Nothing’s worse than having to crawl back into the car after an impromptu hike during a road trip.
Grab some water and a quick change of clothes and you can get back in the car with a fresh start.
[Photo: Flickr | Mariachily]
Learn the local celebrities – International travel tip
If you’re going overseas, especially for a longer trip like with studying abroad, a good way to ease the culture shock is to study up on the names in the news.
Every country has their own TV, movie, sports and political stars, and that’s who people will be talking about. If you want to be able to keep up with the local chatter, do a little studying before you leave so that you know who’s making buzz and why.
Being ready to name drop a few celebs will really make an impression on the people you meet as you travel.
[Photo: Flickr | cikaga jamie]
Bring cookie sheets – Road trip tip
Cookie sheets may seem like an odd suggestion for a road trip, but they have LOTS of uses! If you’re traveling with kids, cookie sheets make great trays for snacks or on-the-go meals — the edges help catch spills!
If you flip them over, they make a great desk for coloring, card games, and other activities that are better on a flat surface. If you have really little guys traveling with you, bring along those metallic letters and numbers. They stick to the cookie sheets, for lots of fun play.
Finally, they’re a good seat divider between arguing siblings.
[Photo: Flickr | Veganbaking.net]
Pack your alter ego – International travel tip
Admit it! Deep inside you, there is a wild child — or perhaps a sophisticate? — waiting to get out. Pack those outfits you’ve been too afraid to wear. Remember, on vacation you run the show! You can be whomever you want!
Since no one knows you, there are no preconceived notions … except your own. Express those hidden personality traits you’re usually too shy to reveal.
That green eyeshadow doesn’t have to continue gathering dust, neither does the purple feathered fedora. Vacation is about enjoying yourself. Have fun and show off!
[Photo: Flickr | dreamglow pumpkincat210]
How to deal with touts – International travel tip
Touts, hawkers and scam artists are a persistent nuisance in countries from Morocco to Vietnam, yet many a novice (and seasoned!) traveler believes that to remain open to local cultures, they must be polite and friendly to a pushy people who just want money.
In my experience, the best bet is to completely ignore anyone trying to sell you something if you did not start the business transaction yourself. Do not make eye contact or even say “no thank you.” If you do business in common markets, the things you want to buy will initiate plenty of genuine, local contact as it is.
[Photo: Flickr | mckaysavage]