On The Go: Tips For Honeymooners And Travelers

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Foreign excursions have a tendency to be exciting and fascinating, but they also have a reputation for being a tourist’s “nightmare”. There's no shortage of stories about the benefits of exhibiting caution in where you stay, what you eat, and whom you associate with.

Some helpful hints to help you gear up for a safe vacation;

Health Advisory:

· Make sure you go for a check up (just to make sure everything is okay) and to find out and address any necessary immunizations. Experts advise getting immunized at least four weeks before your trip.

· Take medications and prescriptions for medications with you. Avoid packing them in a suitcase, but instead carry them in your purse or carry-on.

· Have medical history readily accessible especially if you take any special medications or have a condition that may warrant special attention. Persons will serious ailments; conditions or who take a variety of medications should consider investing in a medic bracelet including scripts (prescriptions), condition(s), and emergency contact number. Other types of “essential” information such as immunization records should be carried on your person.

· Avoid alcohol and heavy meals. Also make sure to refuel and get some rest upon arrival and before heading out for some fun and adventure. Experts suggest lots of fresh raw vegetables and fruits as well as lots of water and other water based beverages such as tea.

Buy-Lines:

· Take no purchase for granted. Remember, you are a “stranger” in a “strange” land and may be perceived as an “easy target”. Check every credit card and purchase slip to ensure you are being charged the right amount.

· If you want to ship an item or items home, make sure you have the complete accompanying paper work. Maintain a record or the sale, as well as the shipping order. Consider photographing the item and refrain from paying cash. Choose instead to pay by credit card so that you have a paper trail.

· Secure and retain some local currency for taking care of departure taxes. While you may be willing to pay by check or your own currency, frequently, only local currency is accepted. Consider using your “domestic” currency for tipping and don’t forget to account for the exchange rate and monetary difference.

A Wealth Of Information:

· Carry currency and vital documents in a pouch underneath your clothes. Handbags and fanny packs are too obvious and easily accessed. Small bills and change required for shopping and tipping may be carried separately so that you can reach them easily and readily.

· Couples should consider dividing important documents and money between them. During the duration of your trip, continue to divide and switch what each of you is carrying and keeping it in two separate pouches on your person.

· Avoid cash wherever and whenever possible. Rely instead on Traveler’s Checks. Experts suggest keeping a record of the numbers and denominations of the checks and keeping the tally separate from the checks themselves. They note: should your checks get lost or stolen, you will still have access to necessary information needed to make a claim for reimbursement or replacement.