Just like packing, we have certain items on our to-do list prior to traveling. Your to-do list might change based on the duration of your trip, but there are certain steps we can take to make your trip more enjoyable and safe. Take a look:

Prepare first

Planning an agenda for your trip can save you a lot of trouble when you arrive at your destination. Surviving abroad requires for you to have all the information regarding your visa and passport, but also to have a general idea of how much things and services cost.

Even more, you should learn about the exchange rate of currency and avoid being scammed when buying items in local currency. Write down, names, addresses and phone numbers of next of kin in case your phone gets stolen.

Learn the language

You can learn a few practical phrases that would save yourself unnecessary discomfort. Phrases such as:

• Where is the hotel, restaurant, etc.?
• Where is the bus, tram, etc. station?
• Call the police.
• I am lost.
• I am not feeling well.

Nowadays there are all sorts of translating apps that you can install on your phone.

Take certain essentials with you

Things such as sanitary napkins, personal toiletries and prescription medicine should always be taken. Start by making a list with the essential items and downsize if some of those items are too bulky.

Travel light

Surviving abroad may require for you to walk from one destination to another. If you have 10 pieces of luggage, that won’t be possible and you will only get stressed about taking care of your belongings.

I recommend traveling with a large day pack that you can carry on your back. For any other type of luggage, you should make arrangements prior to booking your trip. Not only you will not have to worry about carrying your suitcase, but they will also be insured if you pay for transportation.

Take care of money

Although anyone in the world may accept U.S. dollars, there could also be exceptions. Always change your money at authorized offices of exchange and avoid private money changers at popular landmarks, hotels and other points of interest. If they scam you, the police won’t help since in many countries they have an arrogant attitude towards Americans.

As a backup plan for surviving abroad, always keep some money on you, but not in your wallet. In case you get robbed or your backpack gets stolen, you will have something to get you by.

Read about local customs and respect them

Learn at least about the basics to prevent patently offensive behavior. When traveling to Dubai, I found out the hard way about how bikinis are taboo outside the beach/swimming area of the hotel. My wife wanted to get something to eat and we didn’t get robes when living the pool area. Long story short, we were fined for wearing our bathing suits outside the “designated area”.

Take care in drinking and eating

To put it in a few words, you should avoid street food vendors. A general rule for eating and drinking in foreign lands, states that you should drink bottled water and eat at decent restaurants.

However, I’ve drank bottled water in India that proved to be just local tap water in a fancy bottle. So this is a big gamble in underdeveloped countries. As an added precaution, I keep a Lifestraw water filter in my travel bug out bag.

Dress native

If you want to avoid paying extra for the souvenirs or getting robed, try to dress like the ordinary locals. Even more, you can wear whatever foreigners who live in the locale are wearing.

Do you have any other tips for surviving when traveling abroad? Let us know in the comments below!

Article Source: Prepper's Will