Do you want to finally escape the tedious routine and spend some time in a beautiful corner of the globe? Before you can see the Statue of Liberty in New York, Niagara Falls, or the square in Rome, there is an important to-do list between you and your trip. Since traveling, or sometimes even planning a trip, can be stressful, the following simple tips can help make your trip a memorable one.
Travel planning in advance
Before starting the adventure, let's get started. Here we will take full advantage of the Internet resources and learn more about the destination.
The first step is to find out all the information we need and store it in one place: time zone, weather, currency, food, telephone prices, healthcare, laws, visa information, etc.
We like to take notes of the route before departure in the free online map services. You can exit the doors of an airport you've never visited before and head straight for the bus stop, from which you will reach the city like a local. This saves time and does not stand out as a tourist. Those who look lost will attract the attention of thieves and scammers. Depending on the type of trip and country, it is possible to take notes about highways, rivers and objects in the vicinity – which allows them to be used as landmarks.
Landmark map to help you stay in someone else's city
Find out where the embassy is
Now you can find the address of the embassy in another country using the Internet. Write down the contact numbers and save them to your phone when preparing for your trip. This will save you from problems in rare cases when consular support is required. Most western embassies also have web pages for each country in which they are located. They provide useful information on social issues and government laws.
Website of the Russian Embassy in Washington
Safety tip: When traveling to countries with serious security risks, remember that everyone in this world wants to be treated humanly first. The locals are not the government. Security tensions often arise between governments. Vigilance and etiquette when traveling are important, but don't be intimidated by false media reports.
To have a little idea of what is happening in the country now, we advise you to go to the forums of online communities. On them you can get used to the local culture and environment.
What documents do we use during the trip
Collecting the necessary travel documents is one of the primary tasks before leaving. This list changes depending on the country. Use the methods described above to help you figure out these requirements yourself.
Do not forget your identity documents before flying to another country
We also recommend that you make digital copies of documents that will be required on your trip. Store these copies in secure cloud storage and carry a copy of your passport in your pocket with you. To have access to them in case of loss or damage to the originals:
- Passport. Some countries require a passport to be valid for 6 months after the date of travel.
- Visa (s). Make sure all visa requirements are met (if applicable).
- Vaccination certificate / record. The yellow fever vaccination certificate is currently the only mandatory vaccination document required in some countries.
- Medical and travel insurance documents. Make sure you have a 24-hour emergency telephone number with an insurance policy number.
- Air tickets / hotel booking. Check if printouts are needed. Some companies do not accept e-tickets!
- Medical problems / allergies / blood type. Also include information about family members traveling with you.
- A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor. Some over-the-counter drugs are illegal where you are traveling. Be sure to research the legality beforehand. Also, check with your healthcare provider regarding travel requirements and, if necessary, bring a letter from your doctor describing the medical conditions and medications needed. Drug names vary from country to country, so check the local terminology for your drug to avoid complications.
- Driver's license. If you plan to drive a car.
- Documents for the child. If you are traveling without the other parent or guardian of the child, you will need a signed letter of permission to travel with the child. In addition, children with a surname other than yours may face complications at the border. In this case, it is important to have a copy of the child's birth certificate.
- Emergency contact information. Information about a relative or close friend who should be notified in the event of an emergency.
What should be in a travel bag
Packing your luggage may seem stressful, but it doesn't have to be. The travel bag is your ideal travel companion. To become the owner of a quality and comfortable travel bag, do not save money when choosing one. A travel bag is what keeps things safe and organized.
The first factor when choosing a travel bag is compatibility with the owner. An externally beautiful bag may or may not be comfortable for a particular body type. So avoid spontaneous purchases and make your choice carefully and personally.
This is not a problem if the selected bag is available online at a low price. Go to the store, try and evaluate. Suitable? Go home and buy online.
The next thing to consider is a bag size that is compatible with airline carry-on restrictions. This can be difficult at first, as there are many different restrictions in the world. 50x40x20cm is the size we advise you to strive for.
Putting together a first aid kit and travel bag
There are numerous restrictions on the liquids you can carry in your carry-on baggage. We advise you to use a men's travel bag for the convenience of transportation. When traveling within the EU, you may carry liquids in your carry-on baggage under the following conditions:
How to store liquid in carry-on baggage
If you are traveling outside the EU, there will be different rules for toiletries. Check these regulations with local airlines or airports before traveling.
Travel toiletries:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Shower gel
- Moisturizing cream
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen lotion
- Tweezers and nail clippers
- Condoms
Any man likes to be prepared for minor medical issues while traveling. With a high probability, in a new place, the tourist will be overtaken by stomach and digestion problems. Therefore, it is necessary to grab a container with stomach remedies.
- Body Salt Treatment: Replaces body fluids and salts lost during illness
- Imodium
- heartburn pills
- Beano tablets
- magnesium tablets
- Plasters
- Lip balm
How to choose a seat on the plane
First of all, when choosing a place for a flight, we are faced with the question – seats in the front of the plane or in the back? Either option has advantages and disadvantages. In most commercial aircraft, rear seats are subject to more cabin noise. The difference can be significant enough to cause discomfort. This is one of the reasons the first class is located at the front of the aircraft.
In wide-body aircraft, the rear economy seats will provide better visibility than the front of the economy class, where fenders obstruct vision. The effects of turbulence are weaker at the leading edge of the wing (in the middle of the aircraft). If we analyze the data of accidents in which some passengers survived and others did not, we see that the seats in the rear of the plane are statistically safer.
In addition, you need to decide – a place near the aisle or a window. Window seats give us sweet, gorgeous views of the Earth. But for long flights it is better to choose a seat near the aisle. It gives you more freedom to move around the plane without having to constantly disturb your neighbors. In addition, passengers sitting at the aisle are the first to pick up their bags and leave. The main thing is not to choose middle seats, they have no advantages over the rest.
How to overcome jet lag
Once the plane is in the air, immediately set the clock to the destination time. Try to stay awake until it is time to sleep at your destination. It can be difficult or not, depending on the direction of travel and the time of departure.
Once you land, stay awake until you see the sun go down. It is necessary to give the body to start the production of melatonin. Use substances if necessary.
You represent the culture and values of your country
A great responsibility lies with you during the trip. No matter how you choose to identify yourself. Your behavior in foreign countries and etiquette will directly affect what people think about your country and your entire culture.
Personal safety rules abroad
This is a duty that concerns not only you, but also compatriots who will follow you. The stereotypes are real. It is sad that some become obsessed with prejudice, which is often different from reality. But as a traveler, you must learn to live with it. So keep in mind your travel behavior can affect the tourists in your country who travel afterward.
Finally
Sometimes our lives can become predictable and rooted in the same way of thinking and acting. A harmful position for a curious mind. The static person who neglects adventure and travel will soon find layers formed around his world. These layers protect stereotypes from outside interference. His version of this world will rarely be subjected to real-life experience. Be curious, never lose your love of travel. And remember, even bad experiences create great stories.
