There is nothing more fascinating than traveling to another country and experiencing a different culture, language, food and scenery. I have been fortunate to be able to travel abroad for over forty years, and I am still trilled with each trip. International travel can be a great experience, but there are things you should know before planning a trip. Here are some of the more important things you need to consider:
Personal Safety
Although I have never had an issue during my travels, there are a few basic rules you should follow when you are out of the country. Americans, and tourists in general, are normally very well received in most countries, but remember, there are still issues in some parts of the world. Before travelling overseas, be sure to first check the US State Department Travel Warnings website for any travel alerts or warnings. Its best to heed any warnings that may have been posted as this list is updated on a regular basis. Even if you are traveling to a country not on the list, you should always stay alert and it's best if you stay in groups. Be respectful to folks and their culture as it may be very different from what you're use to.
Travel Documents and Passports
Passports are absolutely required for overseas travel. If your planning a trip, be aware that it can take as much as 6 weeks to receive a new passport. Along with a passport, you may need to obtain a travel visa, depending on the country you are visiting.
Driving in Foreign Countries
The laws in many countries for driving are very different from the USA. I find driving to be one of more difficult things to do when I travel. Several countries drive on the left side, which can be quite daunting if you're not use to it. I also found, in much of Europe, the town roads where much smaller and less forgiving than in the USA. They also don't offer automatic transmissions in much of the rest of the world. Unless you are comfortable with these differences I suggest you consider other modes of transportation. You will find public rail transportation in many countries is fast and comfortable and will get you everywhere you want to go.
Travel Insurance
You will find that the medical care provided in other countries can be quite different from what you are use to in the USA. This is especially so when you travel to less westernized countries with very poor medical services. If you find yourself in an emergency medical situation, you will most likely want to be air-evacuated back to a hospital in the USA. As you can imagine, the cost of this service can be very expensive. It is advised that you buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation or delay, lost luggage and especially medical expenses and emergency evacuation. My family never travels overseas without a policy.
Money Matters
There are many different currencies used throughout the world and the exchange rates change about every minute or two. In the past, I would have recommended you use your credit card or debit cards when traveling as they normally offered the best exchange rates and were easy and safe to use. ATM's in foreign countries generally accept your debit card and will dispense cash in their currency. Your bank applies the exchange rate once it hits your account. These days banks are charging more fees for these services, making them less appealing than before. If you decide not to use your cards, I recommend taking travelers checks and exchanging them at your hotel or local exchange centers once in country. It's also a good idea to exchange at least some money at the airport prior to boarding your overseas flight. These companies charge higher fees but it's helpful to have some money when you get there for taxis.
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