Safety is always a top priority of ours as we continue to explore new travel destinations.  With over 60 years of traveling experience between us we have never run into any major issues. Below is a list of travel tips and how to keep your vacation as worry free as possible.  Keep in mind things happen and hopefully our tips will help you navigate through whatever comes your way.

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Accommodations: Consider traveling to popular destinations two months before or after peak season.  For example a hotel in Rome during the summer could cost $400 USD/night, that same hotel during off season could cost $120/night.  Flights are also cheaper during the off season. For us the cost savings are worth the cooler temperatures, there are less crowds and your money goes further.  The question on whether to stay in a B&B, hotel or Airbnb is a matter of choice.  We love B&B's and hotels that offer free breakfast and large lobbies where you can meet fellow travelers and exchange travel experiences.  If you are traveling with family or another couple an Airbnb could be right for you.  For US travelers who want to build up free stays at hotels we use Hotels.com and Booking.com.  For other great sites on travel discounts check out Sky scanner, Jet-setter or Kayak.  TripAdvisor is also another popular site for finding tours.

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Before you leave home: 1) stop the mail 2) turn thermostats down or up depending on the season 3) consider turning the main water supply line off to your house except during summer months when the a/c unit needs water to run. Some condo's or townhouses have sprinkler systems.  Make sure not to turn off the water supply to the sprinklers. 4) if you leave before trash day, place it in heavy tied black garbage bags to avoid unwanted bugs 5) let someone know of your travel plans 6) have an updated will 7) pack snacks for the trip 8) run the dishwasher.

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Cash/ATM/Credit Card: Cash is king in many countries especially when you get to your destination and you cannot find an of ATM machine right away. I always bring with me at least $200 USD in case of an emergency or pick up the same amount in the currency of the country you are visiting.  This will give you time to find a bank with an ATM machine.  We always try to use ATM's located inside of a bank for security reasons. Please notify your bank that you will be traveling. I recommend having at least two credit/debit cards with you (and pin numbers) in case one card does not work or is lost.  Once you check into your hotel leave the extra credit card and extra cash in a safe.  Important: Only carry what you need for the day or evening out. If you lose your credit card or it is stolen, make sure you have the credit card number and credit card toll-free phone number programmed into your phone so you can cancel the card.  This is a good reason to carry a second card and keep it stored in different place! Visa and Master Card are widely accepted, we have faced several challenges trying to use American Express!

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Cyber Security-Computer/Phone: Cyber security threats are on the rise and yes having free Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop, airport or hotel sound like a good idea, but in some cases can be very costly.  With all the traveling we do, we recently signed up with NordVPN security (only 3 USD per month).  A virtual private network (VPN), is one of the smartest ways to protect your online privacy and maintain your data security.  Never access any personal information, banking, stocks, emails, from an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. A new threat is USB public phone charging outlets which can have malware installed. Once your plugin with a USB cable the malware downloads to your phone. Always use an electrical adapter plug or have a backup battery pack to recharge your phone.

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Covid-19 Travel Kit and Travel Restrictions: Whether traveling across town, traveling n on a train, bus, or taking a flight for business or vacation, below are a few items to consider adding to your "Daypack Essential Travel Pack":  Add an N95  or appropriate mask, thermometer, sanitizing wipe, hand sanitizer and eye protection (we purchased a pair of wind/sand google used by bike riders). The glasses are just an extra layer of protection for those concerned about being in an enclosed space for any length of time.

With so many states and countries around the world managing Covid-19 outbreaks, be sure to check for travel-related restrictions before leaving your home.  You may be asked to show proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your departure or be asked to quarantine in place for 2 weeks on your return or entry into your destination.  In the future health, record passports could be implemented. 

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Day-packs are an essential tool when traveling and once at your destination. Pack for the unexpected, like lost luggage or being stuck or delayed on an airplane/boat/bus or train for hours. 

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Day-pack Essentials (what to carry with you onboard): Carry all travel and itinerary documents, passport, a book or downloaded reading, N95 mask if during Covid-19 or Flu  season (a bandana will not provide the protection like a good quality mask), camera, cell phone, computer or tablet with an extra rechargeable power pack and charging cord, ear plugs, earbuds, extra cash/debit card, flashlight, flip flops, hard candy, hat, neck pillow, first aid kit, personal amenities kit to include shaving cream, razor, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturizer, lip balm, pill box with medications, eye drops, sleep aids, ear plugs, fingernail clippers, tweezers, q-tips, make-up, deodorant, soap bar; playing cards, reusable water bottle (fill before boarding), reading/sunglasses, sleeping mask, snacks in reusable zip lock bags (bags to be reused), tissue pack, sanitizing wipes, lightweight rain jacket, extra socks, underwear, sweatpants or pants, T-shirt, travel blanket, a small travel towel, whistle, writing pen and a universal power cord adapter.  

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Day-pack Essentials (once at your destination): Camera with extra battery, cell phone with extra power source and power cord (make sure the power cord will plug into your power source and your cell phone and camera), earbuds, cash/credit/debit card, copy of travel and itinerary documents, first aid kit, small pack of toilet paper (hiking), flashlight, hat, rain jacket, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle (if water source is questionable a SteriPen Adventurer Opti, has a built in flashlight), umbrella, whistle, Wevon Selfie Stick Tripod (wireless, a must have for traveling).  If going to the beach add: bug spray, a dry-pack, flip flops and a towel. It's a good idea to have 4 feet of parachute cord wrapped around your day pack handle for adventurous travelers.  The cord can be used for a number of things, including tying it to your dry-pack when swimming with your valuables inside or creating a clothes line to dry wet things. Snacks.

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Documents:

Passport/Visa:  Always have a photocopy of your passport & driver's license with you when traveling to another country. Once at your accommodations, place your original documents in a safe and carry photocopies documents with you. If your room does not have a safe, ask the front desk if they have one. It is also a good idea to email these documents to yourself and/or a family member.  If you lose your passport or it is stolen, having copies of both will help expedite the process in getting a new passport from your local Embassy. Keep in mind many countries have VISA requirements that must be purchased before boarding your flight.

When going through CUSTOMS make sure you click yes if you have think you might be carrying something that is mentioned on a customs form. Example: I was carrying pistachio nuts into Sydney and the airline mentioned I couldn't bring it in, so I threw them out along with some trail mix only to find out the customs person said it was ok to bring them into the country.  Just claim it, and save the cost of a fine when in doubt.

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Event planning and reservation: Most cities around the world offer some kind of city pass that lets you skip to the front of the line and sometimes include local transportation costs such as buses and subways.  Before purchasing a pass, look at the cost of each attraction and add up the costs. In Florence we booked museum tickets right through our hotel and skipped the city pass.  However if you are planning a trip to Barcelona and want to see La Sagrada Familia, it is highly recommended to book tickets months in advance.  Hop on hop bus trips inside cities are also an easy way of getting around and you learn a lot about the history from pre-recorded stories offered in several languages right on the bus.  Barcelona and Berlin are two of our favorite hop on hop off tours. In Florence, Italy, skip the bus because most of the main attractions are within walking distance from your hotel. Last, make sure the places you are visiting are open on the day you plan on going, many museums around the world are closed on one of the weekdays, the Louvre in Paris being one of them.

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First Aid/Sickness:  We have learned to carry a small pouch with basic first aid supplies with us at all times. First in a pill container or small bag include the following items: something for headaches, upset stomach/diarrhea (ImodiumAD), sinus issues, and a sleeping aid. Second, a good antibiotic ointment and eye drops, plus whatever other personal medications you might be taking at the time of your trip and a few Band-Aids for blisters or cuts.   For bigger health issues contact your hotel staff for assistance in locating a doctor, hospital,  or local pharmacy. Buy travel insurance when traveling to a foreign country; some medical expenses are covered and policies are very reasonable.  We avoid eating fish on flights.

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Free Tours/Tourist Office:  Many cities offer free walking tours. We often try to book a free tour as soon as we arrive in a city.  First it helps you get over jet lag and second it offers you a little history of the city and helps you get your bearings when you adventure out on your own. Always stop at a local tourist office to get up to date information of events offered around the city and free maps. 

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Foot Wear:  Sandals are nice on a warm summer days but without proper support you may pay the price at the end of the day.  In Rome cobblestones streets are everywhere and having a good walking shoe or sandals with support is a must.   

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Jet Lag: This can be challenging for almost everyone.  Depending on the time difference there are several ways to help you adjust to your new time zone. First set your watch to your new destination just before leaving, try to avoid alcohol beverages and drinks with caffeine if you plan on sleeping on a flight, avoid eating a big meal, consider taking a sleeping aid if your flight is over 7 hours, bring a comfortable neck pillow and ear plugs. Most importantly stay well hydrated with water. 

If you are traveling in the evening and arriving at your destination early morning, keep in mind most hotels have check in times after 2pm; call ahead and ask for an early check-in.  Once you arrive at your hotel, take a quick nap if needed and get outdoors as soon as you can.  We try to set up a walking or bike tour the first day we are in a new city.  It helps clear our heads and gets you back to a normal sleeping schedule.  Plan on taking a sleeping aid the night you arrive to help you sleep thru the night and adjust to the local time zone.  

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Language Barriers: In all our years of travel I have only encountered one country where language was a barrier. In most countries people speak or understand English.  But no matter where you travel, it is very respectful to know a few phrases in the countries' language you are visiting.  A great app for this is google translator.  You simply talk or type a phase into your phone and it repeats back to you in the language of your choice.  If you are visiting Asian countries check an app called Papgo. There are many other apps that offer language translation on the market and many of them are free to download.

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Luggage and Packing:  There are some great videos on YouTube on how to pack wisely for trips.  Many airlines have weight restrictions for checked bags (50bs/22.6kg), so weigh your suitcase before leaving for the airport.  A suitcase that is overweight can get expensive, plus keep in mind you will most likely be bring gifts back with you, so pack wisely. Our recommendation is to check one bag and have a good day pack with the items mentioned under "Day-pack Essentials" above.  When we traveled to Rome in February we carried a packable down jacket and a raincoat that when folded, would fit into the palm of your hand.   

 

Maps, Reservations and Itinerary Documents: With the latest technology it is easy to have everything loaded onto your phone or a tablet, but what happens if you lose it or the Wi-Fi is not working?  When traveling I always carry a paper copy of our itinerary including plane, hotels and prepaid reservation receipts.  Once you arrive at the airport or train station make sure to pick up a tourist map or any other information that looks interesting. 

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Meet the locals: If you have a hobby or activity you enjoy at home reach out and try to connect with an event while on vacation.  In Ireland we took a cooking class from a well-known chef and met local residents and other travelers from around the world. In Lake Tahoe we signed up for a yoga class and in New Zealand we contacted the local tennis club an arranged to play with some of the locals.  This a great way to connect with others and make new friends.

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Pick Pocket's: Yes it can happen to you, but hopefully if you pay attention to your surroundings you will not become a victim. To start, men, never put your wallet in your back pocket. A friend of mine on a recent trip to Burma had his iPhone pick-pocketed out of his front pocket, wow! There were two individuals involved, one walking behind him poking at his day-pack, after the 2nd poked the guy behind nudged my friend behind the knee making his knee fold while the other guy lifted the iPhone from his front pocket  Please be aware when traveling on public buses to always keep your purses zipped shut.  A few members of our family were on a bus in Rome and three of them had their passports stolen.  You are likely to encounter beggars somewhere in your travels.  Never pull your wallet out or go into your purse for cash.  Doing so could result in a snatch and grab event.

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Safety: Take only what you need when going out.  Once you arrive at your accommodations, put anything of value you don't need for that day's adventures in a safe.  For items of value I only carry with me one debit card/credit card, about 100 US dollars or local currency, a camera, a copy of my passport and items I mentioned above in my day-pack essentials above. I recently purchased a travel vest with several hidden pockets that worked perfect for short outings.

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Suggested Snacks:  Protein bars that won't melt (no chocolate), nuts, fruit, carrot sticks, celery, hummus, crackers, peanut or almond butter, something sweet, granola, jerky.​

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Transportation Planes/Trains/Car Rental and Taxis: Whatever form of transportation you take, it is always cheaper in the off season. Airfares in off seasons can be discounted up to 45%. If renting a Camper-van/RV in Alaska, checkout the last two weeks of August where you can find similar savings.  When booking train tickets in the EU try to book at least 2 days in advance.  We use an app called Train Line.  You can book online and then if you need to change your plans it is easy to re-book.  Keep in mind if you book a ticket at the last minute expect to pay at least 20% more.  For the best price on a cheap flight checkout Skyscanner.com or Momondo.com. If you have to take a taxi ask for the cost up front, try to get a good estimate before leaving home or ask the hotel that you are staying at to reserve a taxi for you with a quoted price, so there are no surprises when you arrive at your final destination.

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Travel Insurance:  Why spend a lot of money on a vacation and then worry if something goes wrong. Things could happen before or during your trip. That's why travel insurance can give you the peace of mind at a fraction of the cost. Travel insurance covers everything from flight & hotel cancellations, to lost luggage or stolen gear, to medical expenses.  There are several travel companies to choose from.  For travel outside the US look at World Nomads.  For travel in the US checkout Travel Insurance.com.  Sign up is easy and normally under 200 US dollars for a trip costing $7,000.00. On a recent trip, Nomads policy also covered my CDW insurance for a fraction of the cost compared to the car rental location.  Check with the car rental company to make sure third party insurance can be used.​

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Vaccinations?  It is a good idea that no matter where you travel, your vaccinations are up to date and meet the recommended requirements of any country you are visiting.  Just enter vaccination requirements in any search engine, with your place of travel to see what you might need.

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Water:  About 60 percent of your body is made up of water and yet most people do not drink enough of it every day. Keeping well hydrated during traveling is very important. I always carry a refillable water bottle in my day pack and fill it up regularly. If your water source is questionable at your destination, I recommend purchasing a SteriPen Adventurer Opti. This is a UV water purifier that destroys more than 99.9 percent of harmful microorganisms, including Giardia, bacteria, viruses and protozoa.  It doubles as a flashlight and is reusable for up to 8000 liters of water.

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Watch a movie or go on YouTube for travel ideas before you go:  Seeing the world has become so easy.  Who would have thought you can visit a city/country right from the comfort of your home.  Expedia travel on YouTube has a great series on what to see while visiting a country. Also another one of our favorites programs for highlights of place to see is the Smithsonian Travel the Ariel travel series.  Again just google it or visit their website. If you are traveling to Ireland we recommend the Ariel Ireland video.  What is nice about previewing before you go on a trip is that you might see something while watching video you find interesting and want to visit.

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Where to eat/Street Foods:  To be honest we normally use Google Maps or      TripAdvisor or a local search engine to find local restaurants in the area.  They list reviews and cost symbols so you have a good idea of what you are paying for.  Another good source for information is your local hotel staff/hostess.  Tell them what you're looking for and in most cases they can recommend a nice place.  

When it comes to street food each country is unique in the way it prepares and presents foods.  Do not pass up the opportunity to indulge in local favorites.  Also keep in mind that local markets are a good way to save on eating out every day.  We normally look for accommodations that offer a free breakfast, eat street food for lunch and then have a sit down dinner in the evening. Dining out can be an adventure and you will find all over the world that traditional dishes can be prepared so many different ways.  The best lasagna I ever had was in Chennai, India and the best Mexican food I tasted was in Queenstown, New Zealand.  So get out there and try new foods and or a new twist on an old favorite.

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