Top 10 Helpful International Travel Tips by Archaeologous
See if you know the 10 best tips for international travel like: carrying a zipped purse/bag so you won't have to karate chop a pickpocket, passport requirements, medication tips, what your embassy says about travel alerts and more. So read, learn, and be safe on your next travels. Archaeologous.com, the Greece and Turkey tour specialists offers this and many more travel tips.
#1. To obtain your passport in the USA, the only authorized passport issuer is the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Make copies of your passport and place in another place other than your purse or person.
#2. For the ladies, it's always smart to carry a purse/bag that is zipped. You don't want to have to do a karate knee kick like I did on an Italian train when I found the pick pocket's hand 'in' my purse...
#3. As soon as you get to any destination grab a calling card from your hotel, as it will come in handy to give to your taxi driver at a later time---I could tell you how I 'lost' my hotel my first time in Rome---Also, find out where the closest internet cafe, bank, tube station, and restaurants are. That way you always have the look of knowing where you are. There are people watching for those that 'look' lost.
#4. Always an excellent idea to notify your credit card company's fraud alert dept. that you will be traveling, the dates, plus which countries. I speak from experience and you don't want to be stuck with a credit card that's been turned off 'just' when you really need it.
#5. Google any travel alerts leading up to your travels. You should give your family/friends a print out of your exact itinerary, travel agents numbers and for yourself have all the pertinent phone numbers like the local French, Spanish, American etc. embassy.
#6. Make sure your passport has more than 6 months left 'before' expiration. Some countries will not let you enter if you only have 6 months left. The thinking is if you somehow get delayed overseas, that country wants to be really sure that your passport will be valid for quite a while for your safe uncomplicated return to your home country.
#7. If you are on a cruise or traveling by land (not by air) only to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean you may obtain a ‘passport card’. Only US citizens may obtain this and remember it is ‘not’ good for air travel.
#8. I know the majority of travelers like everything planned out, however, you can get some sweet deals on hotels, cars, and airline flights when you are actually there on the ground and save some monies if you are on a tight budget. There are many overseas airlines Ryan Air, Alitalia, Olympic that have good rates that are 'different' than when you book from the US. If you have a friend in the country you will be visiting, have them do a comparison before you book.
#9.Some countries will let you enter with only a birth certificate and or birth certificate and a valid driver’s license. Most foreign countries, however, require a valid passport to enter and leave. Note: 'all' persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air, must present a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
#10. Medications- Make copies of all your medication to take with you (with doctors prescriptions), also it's good to take an extra supply with you as walking down the streets of Athens or Istanbul at night hunting for something you need is 'not' ideal! Enjoy your great vacation by preparing.
More info on these interesting links:
Fun facts about Greece http://www.archaeologous.com/blog/119/top-10-fun-facts-about-greece/ Learn some basics and save money http://www.archaeologous.com/blog/156/money-exchange-travel-tips-from-archaeologous/
