Aerograph NOVEMBER 2010
For those who have read this column for years, you will recall that there are always “things to do” and places to learn about….but why not remind everyone…things NOT to do. First of all, if you do a lot of traveling out of country…do NOT let your passport expire!
Even getting close to expiration date will not allow you in to some countries that require a minimum of 6 months till expiration, or they won’t even let you enter….and it ruins your day when they make you get on another plane and go somewhere else. It may take 2 months to get that renewal, so plan on sending yours in 5-6 mo. before expiration date or 3-4 months before you depart the US.
How many credit cards will you be carrying when you leave on your trip? Five or six? All you own? Wrong! Two should be max in your wallet and your traveling companion could have two other cards in their purse/wallet. Stolen wallets/purses are not out of the question and do you know the 800 number to call if that happens times 6 or 8 cards. You should have those numbers (on the back of your card) written down and available….your partner and you should have a copy of ALL the card phone numbers that both of you are carrying. One of you is carrying a credit card from a credit union, right?!? If you’re planning to use an ATM over there or charge in a foreign country – a credit union card will cost you about 1% of the foreign currency amount….your hometown bank credit cards will charge you between 3-4%. And while talking about foreign money…..no; don’t buy it here in the US. The rate they give you here is way less than you will get overseas, and every arrival airport has 2 or 3 places that will accept US $ in exchange for their currency….right there where you get your baggage. Warning: Those counters in the arrival section of the airport, do not have as good a rate of exchange as “in town” banks or ATM’s have, so just exchange enough at the airport to get you to your hotel and find better rates….even some of the larger hotels will offer a decent rate…..ask your concierge where the nearest bank is and let him make a call for you….ATM’s are everywhere!
Do not expect that your cab driver can speak English. Quite often they will shake their head “yes” but you’ll never know if they did really understand what you said. Before getting in and closing the door, note the cab number, greet the driver with a “hello” and see if he answers, and then ask if they know where your destination is.
The hotel you’re staying at will be happy to give you a business card with their name and address which cab drivers can find. In some countries, you will find “street vendors” selling items right there on the sidewalk (particularly near some of the larger higher price hotels)…these are usually not real expensive items that you are getting at a “reduced price”. If you’re satisfied with a fake or cheap imitation that might impress your neighbor at home, go ahead (for instance, a $13 Rolex watch).
Flying from one country to another can be costly in other parts of the world. We are used to “commuter” flights here in the US which are usually not too expensive, but in Europe and Asia, smaller airlines are quite often more expensive than the “biggies”. Think trains and buses and on trains, if your not planning on long trips, 2nd Class will get you there for much less than 1st Class and a ton less than the airlines. You can also buy a Rail Pass here in the US for a big saving if you’re planning to do a lot of travel via train. You can order (and pay) for those passes on the computer, get it sent to your house, and you only have to check in at the first station that you are leaving from…..a great way to travel in most of the European countries. The EuRail pass is good in 21 countries but you can also buy a pass (at less cost) for just 1 country. The passes are good for a certain amount of time after you use it for the first time. In addition, you can buy a Saver rail pass for your partner at nearly _ price (you must both travel at the same time).
And finally, don’t waste that vacation by taking pictures of everything that moves. And don’t expect that everything you see or hear will be exactly like home……enjoy the view and the different things you will see….which will become memories you will never forget. You deserve it and you will never forget those trips.
