With freedom just a hair’s breadth away, summer travel plans are just heating up as you ready your luggage bags for adventure. Whether it’s a road trip around the state or an international flight to unknown soil, having fun is only step one. To make your trip run smoothly, follow these simple rules and you’ll conquer any city or country.
Before you go:
1. Prepare yourself, because you never know what is going to happen.
2. Research the places you are visiting. Look into local laws and be familiar with crime rates and safety issues currently in place. Going into a city blind will not only hinder your travel, it could also endanger you as well.
3. Copy any important documents (passports, driver’s license, credit cards, etc.) and give them to a trusted adult. Also, keep a spare copy for yourself should they be stolen or misplaced.
Insurance! You don’t know what will happen, from an unexpected family emergency to a deadly bug bite, life happens and you can’t always control it. Yeah, it’s gonna cost you but wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry?
4. Invest in purses that go across your body. They do have some pretty sexy ones so don’t worry about fashion. Make sure they have zippers so pickpockets have a tougher time getting your things. If you’re really paranoid (like me), a money belt to keep you passport in. Your wallet will thank you.
5. Know where the US consulate is located should anything happen to deter your travel planes. Keep their phones numbers on hand. You can never be too careful or over prepared.
Destination achieved:
Getting to your hotel is always a dilemma. Do you want to pay for a shuttle bus, a taxi, or the metro? Each of these has their own pros and cons.
Trains: Your cheapest option. You pay a basic fair and travel as far as you can. The problems arise when you realize that your luggage is going to take up space and if it’s rush hour, the locals will give you death stares. Plus, if you take the underground in certain cities you may not have the luxury of elevators. Try lifting your 50 pound bag up several flights of stairs and you may regret it.
Shuttle bus: The next best option. However, they too have a limited cargo space. The positive is that it’s a flat rate to your destination but like the metro, you still have to walk the rest of the way to your hotel.
Taxi: The most expensive but efficient way is the all-godly taxi. Air-conditioned (hopefully) and touring your destination in comfort is always a plus. Be prepared to pay an outrageous fare.
Getting around:
Don’t let the shiny lights and architecture blind you to reality, there are still people out there and your best interests aren’t at hand.
Be observant: Sounds easy enough but sometimes you lose track of the time or where you are. Don’t be afraid to ask someone (that looks legit) for directions. Watch your stuff and check to make sure you have everything before you leave.
Don’t wear flashing bling bling or jewelry that screams “Come rob me now.” Keep it low key and you’ll be fine.
Keep your parents, guardian, friends, whoever, informed on your status. Check in with them as frequently as you can so they don’t have to worry unnecessarily.
Party but don’t party too hard. I knew a girl who on the first day of our tour lost 200 Euro. That’s about 300 dollars. Try to avoid keeping loads of cash on you and don’t bring five different credit cards out to the bar.
Traveling is meant to be fun and you should enjoy your time abroad. By being cautious, you won’t taint your epic adventures. You should have stories to tell, not ones that end on a sour note.