Tips for Traveling Abroad

 So, you want your portrait painted on a sidewalk in Paris? Or visit the inspiring museums of Italy? Perhaps you want to shop ‘til you drop in London? Wherever you choose to travel, preparation is key when visiting foreign countries. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

• Learn the language. If you do not already know basic words and phrases (for example, “Where is the bathroom?” or “Hello, my name is…”), go to your nearest library or computer and find out the correct way to pronounce the words. It would be quite embarrassing (although possibly funny) to accidentally say the wrong phrase if the pronunciation is just slightly off! Also, you will charm any local citizen if you can master some flattering phrases such as, “This is a beautiful country you live in!” or “I am enjoying myself here.” It is a compliment if you took the time to learn the language of the country you are visiting.

• Understand the culture. Do not try to high-five in Greece! Did you know that pushing your palm toward someone else with your fingers outstretched is insulting to the locals there? It is known as moutza, and has been an offensive gesture to them since ancient times. An innocent hand gesture to you could be extremely offensive to someone from a different country. Before you travel abroad, find out if your everyday body language could possibly get you into unwanted trouble. In some countries, certain hand movements could even get you arrested! Be mindful of your actions.

• Travel on a budget. There are a slew of online travel sites that help you find the best deals on airfare. Some offer great discount rates if you book your flight, hotel, and rent a car through them. Find out if there are group rates if you are traveling with a large number of people. If you plan to use public transportation at all during your trip, do some research and figure out how much it would cost to go from Point A to Point B. The more money you save on actually getting from one place to another means more money you can spend on the fun stuff, like shopping for souvenirs or eating at a swanky restaurant.

• Be prepared for the unexpected. One of the first things people want to do when they visit a foreign country is try exotic foods that are not found at home. An allergic reaction may occur and, rather than a visit to an ancient ruin, your next excursion could be to the nearest emergency room. A lot of people who want to travel tend not to think about visitor health insurance. However, it is smart to think ahead in case of an accident or unexpected illness. Websites like NRIOL.net offer quotes on visitor health insurance so you could find the right one to help you feel secure while abroad. NRIOL.net explains how you can be covered with the insurance plan that fits your needs.