Dos and Don'ts of Packing

If you only read one sentence of this blog post, here it is, "Travel light!"
Traveling internationally may entail a completely different strategy when packing your bags.

For example, when I travel domestically, I usually pack a few granola bars and/or read-to-eat snacks just in case I get hungry.  When I travel internally, I refrain from bringing any food products as most countries will want to do a customs inspection on anyone bringing in food or animal products.

Here's a quick list of items to bring:

• Prescription medication in original containers.  Any medication you bring with you should be clearly labeled as to its contents.  Anything that is questionable could be confiscated by authorities.
• Photocopies of your travel documentation (passport, visa, reservations), driver's license, and credit cards.  I also scan in my travel documentation and upload it to a secure online location.
• Charging cords (and proper AC adapters) for your electronic devices.
• Mobile Device - Even if you don't plan to pay roaming charges for your mobile device, it can still be used over WiFi and/or as a travel alarm clock and calculator.
• Unlocked Mobile device - If you are going to be traveling for a while, you may want to invest in an unlocked device and purchase a SIM card for local use.  If your current mobile device is 'out of contract' then you can request the 'unlock code' from your carrier.  It is a good idea to let your carrier know that the reason you are asking for the 'unlock code' is for international use and not for use with a competitor.
• Travel Converter/Adapter Set
• Hand Sanitizer
• Pens & notepad - You will need to fill out customs forms on the plane. Don't be that guy who didn't bring a pen.
• Digital Camera and memory cards
• Walking shoes - Comfortable shoes.  There will be walking on your trip.
• Appropriate Clothing
• Toiletries
• Umbrella/Poncho/Jacket - Appropriate outerwear depending on where you are going
• Pocket-sized tissues and/or disinfecting hand wipes
• Swimsuit & flip flops- Even if you are going to the coldest place on earth, there is usually a hot tub at the hotel.  Depending on your hotel, you may decide to wear flip flops while you are in the shower.
• Backpack / small bag to carry souvenirs while walking around
• Moneybelt

Items to avoid:

• Expensive jewelry
• Clothing that screams, "I'm an American."  You want to try to blend in.
• Shoes that scream, "I'm an American." Again, you want to try to blend in.
• Your Hairdryer - Hairdryers are notorious for being the wrong voltage and/or blow up your conversion adapters.
• Food products
• Any contraband / prohibited items by the local authorities

If you are cruising, I also recommend bringing a power strip and/or extension cord with multiple outlets as most cabins only provide 1-2 outlets.

I previously recommended bringing toilet paper, but I have not used that item on my last 5 international trips.

It's 2014 and Cash is still KING

One of the most important tips (beyond your passport and tickets) I can give you about traveling internationally is to have a plan for cash.  In this day and age where I can "charge" almost everything in my normal daily life, when I travel internationally, I find myself in situations where credit cards are not accepted.  Specifically on my last international trip (Brazi), here is a list of items I could only pay for
in cash.

1. Taxi
2. Public bus transportation
3. Bottled Water / convenience store purchases
4. Bed & Breakfast accommodations (I stayed at the #1 ranked TripAdvisor B&B in Rio and they only accepted cash).  Most hotels will accept credit cards as a valid form of payment.
5. Kanga vendors (vendors selling beach wraps and food)
6. Tips
7. Most restaurants accepted credit cards, but some smaller places only accepted cash.
8. Generally speaking, the smaller the amount of money needed, the more likelyhood that only cash will be accepted.

Cambodia

Cambodia was a very interesting country as they are literally a young country.  Their main form of currency is the US Dollar.  An ATM machine in Cambodia will spit out US dollar bills.
When we entered Cambodia, there was a mix-up in our tour destination and (long story short), we ended up having to buy a last minute plane ticket from Phnom Penh to Siam Reap.  The Cambodian airline only accepted CASH for this last minute plane ticket. 

Local Currency

Assuming the country you are visiting does not accept your home country currency (i.e. US Dollars) as their main form of currency, you will need to exchange your money for foreign currency.  There are a few methods to do this.

1. Contact a local money exchange agent in your local area. In the US, you can visit an American Express office to obtain foreign currency.
2. Contact your local bank for foreign currency.  This usually requires you to fill out some paperwork, pay a processing fee and/or make an appointment with your local bank or go to your bank's headquarters to obtain your needed currency.  This method usually does not net you the best exchange rate either.
3. Bring your local currency (and/or travelers checks) and exchange cash at the airport or any money exchange office.  Many countries I have visited have money exchange stores in strip malls.  Airport exchange offices are notorious for poor exchange rates.  Note about travelers checks: With technology advancement and rampant fraud, travelers checks are not quite as popular as they were 15-20 years ago.
4. ATM - My most preferred method for obtaining local currency is using the local ATM.  There are a few caveats to using a foreign ATM and safety concerns, but all in all it is a standard practice these days.  If you jump into a cab without any cash, most cab drivers will be happy to take you to the nearest ATM.

Security

Thus, you may need to carry around large amounts of cash during your international travels.  For security, I recommend keeping cash in a money belt tucked inside your clothes. 

 

After your trip

If you find yourself with foreign currency cash after your trip, you have a few choices.  Best case scenario, you budget yourself perfectly and have no cash left, otherwise...

1. Keep the currency for your next trip.
2. Sell the currency to a friend or someone you know who is about to go there.
3. Take it to your bank and deposit it into your account.  The exchange rate will not be the most ideal but it is the most convenient method.

How to Save Money on Travel Guidebooks

I'll admit, I love travel guidebooks. I love travel guidebooks that provide self-guided walking tours, history and etiquette rules.  I love having a printed book in my hand instead of playing technology roulette with my mobile devices.  The writers of these guidebooks spend months/years compiling the information in these guidebooks for comprehensiveness and accuracy, recommending the best spots for staying, dining, shopping, and touring.  Unfortunately, once the guidebook is printed, it will be out of date because businesses will close or change their name and/or location.

My trip planning always includes a combination of online research and carrying at least one guidebook with me.

My first dilemma is always how to chose from the plethora of guidebooks available on the market.  One method I have found to "sample" books prior to purchase is my local library.  I was absolutely amazed at the number of travel guidebooks available at my library.  Additionally, if your local library is part of a system wide collection, you can reserve books from other libraries and have them delivered to your local library branch.  Prior to my Brazil trip, I was able to check out at least 12 separate books about Brazil and/or specifically Rio de Janeiro from my library.  My library was also a great resource for check out language guides both in print and audiobooks on CD.  My library allows its members to check out books for a month at a time, so you could check out the guidebooks prior to your trip and then return it to the library when you get back.  I personally don't recommend this method as you could accidentally lose the book while you are on your trip and then you would be required to pay the library back full price for the book.

Another method of saving money on guidebooks is to buy used.  After I admit to myself that all travel guidebook will be outdated in some form or fashion, I turn to my local used bookstore and/or online bookstore (i.e. Amazon) and purchase my guidebook used.  After my trip, I usually resell that same travel guidebook online.  If the guidebook you want was just published yesterday and there are no used copies available, then consider purchasing the book new and then reselling when you get back.