Visiting a foreign country is an exciting experience. For people who have never traveled to another country, the first experience can be filled with apprehension. The different environment, foods and language can be somewhat overwhelming to someone who is not prepared for it. If you want some tips on how to prepare for your next international travel trip, read the following article for some great advice.
If you are going to a country that speaks another language, take some time to learn some helpful phrases in that language. There are many language CDs that are made especially to teach the traveler common travel phrases. Check your local library for these language CDs and start practicing. If you are traveling with your family, get your family into it. As you learn a phrase, practice it on each other. Learning how to ask for the restroom or directions in the native language can be very helpful when no one speaks English.
Different countries have different laws and customs. What is acceptable in your country may not be acceptable in another country. Learn what the local customs are to prevent embarrassing situations. Also, do some checking on the major holidays in that country. If you happen to travel during a major local holiday, you may be faced with a street full of people and confusion. This can be a very exciting experience, but one that you have to be mentally prepared for so you will not be overwhelmed by it.
It is a good practice to make a copy of your passport and other travel documents, and to keep them in safe place, apart from your originals. This is just a precaution. If you have the unfortunate event of losing the original, you can take your copies to the U.S. Consulate to quickly have them replaced.
You should also give your travel itinerary to a reliable relative or friend at home. This way, someone back home will always know where you are. If you change your itinerary, contact them. It is also good practice to keep in touch with them during your trip. Send them a quick email or a photograph to let them know how your trip is going.
Depending on where you are going, you may experience some drastic time changes. You can get ready for it by adjusting your time schedule a little at a time. For instance, if you are traveling to a place that is 12 hours ahead of you, you may want to start eating, sleeping, and getting up earlier little by little. By the time you go on vacation, your body will not have that much adjustment to make.
You may be tempted to just stick with familiar foods when you are abroad, but open up your mind to try new foods. If there is a local restaurant in your neighborhood that serves that type of cuisine, try it out.
Traveling abroad can be very exciting and full of new experiences. If you prepare yourself properly for your trip, you will get the maximum enjoyment out of it.
