|
Travel Tips
A little
research and planning can go a long way to insure you’ll have
a safer, more economical and enjoyable trip. A little
preparation will also help to keep your property safe while
you’re traveling. But, who can remember all the little details
when you’re rushing to get away? We can help find the
resources needed for planning and remind you of all those
little details so you can relax and enjoy your travels.
Doing
the Research
1. What type of research should I do before I travel?
|
 |
Do some research; learn as
much as you can about your destination. |
|
|
Check to see what type of
weather the area has so you can plan accordingly. |
|
|
Check to see what type of
paperwork and documentation you will need to travel. |
|
|
Find out what type of
diseases is common to the area you’ll be visiting and take
actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases. |
|
|
Check your own medical
coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when
away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance. |
|
|
If you plan on driving, get
your car ready and investigate the local road conditions,
laws and other driving requirements. |
|
|
Do some research about the
costs of local items so you can set your budget? Don't
forget to budget for taxes and tipping. Many governments
charge high taxes for travel related services. |
|
|
Check the dates of local
major holidays or festivals, since services may be limited
on those dates. |
2. What additional research should I do when planning foreign
travel?
|
|
Find out if you will need a
passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is
up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in
if your passport will expire within six months of your
return home, extend it, if you are close to expiration. |
|
|
Find out if you will need any
visas to enter the country. |
|
|
Find out what types of
vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may
also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and
even after your trip. |
|
|
Check the financial section of
your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates and
checking in advance can give you an idea of how much
you’ll need to budget |
|
|
Do some research with U.S.
Customs to find out what you can take with you and what
you may bring back. |
|
|
Build some basic language skills
in the local language. |
|
|
Most of the world uses the metric
system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1
kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62
miles per hour. |
| |
|
3. Where can I find some online resources to do some research
for my trip?
Check out our research links page. This internal page contains
links and descriptions of many sites that are helpful in
planning a trip. For your convenience, many of these links are
also placed in appropriate sections of this site, but this
page condenses all these links to one location.
DO &
DON’T
I. CULTURAL TIPS:
1. Smile and great people, especially elders.
2. Shake hands, gently.
3. Be sure to sit at the same level as other people.
4. Be polite to each other.
5. Use only the right hand to eat and hand objects or
money to someone.
6. Accept hospitality and food, you don't have to eat and
drink, but it's polite to accept.
7. Dress modestly. Women should keep upper arm and things
covered.
8. Bend down and walk around seated people when you need
to pass.
9. Say good bye and than you when you leave.
II. DON’T:
1. Enter houses, buildings or village without being
invited.
2. Wear shoes inside a house.
3. Point at people with your finger. Don't ever use your
foot to point object or people.
4. Point the bottom of your feet directly at people whilst
sitting on the floor.
5. Touch anyone's head.
6. Step over people or food on the floor.
7. Eat with your left hand, or use your left hand to give
or accept object or money.
8. Raise your voice, especially in
anger |
