Tips For TravellersTips For Travellers
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is some of the best advice for travellers. Here's a few more tips for those who are planning to travel to a foreign country:
LANGUAGE Try to learn a bit of the local language. You don't need to be fluent, just a few useful phrases will do. Learn how to say yes, no, please, thank-you, hello, goodbye, excuse me. Even if you're not a master with languages, people truly appreciate it when you try to speak to them in their own lingo. It's also a great idea to bring along a phrasebook, especially in case of emergencies.
CLOTHING It's always good to respect local customs when it comes to clothes. While skimpy tops and short shorts may be acceptable where you're from, this may not be the case at your destination. Use your common sense. Pick up a guide book to find out what locals wear. If all else fails, pack conservatively, and then see what locals wear. This goes doubly for women- if you wear a lot less than the local women, you may attract a lot of unwanted attention.
FOOD One of the most exciting things when you travel is the opportunity to try new and exotic (to you) foods. Learn what locals like to eat, learn the names of a few dishes you'd like to try, and enjoy! However, this can be tricky, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Again, a good guidebook can be invaluable. If you have food allergies or restrictions, it would be a great idea to make a list of the items and find out what they translate to in the local language. Then you will be able to spot the items on a menu and avoid the dishes that contain them.
WATER Also, beware the water. You don't want to spend your vacation getting to know your hotel room's bathroom. Check with your front desk about whether the water in the hotel rooms is filtered or not. If you must drink tap water that may not be safe, bring along a water purifier or drops(check a store that sells camping equipment). I used Pristine drops with no problems. Brush your teeth with bottled water. Other things to watch for- ice cubes, freshly cut fruit and vegetables. Upscale hotels will be more likely to wash their fruits and vegetables in filtered water. Feel free to ask.
SHOPPING Souvenirs are an essential part of travelling! Don't buy anything on your first day. Browse, and get to know the prices before you start buying. It's always frustrating to see the same t-shirt or carving elsewhere for half the price. It's sometimes best to get off the beaten track- you can find unusual items that may not be available in the tourist-oriented areas. Find out if your particular city or area is famous for carvings, art, silverwork, etc. Often the local specialties will be very high in quality. And yes, you get what you pay for. :)
Be aware if your destination includes a market where you can barter. This can be one of the most fun parts of your travelling experience. When asked, the shopkeeper will quote an inital price. I usually counter with around half that price. Then, haggle back and forth until you both reach a mutually acceptable price. But be prepared to walk away. (The shopkeeper will sometimes run after you with a better offer!) Always smile, and have fun. It's a game, not a contest.
MONEY It is always easiest to shop using local currencies. Travellers cheques are usually a safe option, and you can exchange them at local banks or money changers. Banks will be able to change most paper money and travellers cheques, but money changers often exchange at better rates. Most major cities will have money changers, who can trade your home currency for local currency. You can shop around for which money changer has the best rate but be warned- there will always be an unfortunate few who will try to scam you. Beware those with ridiculously good exchange rates. I've heard of people being swindled by rigged calculators or sleight of hand. ALWAYS be the last person to count the money before you leave the establishment. If you suspect there's a discrepancy, count again. Take your time, never allow yourself to be rushed. Once you've counted it for the last time, don't let anyone else touch it!! Pop it into your wallet/purse, thank the money changer, and go. It's always good to have a calculator with you, so you can check the changer's calculations against your own. Be cautious, but be safe.
HEALTH Before you leave, find out if there are any diseases are common to the area. Vaccines are a great way to prevent illness on your trip. Talk to your doctor- he/she can recommend a travel clinic.
When it comes to medication, always bring more than you need! I suggest packing some of it in your suitcase and some in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage gets lost. Also, since every country has different legislation on prescription and non-prescription drugs, find out if your medication is legal in the country you're going to. It's best to bring a copy of your prescription with you, to show to customs officials.
If you wear glasses, always bring an extra pair. Feminine products are usually available everywhere, though the brands are likely to be different that those you know.
Bring along a small first-aid kit in case you become ill while you are on vacation, whether you're in a hotel or you're backpacking.
SAFETY Using your common sense is one of the best ways to stay safe in an unfamiliar environment. If your hotel has a safe deposit box, store your extra travellers cheques, passport, airline tickets, and any other valuables there. If not, keep your suitcase locked at all times. Keep a local map with you. Be aware of where your nearest embassy or consulate is. Do NOT engage in illegal activities. Some countries (for example, Malaysia and Indonesia) have mandatory death penalties for those convicted of drug offenses.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND Be kind to the people you meet and they will be kind to you. Be patient and courteous. Be respectful of other peoples' ways of life. Just because a culture is different than yours doesn't make it any better or worse. Relax, and enjoy the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, even if it's only for a short time.
Lonely Planet travel guides
Frommers also has great travel guides
Rough Guides are also very good!
Berlitz has some extremely useful phrasebooks
