Buzz
3. Notes on Exchange Rates
It's essential to jot down the exchange rate of your currency with the one used at your destination. This will help you get better deals.
4. Carry Cash
Cash is always indispensable when traveling. Especially in countries like Norway, Zambia, Panama, and Tuvalu, where no credit cards are accepted. USD remains a 'travel-friendly' currency, accepted in many nations. In former British colonies, the Euro is also commonly used.
5. Divide Your Cash
It's wise to divide the amount of cash you carry and keep it in various places. This guards against unfortunate situations like scams or thefts. If all your money is in one place, you could lose it all. Therefore, store a significant amount in the safest place and don't forget to divide smaller amounts to keep in different spots.
6. Keep a Low Profile with Expensive Items
This is a commonly known and widespread rule that all travelers should remember. However, its significance always prompts people to reiterate it multiple times.
7. Print Tickets, Itineraries, and Essential Phone Numbers
Some countries won't let you pass customs without seeing round-trip ticket information, and airports may demand to see your destination itinerary before allowing entry. So, print out your hotel address or final destination in the itinerary for convenient declaration.
8. Remember to Bring the Right Charger
If you can't charge your electronic devices, you'll face significant inconvenience and discomfort. Finding a suitable plug adapter that fits the socket is something to take note of. Don't assume you can find a suitable socket everywhere. Countries like the UK, US, Switzerland, Israel, China, South Africa, and most countries in the Pacific have different socket systems.
9. Back Up Everything
Never carry important documents (like an unfinished novel draft, medical records, etc.) without a copy at home or, at the very least, store them online on platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive. This way, you can access all necessary documents anywhere.
10. Don't Rely Too Much on Travel Guides
Travel guides are often reprinted over many years and may not update information about destinations, such as prices, service quality, etc. Many places with deteriorating services and rising prices still top the list of recommended spots for tourists, leading to crowded and disappointing experiences.
11. Dare to Embrace the Unfamiliar
Don't hesitate to try new things, make friends along the way, sample exotic cuisines, or engage in activities you never considered or knew about before. Following a pre-planned itinerary may not provide the comfort and relaxation you seek while traveling. This is why backpackers often choose to go without guides. Even in places like North Korea, where two guides are required to accompany tourists everywhere, many travelers find ways to create private moments.
12. Try Local Delicacies
You didn't come to Asia to indulge in Western cuisine. Dishes made from insects can be surprisingly delicious. Even if they don't suit your taste buds, they can still provide interesting stories to share after your journey.
13. Decide Who's the 'Boss'
If your travel companion constantly disagrees with you, take turns being the 'boss' each day during the trip. The 'boss' gets to choose the restaurants, recreational activities, and the routes to take, adding a bit of variety to the journey.
14. Stay Humble
No matter how wealthy you are, always display humility. People treat you well when you are courteous rather than arrogantly 'chin up' proud.
15. Travel with Just Carry-On Luggage
Bulky suitcases can be cumbersome. Traveling with compact carry-on bags makes you feel more comfortable. It also comes in handy when using public transportation like buses.
16. Explore Less Famous Places
Rather than queuing up at famous attractions, you can discover lesser-known addresses and make your own explorations.
17. Hunt for Cheap Tickets Online
There are numerous ways to snag tickets at discounted prices: always sign up for newsletters from airlines, use efficient search tools, visit popular destinations during the off-season, and more.
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Source: Travel Handbook by Mytour – Courtesy of: VnExpress
MytourAugust 23, 2013
