I used to roll my eyes at perfectly organized people with all their systems and overplanning. I was too busy
enjoying my life to obsess over every last detail. However, I have since learned to appreciate how a little organization goes a long way in preventing or overcoming travel mishaps. Below are some tips culled from various sources as well as my own experiences.
- Bring two ATM cards, 2 credit cards, and some cash: I left my only ATM card in bank machine in Phuket. Credit cards cash advances, wiring money, or sending a replacement card via courier such as FedEx to a foreign address all cost money. Next time I intend to travel with two ATM cards from seperate checking accounts. If you have an online savings account, such as ING, you can use this as a way of transfering money between accounts. Credit cards and cash are good backups when an ATM is not available.
- Make copies of important documents & important numbers: This includes your passport, drivers license, and travel health insurance policy. Carry the international contact numbers for banks and credit cards. Also have your card & bank details accessible in case your card is lost of stolen. Leave a copy of this information with someone you trust back at home.
- Get a sim card for a mobile handset with a small amount of credit on it: I use Skype to keep in touch with loved ones, but a cell phone comes in handy when Skype is either unavailable or you do not have time to search for a computer (I am traveling without a laptop) Before leaving America, I suspended my cell phone service but packed my Motorola Razr handset. Then I purchased a local sim card when it was practical. (You will need un "unlocked" device for this to work. If your phone is locked, buy one on eBay or at your destination if basic cell phones tend to be cheap there) In Austria, a local sim card came in handy when I wanted to call my friend Andy and no interet cafes were nearby to skype. It helped me again when I left my credit card in a bike rental kiosk. It took one minute to call and put the card on hold to prevent unauthorized transactions (When I finally made it back to that particular kiosk the card was still there. Thank you kind citizens of Vienna for not stealing it! Good karma is yours!)
- How to get un-lost: Take a business card from your hotel or hostel and tuck it in you wallet. If you wander far away and have no idea how to even pronounce the name of where you are staying, you can show it to a driver who will. This was so helpful in Asia and the ride was usually only a dollar or two. I also use my digital camera to take pictures of street names, landmarks, etc. so I can show people where I want to go when asking directions. Associating a familiar word with a foreign makes it easier to remember. For example, while staying on Kubekgasse street, I thought of it as "Stanley Kubrik street."
- Remain optimistic: Get over the fear of looking stupid. Ask for help when you need it. It continues to amaze me how many people are willing to help (and speak some english too!) Take setbacks in stride. Sometimes there are just days when everything goes wrong. Frustrating at the time, these experiences often make the best travel stories and teach you the most.
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