Trifter

Once you have chosen a destination, you can begin planning for your big trip. The following are suggestions that will help you prepare yourself in the weeks before your departure.

• Familiarize yourself with the country. Check out a travel book or website and learn about the country’s history, culture and points of interest.
• Learn the language. Of course you won’t have the time or inclination to master the native language of another country just for vacation purposes, but it wouldn’t hurt to learn a few simple words and phrases. “Please,” “Thank you,” “How much does it cost,” “Do you speak English” and other commonly used expressions can be very helpful.
• Make friends in the other country. It is extremely helpful to befriend a person who resides in the country that you are visiting. A native friend can offer a wealth of knowledge about his or her area, including little-known attractions, places to avoid and general knowledge. It can be very reassuring if your friend is able and willing to meet you at the airport and help you get settled in.

An important part of preparation is in knowing what you wish to take with you:

• Be sure to take along any toiletries that you can’t live without or accept a substitute for. You can expect to not find familiar brands of cosmetic and hygiene supplies in a foreign market.
• Pack an empty duffel bag in your suitcase, in case you end up with an abundance of souvenirs
• If you are meeting a friend, bring a gift to show your gratitude. Non-perishable food items that are made locally, a nice shirt from your hometown or simple electronic items make great gifts. If in doubt, ask your friend what they would like.
• Bring a novel or puzzle book to entertain you during long flights and delays at the airport
• Don’t forget the camera, even if you don’t normally take a lot of photos! It’s better to have it and not need it than to see something amazing and not be able to photograph it
• If you are taking electrical items like hair dryers, razors and etc., you may need to buy a plug adaptor. Many countries use different plugs than the US standard. Adaptor sets can be purchased in most electronics stores.
• Even if you are visiting a tropical climate, pack at least one set of warm clothing. Sometimes the nights will be windy and cold even in summertime.
• Pack at least one full set of clothing in each bag, in case the “clothes suitcase” is delayed or lost in transit
• If you are bringing liquids such as shampoo, body lotion and such, seal the items in a plastic bag to avoid leaking