Things You'll Need:
- Passport/Visas
- Traveler's Checks
- Vaccinations
- Money Clip
- Friends
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Step 1
Get phone numbers!
Yes, you need to get numbers of family members, friends, embassies, etc. Make sure you store them in a small notebook and keep it somewhere safe. This is important for when you travel you have no idea when you would need to contact someone for emergencies! Embassy numbers are important in case you lose your passport or you get into legal trouble. -
Step 2
Get vaccinated!
You need to get vaccinated regardless of where you go. True, the more modern countries are probably safer and you can't catch Rubella or Polio easily, but the circumstances still exist. There was an outbreak of Polio in Minnesota as recent as 2005! And get Hepatitis shots as well if you intend to eat eat eat when you travel. -
Step 3
Invest in a money clip.
This is the best thing to have when you're traveling for it is compact enough to hide in a small pocket in your pants. Stay away from big bulky wallets that you keep in your back pocket when you travel. The small clip also makes it harder for pickpockets to figure out where you're storing your credit cards. -
Step 4
Keep your credit cards at home.
If you need to, then get prepaid credit cards. They're the best. They come in small denominations and even if you lose them, you won't need to go through the hassle of having them replaced. Traveler's checks are so yesteryear, so go this route instead. -
Step 5
Leave your jewelry at home.
There's not a better decision than to do the above. Yes, leave anything expensive or of value at home. If you need to carry a laptop, then make sure the hotel has a sizable safe for safekeeping. You don't want to lose years' worth of documents or thousands of dollars worth of jewelry when you step out. -
Step 6
Make copies of your passport and visas.
There's nothing worse than losing your identity when you're traveling for to get them replaced will be a royal pain in the you-know-what. Keep these copies close, and make sure your friends and family have them as well. They can fax or email them over just in case you lose your copies as well. -
Step 7
Get travel insurance.
Nothing better than insurance. Sure it can be pricey and redundant, but when your plans change, or you find that you can't make it for whatever personal reason, then at least you will have the luxury of amending those plans. Most airlines and hotels nowadays don't give concessions to the casual traveler, even with the death of a family member. The most you might get is a sympathetic apology. -
Step 8
Make friends.
Befriend the locals. Not just one or two, but several. But have your guard up constantly. True, some people can't be trusted, but show you're honest. You don't have to buy their trust, but taking someone out for a meal usually makes a friend out of them. Don't be too generous, for there are some out there who find pleasure in taking advantage of the naive traveler. Be wary, cautious, but be friendly regardless. -
Step 9
Let the concierge know.
They're not nosy, they're there to help. Let them know where you're going if you're heading out - especially if you're going out with a local or to someplace you've never been before. Chances are, leaving a note for and about yourself would help later on in case the worst happens. The hotel would have an idea of how to contact you.
