Travel Tips

Controlling Costs

• Get as much done before you leave

• Captive areas have the highest prices

• Make travel plans based on value not cost

• Travel light and mobile

• Planning ahead saves money and reduces stress

• Use agreement language whenever possible

• Extra's can be economical because of last minute availability

• Buy a local calling card or discount prepaid calling card when traveling

• Exchange rates are better abroad than by buying foreign currency at home

• The worst rates of exchange are at the airports and railway stations

• Banks or exchange desks charge a commission. 

• The best rates are at the ATM and you can get foreign currency at any ATM plus you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash.

Safety Thoughts

• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you

• When in questionable areas move from point-to-point with purpose

• Travel light and mobile

• Be well rested

• Use agreeable language whenever possible

• Be informed of the area you are in

• Ask questions

• Day is safer than night, a group better than alone

• Carry your photo identification and the name of a person to contact with you in the event of serious illness or other emergency

• Use a pocket or purse (if you must) for immediate use money, documents, and credit cards

• Use a money belt or concealed pouch for passport, future cash and other valuables

• Leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative

• Make two copies of all travel documents: passport, International Driving Permit, credit cards, tickets, etc. Leave one set at home, and the other packed in your bag. Never keep all your documents together.

• Visit my colleague's page Kevin Coffey for safety information on everything http://www.kevincoffee.com/safety_tips_index.htm

Easy Traveler

• The most stressful parts of a trip are the transfer points: so research all transfer portions of your travel (airports, ground transportation, transportation to the hotel, etc.)

• The most enjoyable parts of the trip are those special events and places that only occur in the location your heading: Find out what they are prior to traveling - Even a quick business trip can be livened up with a stop at a special restaurant.

• Ask questions of the people that are likely to be in the know - then double check.

• Travel light and with replaceable items: Traveling with only carry-on has advantages.

• Use agreeable language to gain assistance.

• Avoid peak travel hours

• Pay attention. Be prepared for surprise slow-downs and speed-ups

• Government Tourist Offices (GTO’s) have specific information. Many countries have GTO’s in the United States, and most GTOs have web sites.

Click here to access the Travel Resources page.