Ten Things You Should Know Before Traveling to a Place You’ve Never Been Before

This advice is mostly for destinations outside your homeland, but some of it does apply to travel anywhere. So what should you know before you travel to a place you’ve never been before?

1. Weather. What about the weather? What season will it be when you go? Will it be their rainy season? In some places, winter is dry and summer is rainy or winter may be their wet season and summer is brutally hot and dry. Remember that some parts of the world have opposite seasons so it may be summer where you live but winter where you’re going or vice versa. It is important not only for knowing what to expect but also how to pack.
2. Passports and tourist visas. Do you need a passport? Most countries require a passport for entry. Most countries require it to be valid for 3-6 months after you exit the country, so be sure to check the expiration date on your passport. Some countries also require a tourist visa, which requires you to submit an application form, your passport, payment, and photo(s). Even if you are a U.S. citizen taking a cruise that departs from a U.S. port, you may need a passport or passport book if it is not a closed-loop cruise. Check out this app to get cheap and legal passport photos at home.
3. Required and recommended vaccinations. You may need a vaccination or two before you go. Even if it is not required, if the World Health Organization or Center for Disease Control recommends a vaccine, you should get it. Always check this out before you book any trip.
4. Public holidays. No matter where you’re traveling, there may be public holidays or special events. This means museums, public transportation, and banks may be closed. And if there is a special event, there may be traffic issues or sold-out accommodations. Some attractions are closed on select days, such as Sunday or Monday. Be sure to plan accordingly.
5. Electrical voltage. You may need converters and adaptors for your chargers, hair dryers, electric shavers, etc. You can buy a universal kit for a cheap price on Amazon that will serve you during all your travels. FYI: An adaptor permits you to plug in your gadget. A converter makes it work without blowing it up!
6. Pre-booking. Another important thing to check out before you go anywhere is if you should pre-book tickets, such as a popular show, attraction, tour, flight, and/or lodging. Some, especially to popular destinations and/or peak season, are sold out up to one year in advance.
7. Show me the money! Find out what you need to know about tipping (what is included and excluded), exchange rates, acceptable forms of payment (some places only accept cash or local currency), and credit cards. Many places in Europe now only accept credit cards with security chips. Also, some parts of the world do not widely accept Discover or American Express. Be sure to notify your credit card about your trip or your card could be ‘frozen’ to prevent identity theft/fraud.
8. Find out about food. If you have any dietary restrictions, such as diabetes, a heart condition, food allergies, or you are a strict vegetarian, it is especially important for you to know what food is available during your travels. You may need to bring food if your request cannot be accommodated during part of your trip. If you need a special meal on the airplane, you must request that when you book your ticket.
9. Find out what’s there. My best advice for anywhere you are going is to take a half-day city ‘orientation’ tour your first day. This well acquaints you with the layout of the city, as well as what there is to see and do. You can find out what is within walking distance and how safe an area is, etc. Also, you should talk to locals, such as cab drivers, bus drivers, waitresses, and hotel desk clerks to find out what’s not in the guidebooks. What should you skip? What should you not miss? Where is the best place to eat? Is there a place most tourists don’t know about they recommend you visit?
10. Learn about the culture. Whether you’re visiting Nebraska or Nepal, find out about the locals (like their customs and beliefs) and be respectful. Be sure to dress and behave appropriately. In some cases, it can keep you out of jail.

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Coming in March: Uber Adventures: Top Ten Travel Tips for Key West, Florida (podcast) and Virtual Vacation Day (freebies). Most recent post: Traveling to London.