Use a prepaid travel card – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Everyone knows about taking traveler’s checks when they travel, but what about taking prepaid travel cards? They’re easy and convenient to use, and many major credit card companies offer them now, like Visa and MasterCard.

They work just like debit cards, and you can use them the same way you use an ATM card. They also offer the same security as traveler’s checks without having to exchange them every time you go out.

Bonus: you can easily keep your expenses in check by putting a predetermined amount on the cards.

Seek local flavor by creating a food “theme” for your travels – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Find a way to link the unfamiliar with the familiar.

While honeymooning in Greece, my husband and I discovered oregano flavored potato chips at a local supermarket. Thus began our quest to seek out “locally-flavored” chips wherever we traveled — paprika chips in Hungary, Maui onion chips in Hawaii, seaweed chips in Hong Kong, jalapeno chips in Mexico…

Find your own tradition and each international visit will be both an adventure and a comfort.

Keep your wallet in your front pocket – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Time and again, tourists come home from vacation having had their wallet stolen. In many countries, the locals have certain tricks to distract you so they can steal your wallet. Keeping it in your back pocket is potentially a bad idea, because you can’t see it or feel it if someone moves it.

Be smart while traveling in unfamiliar places: transfer your wallet to your front pocket. Consider attaching a clip to it to tie it to your belt loop. This should prevent any petty theft from happening, and you will always know where your wallet is.

Don’t forget the toilet paper – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Although Americans are accustomed to sit down toilets and a full roll of toilet paper within arm’s reach, not all countries provide the same luxuries.

South Korea, for example, is infamous for its hole-in-the-ground toilets, with complimentary toilet paper rarely seen in bathroom stalls.

To avoid a potentially messy situation, always carry a travel-sized roll of toilet paper with you. A pocket-sized box of baby wipes also offers gentle soothing support if the country’s local cuisine doesn’t agree with you.

Carry a notepad – International travel tip

by Gadling Staff on

When traveling in countries where you don’t speak the language, always have a notepad and pen handy to help you communicate with others.

Written communication is clearer than spoken communication when there is a language barrier to overcome. The French train ticket agent might not understand what you are saying, but when you write your destination on a piece of paper, there will be no problem.

Offer the notepad to those with whom you are interacting in addition to using it yourself. Your Balinese taxi cab driver will be happy to confirm that he heard your hotel name correctly.