Talk to your bank and credit card companies before you go abroad.
Make sure your bank and credit card companies know where you’re going, and for how long you’ll be gone, so they don’t put a hold on your account. If you don’t let them know, they may think someone stole your card!
Also, ask them about the fees associated with using the cards abroad so you know how much you’re really spending before the bill comes next month!
I used to commute internationally from the USA to Europe. Here are my best tips for mastering jet lag.
While utilizing packing space wisely is always a good tip, there’s another tip that travelers often overlook: rather than overfilling suitcases and carry-on luggage, leave some extra space.
Many times during travel, people buy souvenirs — from clothing to art. Leaving a little extra room can save the hassle of having to cram items into bags — or having to locate additional luggage for these items.
On road trips, consider a scavenger hunt.
Before departure, the adults on the trip are charged with learning about interesting things online that we may see on our way. We give each person a list of things to look for and try to take a picture or draw a picture of what that item is when we see it.
Prizes are awarded at each pit stop and are usually a postcard or key-chain from that stop. It’s fun to see who collects the most “trophies” from each trip.
Avoid the hodge podge of souvenir clutter by opting for one type of souvenir you can collect over the years and display with an artful flair.
Flag patches stitched onto a cozy blanket, framed local stamps, or a postcard album can turn souvenir junk into souvenir art.
When picking your collection piece, be mindful of how your life will change over the years. A shot glass collection may seem like a great idea in your 20-something travels but when you find yourself vacationing with children of your own, hunting for that perfect jigger probably isn’t on the agenda.