Check your passport expiration date. Several countries require your passport to be valid up to 6 months after your intended return date.
Apply on time for visa.
Wearing and carrying expensive items can attract the attention of pickpockets; be cautious and mindful of what you carry.
Take a suitcase that is spacious, is in a good shape and has smooth wheels that makes it easy to drag around.
Packing light is also the key, if you are to use public transport wherever you are travelling.
Power adapters, with the appropriate type of pins (round or flat) and chargers for your electronics is a must.
Check if your mobile carrier has international roaming. If not, buy a plan from your mobile carrier that includes international roaming. If you have data abroad you can easily operate Google Maps, etc. when you don’t have Wi-Fi.
It is important to have a well-planned and spaced out itinerary. You would want to have memories that are clear rather than have a hectic travel plan which will be such a blur. You should ideally immerse yourself in the culture of that place and spend some time relaxing.
Create a travel budget. Managing your finances before you leave and while you are at your destination is highly advisable.
Buy train tickets, or tickets to the popular tourist attractions you intend on visiting beforehand.
Always carry some foreign cash, you might not know when you might need it. Check the government guidelines on how much cash you can carry as a tourist in that country.
Get a foreign country-friendly credit card.
Carrying a forex card is more advisable than carrying a credit card. This is because on a credit card, you will have to pay both the international transaction fees and a conversion fee. A forex card saves you from paying both and can also be used to withdraw foreign currency from an ATM.
Never carry or roam around with all your cash in your pocket, wallet or a purse. Always divide your money and keep them in safe spots in your carry-ons and luggage so that in case any of your bags gets lost, you’ll still have some money that you can use in an emergency.
Travel insurance is a must.
It is always nice to read about the local culture, traditions and food of the country or the city that you intend to visit. Know the basic manners or how people greet each other in that specific country.
Don’t settle for the first restaurant you spot in a popular tourist attraction, because first, explore more and maybe you can find more authentic cuisines. Second, those restaurants might be overpriced because they cater to tourists. You can find classic local food places on food blogs run by local people or those trending on social media.
