international travel tips
This time next, month, the Man Friend and I will be waking up in beautiful Costa Rica! We traveled there last February and fell in love with the easy lifestyle, fresh food, and friendly locals. It was a genuinely enjoyable trip, without the hectic nightlife scene that so many resort-style towns have become known for.
Whenever we tell people where we're off to next, the most immediate reaction I've gotten is, "Well, don't catch Zika!" As a fairly frequent traveler, I was rather caught off-guard with this response. While it might just be our geographical region, I think many people are actually nervous or afraid to travel internationally. So here are a few of my quick international travel tips to help make the best of your vacation.
make copies
I always, always, ALWAYS leave copies of my drivers' license, passport, and credit cards with someone I trust (usually, my mom). In case an issue of lost or stolen identification documents, it's important to have back-up copies available.
have a new (international) adventure
do a little research
Generally speaking, I check out U.S. Passports and International Travel web page prior to leaving. These warnings and alerts come from consulates and embassies in the country you're visiting (also have a general idea where the embassy is located). For instance, Zika is actually a fairly serious issue in Costa Rica. One of the biggest precautions is to wear bug repellant. Easy peasy.
Also, it pays to read the reviews of a place before you stay. Sometimes, a great house is in a questionable neighborhood. I read the reviews of one place that said it was fantastic...other than the donkeys across the street braying at all hours.
be aware of your surroundings
This is actually important any time you visit somewhere new, not just internationally. The Man Friend and I are frequent visitors in New Orleans, but we know enough to realize when it's time to go home. Be careful after dark, watch how much you have to drink, and keep an eye on your belongings.
sock away a little sumpthin' sumpthin'
Always stash at least $100 in cash somewhere safe (as in not on your person and not in your luggage). When our hotel room was broken into in Paris, the thieves stole my laptop and all of the cash in the room...but not the stuff we had hidden elsewhere. It just pays to have a little extra so you don't get in a bind.
Pro Tip: Cash is also beneficial if your country (like Costa Rica) charges entrance and/or exit fees. Many of them run credit cards as cash advances, which are exorbitant fees.
do yourself a favor: try the weird food
don't drink the water, right?
Sometimes. It's genuinely dependent on where you go. While it's recommended that you drink bottled water in most countries (like Mexico), tap water is fine in others (like France).
Additionally, when it comes to food...try some of the weird stuff. Local dishes such as escargot and ceviche are amazingly fresh. More often than not, you won't get sick from what you're eating. However, it's still important to know what you're eating.
financial planning
Check your credit card before you leave. Some cards, particularly those with higher annual fees, do not charge international exchange fees. If your card doesn't offer than perk, consider bringing cash or be prepared to fork over an additional 3-5% for each purchase. Also, you need to let them know you will be out of the country, so they don't put a block on your card.
Also, for the love of all that is holy...avoid the exchange counters at the airport. Those companies upcharge for the exchange rate, then pay you a nominal percentage of the actual rate when exchange it back. Get what you need and spend the cash. It also helps to identify a local bank where you can withdraw money, if necessary.
watch your data
Be sure to check with your cellular carrier, because international charges for data and calls is ridiculously expensive. Many carriers, such as AT&T, offer free calls over wifi. Google also offer the options to download maps instead of using data.
Additionally, make sure to utilize apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger to communicate with people over wifi. Otherwise...just disconnect and LOVE it.
