It’s the New Year and the perfect time to start planning a trip for the whole family. The world is full of so many beautiful places that are unique and complete with their own wonderful landmarks and scenery. Regardless of where you travel, there are some things you need to know before venturing out.
If you want to guarantee that your travel experience is both problem-free and full of adventure, take a look at these few tips and tricks below!
- Convert Money Ahead of Time
If you’re traveling abroad where the currency is different, it’s a good idea to convert some of the money that you plan on spending before you leave. There’s no definitive chance that you’ll be able to find an ATM to convert your money once you arrive and it could be hard for you to find a currency exchange in a country with a different language. Bring around $100 - $150 that is already converted, so you have a backup plan in case things go awry.
Don’t convert all of your money right away, either! You’ll end up losing money if you have to convert it back to your original currency, so try to convert it a little bit at a time as you go. When in doubt, use Western Union’s currency converter to get an idea of the exchange rate.
- Have a Backup Plan
Before leaving, copy all of your important documents and prepare for the unexpected. If something unfortunate happens, such as you losing your wallet or purse, something as simple as stashing some extra money in your shoe just might save your trip. Make sure you copy your passport, identification and any other important documents. This could help you replace them later on.
- Learn the Language
You don’t have to be fluent or learn the entire language in a week, but learning how to say important phrases here and there will greatly help should you get lost or into some problems. If you’re traveling to China, learn how to say hello and how to ask for help or directions, or simply pack a language guide that will get you around the city or country without so much as a worry.
- Prepare to Get Lost
It happens, but it’s not the end of the world. It’s an entirely different place, so you’re bound to experience some difficulties getting around. If you’re traveling with family or friends and get separated, have an arranged meetup spot that you can head to and reconnect. Not sure how to get to the meetup spot? Take a picture of it. The local people of the country will be able to assist you easier from a photo, even if there is a language barrier.
- Slow Down and Have Fun
The best thing you can do is to slow down and have as much fun as possible! Take as many pictures as you can, or try the local cuisine whenever possible. Who knows when you’ll ever have a chance to visit this destination again, so live it up to your fullest. Don’t plan too much, just try to see as many different sights and attractions as you have time for. In the end, you’ll only regret the things you haven’t done.
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting the CN Tower in Toronto or walking through Central Park in New York City, your 2016 trip abroad is going to be something you’ll never forget. Just keep in mind these suggestions and bring a camera. You’ll definitely want to remember this forever!
