My Tips for Traveling Abroad

A friend of mine is taking her first European vacation this summer and had recently asked me for some advice on what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, etc.

The Sagrada Familia - Barcelona,Spain

I have been lucky enough to have done quite a bit of traveling in my lifetime, so, while I am no expert, I definitely thought she could benefit from some of my experiences. 

Here were some of my tips:

1. Learn the language.

No, you will probably not be able to become fluent in French before your trip to Paris, but I guarantee that the locals will at least appreciate the effort if you give their language a shot. Learn some key words and phrases, like "Hello", "Goodbye", "Thank you", "Excuse me", "Where is this?" (use when you need to point something out on a map), "How much does this cost?", you get the idea. In some big cities, a lot of people will speak English so you will be able to communicate, but at least try it in their language first. They will realize your French is terrible and save you the embarrassment and speak in English.

Eifle Tower - Paris, France

2. Limit what you keep in your pockets or purse.

I bet your hotel will have a safe in it, so that is a pretty safe place to keep your passport and other important items, including extra cash, credit cards, memory cards, etc. Pick-pocketing is prevalent in any big city (foreign or otherwise) so be mindful of what you keep on you at all times. You do not need your passport just walking around the city, but you will definitely need it when you want to go home, so don't chance it by carrying it around with you. Basically all I carried around with me was a map, camera, and cash. I did not use credit cards at all (depending on what credit card you use, you will probably have certain fees), but I did use my bank card to withdraw money from an affiliated bank.

Buckingham Palace - London, England

3. Bring a watch.

Unless you want to pay extra for foreign roaming service, you probably won't be using your cell phone. And since most people use their cell phone to tell time, bring a watch. Enough said. 

Monserrat - Barcelona, Spain

4. Understand and embrace the culture.

Most of my traveling abroad has been in big groups, and inevitably there are people in those groups who compare everything to how it is done in the States. Guess what. You are in a foreign country, things will not be familiar or "normal" to you. And that is what this adventure is all about! So if you go to Spain and order a tortilla, don't get all huffy and puffy when they bring you what looks like an omelet. Tortillas are not the same in Spain as they are in Mexico, and thus the U.S. Also, things like service in a restaurant, hours of business, or social interaction between the sexes or classes will probably be different than what you are used to. But that is okay. Embrace the culture that you are in. Try new things. And don't complain (especially aloud around locals) about "We would never do this/eat this/see this/etc in the U.S"

Neuschwanstein Castle - Bavaria, Germany

4. Use public transportation

Public transportation is the cheapest and easiest way to get around a new city, so don't be afraid of it. Yes, you will probably have to be extra cautious about where you put your wallet (answer, not in your back pocket). Definitely study a map of where the stops are before you even step foot in the subway station or on the bus. Pulling out a map or loudly discussing how lost your are is like standing under a bright blinking sign that screams "TOURIST". Figure out where you want to go, which line you need to take, and which stop to get off. If you do happen to get lost, ask a nice looking local for help. I guarantee they will be willing to help you. Just remember rule #1.

Gelato - Florence, Italy

5. Don't eat at McDonalds

This isn't really a rule, but I am pleading with you...DON'T EAT AT MCDONALDS! Or any American fast food chain, for that matter. Why would you travel thousands of miles to eat the same food you eat in the U.S.? It doesn't make sense. And I bet the food in the country where you are visiting is wonderful. Even if you "don't like Italian food". What you really don't like is the Americanized version of Italian food. So when you are in Italy, try their food. I bet you will like it. Because it can be overwhelming to figure out where to eat, do your research before you go. Pick out a few restaurants in the city that you want to try before you even leave the States. But also keep an open mind to suggestions from the locals. They really know whats up.

I think those are enough tips for now. I am sure I will have more later.

What are your tips for traveling abroad?

Linking up with Travel Tuesday and Just Because Tuesday