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6 Tips Before Traveling Abroad
Here are a few tips that will help the next time you make a venture out of the country.
Now that the days of summer are winding down and you’re tagging the remaining pics from your trip to Europe, you may be wishing you had been better prepared. There are many unexpected snags that can take place, so here are a few tips that will help the next time you make a venture out of the country:
- Tell your bank you’re going out of the country. Make sure to call your bank’s credit/debit card provider so transactions throughout your trip are approved to process.
- Leave room in your carry-on bag. That way, if the airline wants to charge you $50 extra because your checked bag is 2 pounds over (true story), you can transfer your souvenirs to make it lighter.
- Be cautious of your cell phone’s plan. Most U.S. carriers have international voice and data plans, but they’re limiting and costly. To avoid the carrier calling you with a $570 overage because you were updating your status (truer story), use free Wi-Fi or buy a SIM card/calling card in the country you’re visiting.
- Make sure to carry some cash. A lot of places in Europe don’t accept credit or debit cards. By taking cash, you can avoid unnecessary ATM fees for the money you borrowed for that 5€ Vuvuzela (even truer story).
- Only take forms of payment that you NEED. Avoid taking your entire wallet or purse, because there will be a lot to replace if it gets lost or stolen. Keep it simple; take a debit card, credit card and some cash so there’s minimal risk.
- Write down the contact information for your credit and debit cards (and keep it in a different place). In case your wallet is stolen, minimal prep work beforehand will make your life a lot easier in case you need to freeze or cancel your accounts.