INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL…be smart – act smart

Leisure or Business, irrespective of the type of trip, if you are a traveler then you just need to take care of the below points before you travel.

• Security & Health:
  1. Insurance: Check your insurance provider if your policy applies overseas for emergencies. If it doesn’t, and you want to add extra coverage, then consider supplement insurance.
  2. Passport: Carry duplicate copies of your passport. If in case your passport got stolen then still you should be able to prove your citizenship and identity. It is also wise to save a copy of your passport on your electronic device which can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

• Money:
  1. Conversion Rate: Make sure you do your math before you travel to get a sense of where the conversion rate is at. Carry enough cash in-hand as not every place accepts credit card.
  2. Card & ATM’s: Ensure that your credit card will work in the country which you are visiting as many European banks have switched almost completely to the more secure chip-and-PIN technology, and fewer businesses abroad are accepting the outdated magnetic-strip cards. You can carry Forex card where you can deposit the amount before your travel & swipe it no of time at restaurants or any mall or big outlets. The free ATM transaction would be limited for Forex card & once you cross them bank will charge you the nominal amount which will be vary from $2 to $5.
  3. Entrance / Exit Fees: Some countries require travelers to pay in order to enter or leave the country. These fees are not included in the price of your airline ticket, and can range anywhere between $20 to $200.
  4. Deposit at hotel at the time of check-in : Many hotel across the world ask their guest for deposit amount at the time of check in to the hotel. Hotel might ask you the same in cash or credit card details. The amount will be refunded to you at the time of check out after final billing. Your amount can be deducted from the deposit amount if you could have used mini bar, laundry, telephone or any other services which are not included in your stay & refund you the balance payment. If you have given your credit card details to the hotel then always take the no dues letter from the hotel at the time of check out.

• Local Research:
  1. Advance Purchase: Buying entrance tickets / passes in advance you’ll be able to skip more lines, and find more deals targeted towards you.
  2. Research: It’ll be helpful if you make sure that you’re not missing the events going on in your city. Fun things like festivals, ceremonies and natural events. Also be sure to research as you might get the opportunity to taste the national dishes.
  3. Guidebooks: Guidebooks usually containing maps, keywords or phrases, important areas with nightlife and other necessary details.

• Electronics:
  1. Adapter: Different countries have different size plugs and voltages. Make sure you carry the appropriate converter and cross- check for the voltage output as it’d be useless to carry something and not able to use it just because the voltage isn’t high enough for that country.
  2. Phone: You don’t want to see your whooping phone bill in your mailbox just because you used the internet and made calls to home. Please ensure that you have international roaming with a pocket-friendly plan activated before you leave the country.

• Luggage & Packing:
  1. Extra Luggage: Be wise to pack in a few clothes in your hand luggage if in case the airline lost your luggage and you have nothing else to wear.
  2. Check-in Baggage: Each airline has its won set of guidelines as to how many bags can be checked or carried on for free. Make sure to look up what your airline’s rules are to avoid any incremental fees.
  3. Bring Snacks: Traveling abroad is fun, but eating in a foreign country can sometimes become a task. Bring small snacks that will keep you going but make sure you don’t have any liquids in your handbag while check- in.

 

 

 

Courtesy: Travel Zoo