bank to see if they charge a foreign conversion charge (usually around 3%) or have any other charges. If this is the case, you may want to consider opening a new bank account or get a new credit card that does not charge these fees to use while you are traveling.
10. CREDIT CARDS – Same as above. Check to see what charges they levy for foreign transactions. There are cards available that do not charge for this.
COMMUNICATING . . .
11. SMARTPHONE – Research phone and internet services available in the country you are visiting, including buying a country-specific sim card (if your phone is unlocked). We did this traveling in the Middle East and it worked just fine.
12. SMARTPHONE APPS
· Unit Plus Free app. quickly perform foreign currency, distance, fuel/mileage, weight, etc. conversions to American calculations is invaluable if you want to stay on top of your trip.
· GPS/Driving directions - Via Michelen seems to be working to plan my trip. Suggest you have a couple of GPS apps just in case. You will not know what works in your country until you get there. My expert in travel, Angela Martin, told me that WAZE worked great on thier trip thrpugh England and Scotland.
· Gas/Petrol Station Locator – When you arrive check to see what will work in your country.
· Translation– Google translate has worked for me in the past.
· World Clock app allows me to see what time it is in any part of the world.
TOURING ...
13. TRAINS - Europe and other foreign countries have extensive rail services. They are convenient, fast, comfortable and have a large selection of fares. Worth checking out.
14. RENTAL CAR - Our GEICO USA car insurance does not cover foreign car rentals. But, our American Express Gold Business card covers both primary and secondary coverage. Check with your USA car insurance company and your credit card to determine what is your coverage.
15. INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S PERMIT – Check with the car rental company you are using and the country you are visiting to see if your USA driver’s license will be valid. If you are changing countries and rental car companies it might be prudent to just get one. They are issued by AAA. You do not need to be a member of AAA.
PACKING ...
13. TRAINS - Europe and other foreign countries have extensive rail services. They are convenient, fast, comfortable and have a large selection of fares. Worth checking out.
14. RENTAL CAR - Our GEICO USA car insurance does not cover foreign car rentals. But, our American Express Gold Business card covers both primary and secondary coverage. Check with your USA car insurance company and your credit card to determine what is your coverage.
15. INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S PERMIT – Check with the car rental company you are using and the country you are visiting to see if your USA driver’s license will be valid. If you are changing countries and rental car companies it might be prudent to just get one. They are issued by AAA. You do not need to be a member of AAA.
PACKING ...
16. LUGGAGE – We travel with one 20” roller and one backpack each because we can easily carry our own luggage. Note that European sidewalks are probably very old and roller bags have a good deal of trouble with them. .Not checking luggage lessens the risk of lost baggage. Do a trial pack to make certain you have met the weight requirements.
17. CLOTHING - In a small roller bag I pack three pairs of pants, five shirts, one nice outfit (for dinner/church/etc.), and two shoes plus what I wear and necessary accouterments. Good walking shoes are a must. We put all our toiletries in one backpack and use the second one for camera equipment. Think about the countries you are traveling to. Are there any restrictions on the dress? In Muslim countries, women should be loosely covered from the neck to the wrist to below the knee.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS …
18. PERSONAL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES – USA has different electric voltage from that of
European countries. In England, socket-outlets and adaptors for AC (50-60Hz) circuits up to 250V are the British Standard for three pin AC power plugs.It might be better to purchase small personal electrical appliances when you get there. I have burned up a curling iron and a hairdryer even using adapters. Purchase an extension cord when you arrive – plugs in bedrooms are sparse and in baths none existent.
19. MEDICAL – Make certain your shots are up to date. Check the websites of countries you are visiting to see what they require. Take copies of any pertinent medical information you may need. Note, some over the counter medicine may be banned in certain countries.
20. YOUR HOME – Make certain your home is secure before you leave. Stop mail and all deliveries. If you are gone more than a week have someone go check on it periodically.
Safe travels
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