Global Guides

Global Comfort

Start breaking in the shoes you will be wearing on your trip two weeks before you leave. Walk around with your packed luggage to evaluate weight and comfort. It is best to have luggage with wheels or a comfortable backpack. You may have to walk a distance to your lodgings from a train station and you don’t want to be struggling with heavy and unwieldy bags. Be sure to pack items like sunscreen and mosquito repellent if you will be traveling in areas where you will need these items.

Global Flight

Be sure to drink a lot of water on long flights to prevent dehydration. Get up and move around during long flights to avoid leg cramps or more serious problems that can arise when sitting for long periods of time. Many airlines now provide cards with suggestions for stretching exercises you can do in your seat.

Avoid jetlag by adjusting in advance your sleeping and eating habits closer to your destination’s time zone. Click on the Time link on our home page to determine the time at your destination.

Many countries use the 24-hour clock (also known as military time) rather than the am / pm system most North Americans use. Familiarize yourself with this practice and keep in mind that Europeans and other write the date in the form of dd/mm/yy.

Global Health

Be sure to check for travel and health warnings before you plan a trip. Links to the Center for Disease Control and US State Department are found below. Be sure to obtain any necessary vaccinations at least a month before you plan to travel. Some vaccinations such as Hepatitis B take several weeks to take effect, so schedule all vaccinations well in advance of your departure date.

Global Languages

Don’t expect to learn a new language before every trip, especially if you are going to be in Romania one day and Poland the next. Instead, learn a couple key phrases such as good morning and thank you for each place you visit.

Have a pocket translation guide on-hand for quick reference.

Global Money

Travel prepared with a currency exchange rate sheet, available at www.xe.com. Click on the Currency link on our home page to download a currency exchange rate sheet.

Make arrangements with your bank to pick up foreign currency at least two weeks in advance of your trip. Many banks do not have foreign currency exchange at all branches and it may take some time to process your transaction. Try to obtain a couple hundred dollars in smaller bills instead of large denominations.

Obtain travel insurance if your current plan does not cover you abroad. An accident or illness can ruin your holiday and your bank balance.

If you are planning to use credit cards when you travel, you should contact your credit card company before you leave to advise them of where you will be traveling and for how long. Many credit card companies monitor unusual spending patterns as part of their security practices and you would hate to have a hold placed on your card in the middle of your trip. Please note that 800 numbers don't work in many foreign countries. Make sure you have the correct phone numbers if you need to contact your credit card company.

Check with your bank to see if you will be able to use your ATM card while traveling. In many countries now you can withdraw money in that country’s currency with an ATM card. However, most ATM's in other countries only accept 4-digit pins and sometimes don't accept pins with zeros in them. Check to see if your card is compatible with foreign ATM machines and what your daily withdrawal limits are and change your pin if necessary.

Global Packing

Leave room for purchases. Many airlines are strictly enforcing luggage weight limits so you may have to pay extra if your bags are overweight. Shipping items home from many countries can also be expensive and sometimes unreliable.

A travel vest is a great item to pack. It’s light and comfortable and the many pockets are excellent for holding film, sunglasses, sunscreen, maps, snacks and other necessary items.

Pack clothing that resists wrinkling and can be washed out in a sink and dry quickly overnight.

Pack layers of clothing so you can adjust to any temperature.

Global Savvy

Make several copies of your passport and any credit cards or ATM cards you will be carrying with you. Leave one copy at home, keep one with you, but do not carry it on your person, and give a third to a travel companion. Another option is too scan your passport and other important documents and email them to yourself or a friend. Then, if the need arises, you can retrieve your information from a computer.

Make sure your luggage is clearly marked with identification inside and out.

You may want to carry a small color photo of your luggage so if your bags are lost you can give the airline an accurate description of your luggage.

You may also want to write up a list of your luggage contents and keep it with you in case your bags are lost or delayed.

Be sure to apply for and obtain any necessary visas at least a month before your trip. Visas may take quite a while to process and you would hate to have your trip delayed because your visa did not arrive in time.

While traveling, keep your personal items close to you at all times. Do not carry wallets in your front or back pockets. Use a money belt or sturdy bag placed securely over your shoulder. These are sure sign that you are a savvy traveler and will deter any pickpockets.

It is best to travel in official taxis approved by the government with set rates. This will help avoid any problems like gypsy taxis and ensure that you arrive at your destination without hassle or "tourist rates."

Be aware of the customs and practices of the countries in which you are traveling. Many countries have different standards of modesty and may object to bare legs or shoulders. Be especially aware when visiting religious sites; churches and mosques may require that shoulders and heads be covered, particularly for women.

If you are planning on renting a car while traveling, reserve your vehicles well in advance of your arrival date. Be aware that car sizes differ from country to country so be very clear what you need when making your reservation. Double check with your credit card company to see if they cover insurance on your rental car.