Visiting new places can be an exciting experience – however, there are a list of things to consider before you get on the plane to that unknown destination.
Medicine, Check!
Depending on where you’re going, you should first visit your doctor to see if you need any antibiotics or shots before your trip – If you think this is unnecessary have fun with your new family of parasites! In all seriousness, there are a lot of dangerous diseases and sicknesses in new places, so make sure to be prepared before you leave.
Bring a worldly friend.
If you can manage it, take a friend with you who knows the language of the country you are visiting; better yet, someone who has lived or lives in that place. That person will be an invaluable resource, and here’s why:
Touristy places thrive on, well, tourists. They expect you to not know what you’re doing – that’s why they charge you more for telling you where to go and where to eat. When you have someone who is familiar with the area, they can clue you in on the best restaurants, real deals, secret places, and translate to keep things easy and less confusing.
Educate yourself.
If you are braving this trip alone, the best thing to do is educate yourself. Practice and learn common phrases from the language and study maps. It is very important to be incredibly prepared. Maybe even over prepared. You don’t want to be stuck high and dry in a place you might not be able to get out of easily (whether it be because of unfamiliar surroundings, or language barriers).
Pack a back up bag.
Everyone has had an airport horror story. And no one is happy to hear that their luggage is somewhere where you aren’t. It’s never a good thing to expect bad things to happen to you, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared when they do. Bring a carry on with a day’s worth of clothes, cashiers checks, maps, maybe a snack. Anything that you can’t live without if you didn’t have it. When you are cursing at airport security about your lost luggage, at least you won’t have to do it in dirty clothes.
Where ever you decide to go, make sure you research the culture and be respectful – and of course, have fun!
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