Travel Advice

This is specifically geared toward international travel, but it still is relevant for any type of traveling.

Amanda

  1. They say backpacking is the way to go. But I disagree; lugging my pack around Ireland, UK, and Paris was a nightmare. Invest in a good piece of luggage.
  2. Don’t forget your converter for your electronics. You’ll need that. We got ours from the container store.
  3. Photo copy your passport and itinerary. Give a copy to your parents, put a copy in a Ziploc bag and put it in your luggage in case your passport gets stolen.
  4. I can’t stress this enough. GET YOUR VACCINATIONS UPDATED! And while you are at it don’t forget your international health insurance.
  5. Take snacks from home because adjusting to the local cuisine can be difficult, especially physiological. I missed Gatorade when I was in Europe. Lol
  6. Take four pairs of clothes that you can mix and match. That way you’re not lugging around too much weight from too many sets of clothes. (Bonus you’ll spend less on laundry)
  7. Cross body bags are very helpful. I got mine from the container store too. It has metal in the straps so thieves won’t try to slash your bag off you.
  8. Don’t forget luggage locks and biners/mini clips for your purses. They can be found at REI. This will help prevent pick pockets and secure your zippers.
  9. Get a wallet with RFID blocker. Again this can be found at the container store, REI, or at Target.
  10. Compression socks! Especially for long flights. It will help increase blood flow while you are on the plane. The ones I use are from REI, I got them for around $25.

Bridget

  1. Take a blanket with you on the plane. It does get cold, especially on long flights ( you can’t be certain if the airline carrier you choose has them, sometimes they don’t).
  2. Carry at least $200 of US currency on you. It’s the easiest to convert or accepted, in case you run into money troubles.
  3. You don’t need to wear the cross body inside your clothes. People will know for sure that you are a tourist if you keep picking up your clothing to get your items out. This could actually make you a target. They sell some nice ones at REI.
  4. Take a camping towel. It’s easier to carry around instead of a cloth towel and it dries way faster.
  5. If you are a student, sign up for student discount cards. You can get them at Student Advantage.
  6. Don’t forget to sign up ahead of time for Museum passes and membership to lower costs! As a museum educator/Art student, I highly recommend this!
  7. If you have you have your driver’s license and think you will need to drive around internationally, then sign up for an international driver’s license. You can get them through AAA. It was about $15 for me. This is great to have just in case, emergency international driver’s license will help you because of the information on it is more universal.
  8. I swear by travel neck pillows! (If used properly….)
  9. Lastly I keep a binder of EVERYTHING! Flight information, hotel/hostel info, a copy of my passport, US embassy info, activities info (like vouchers). I take a copy with me when I travel and I give the other to my mom. It is always great for someone who is stateside to have a copy of all that information. Especially to know where you are and what times for emergencies.

Katy

  1. Comfortable walking shoes!!
  2. Take an umbrella or a poncho, just in case. They’re unbelievably hard to find when you need them.
  3. Make sure you pack enough batteries for your electronics and make sure you know the electric conversion so you don’t burn out any expensive hardware.
  4. Keep a map (especially a physical one not just on your phone or ipod) on you at all times. Your only way of communication is usually through public wifi, so write down important numbers and addresses to know exactly where you are staying.
  5. It’s kind of common sense but: don’t take any gifts from strangers! Be careful what you are buying, travel with a buddy always (if traveling solo, make sure people know where you are and travel in numbers/ well-lit areas) and always make sure you know where you’re headed and how to get back.
  6. I took a can of pepper spray and a little whistle with me just in case too. My dad also bought me a compass to attach to my purse just in case, which sure came in handy I highly recommend!!
  7. Take a language book with you in case you forget words or you run into people who speak different languages. There are books you can find with common phrases in every language, so if you need to talk to someone else that is helpful.
  8. If you are buying souvenir’s make sure you have enough luggage space, international luggage is expensive!

Tasha