Please enjoy our list of first person travel tips. If
you have any tips, we'd love to add them! You can email Christine Cloud
at cloud@tamu.edu
with your tip!
Packing
for a trip where you will move around a lot
On my trip we were changing locations every few
days, so someone suggested to me that I pack either an outfit or about
three shirts etc. into 2 gallon Ziploc bags. This was a GREAT idea!!! It
makes packing and unpacking really easy. Also my clothes didn’t get
wrinkled because they weren’t being tossed around and folded and
refolded.
Packing for a trip where you will
remain mostly in one place
I wasn’t going to be moving around much except for
spring break and weekend trips. For this, I got “pack-it” kits by
Eagle Creek. I know they sell them at
the
Container Store and other places. They
are just easy zip up cases to pack your clothes in. For both trips I had
leak proof containers for my shampoo
and stuff like that and then put them in leak resistant cases. The
bottles are made by Nalgene and are the
consumer version of the ones made for NASA. All are available at the
Container Store. Remember, you will be able to buy some things like
shampoo etc. if you run out so if you are gone for a semester, don’t
take enough for the entire semester. Also, whatever you pack you will
have to carry!!!
What type of day trip bag you
should buy
One
thing I bought that was helpful was a bag that folds up into itself. I
used it for weekend trips. Mine was a
Zip out tote by
Bagalini (sold at the Container Store). I also used it to bring
back extra things that I bought and didn’t have room for in my suitcase.
Where to buy batteries
I
spent a lot of money on batteries my first time abroad, especially in
more touristy areas. The second time I brought batteries from
Costco. They are cheaper and they sell
them in packs of 32. In Europe, batteries are more
expensive. Some places I bought from sold them at about 1 euro each.
Taking rechargeable batteries is another option. Make sure you have the
right
converter for the countries you will be
traveling to.
What to do about pictures
If you
are using a digital camera, make sure you have a photo card large enough
to hold at least 150 pictures. Most Kodak or Fuji
stores can put your pictures onto a card and you can upload them to
shutterfly
or
webshots so
your friends and family can see them and you can order the ones you want
printed.
What to do with dirty clothes
I
put all of my dirty clothes into
Space Saver Bags. You can roll them up
and it takes all the air out. They save a lot of space.
Whether to bring a travel towel
If I
am moving around a lot I like to bring a
small travel towel to keep my bag
light. It also might be helpful if you are staying at inexpensive hotels
because they may charge for towel use. You can also find it at the
Container Store.
What to put in your carry-on bag
In
my carry on bag I took Dramamine because the flight is long and it will
help you sleep. Get the normal kind. Also take Advil, travel tooth
paste/brush,
travel size brush, gum,
travel size lotion, travel Kleenex,
Tampons (if you're a girl), Purell,
Chapstick,
compact shaving cream and a
razor (if you're a guy), a
travel neck pillow, a leisure book, and
some music. Not all places have
soap and
toilet paper in bathrooms so it was
nice to have those.
What clothes to pack for Europe
When
I went to Spain I took 3 t-shirts. I don’t think I really
wore them anywhere. Europeans dress up more than we do on a daily basis.
I bought clothes there in hopes not to stick out as bad. In some places
it’s a good idea to stick out as little as possible. Check the weather
before you back so you know what to expect. Also, research cultural
customs regarding dress where you will be traveling. If you will be gone
for an extended period of time, you can also ship winter/summer clothes
home if you won’t need them anymore.
How to contend with street crime
It
is a good idea to have a backpack or purse that either zips or that is
like a messenger bag so you can have it in front of you where you can
see it. You might also want to carry your vital stuff in a
secret wallet. Pick pockets are common
in crowded touristy areas and in subways. Be very careful with your
camera, cell phone, and MP3 players. One girl on our trip had her I-pod
stolen and others had their cameras stolen. Be careful with street
vendors. There are some that try to get your attention telling you that
something is free while someone else is pick-pocketing you. As a general
rule, be aware of your surroundings. Also, make sure you keep a copy of
your passport, other identification, and flight information in a secure
area in the event that you are pick-pocketed. Be aware of
common scams.
How to get money
The best way to get money is to use your ATM card.
You will be charged your regular ATM fee. However, this is a reliable
way to get cash and easier to do in small increments. This way you are
not traveling with large amounts of cash. I HIGHLY recommend AGAINST
traveler’s checks. A lot of places won’t exchange them and others charge
large fees.
How to buy bottled water
Bottled water gets expensive. If you buy it,
remember to get it without carbonation. In
Spain
it’s “sin gas”. I attached a
Nalgene
bottle to my carry-on bag and refilled it at home.
Pack a phrasebook to get by in
another language
When I went to
France
and Germany
I took phrase books. I tried to learn a new phrase a day. Don’t
automatically talk to people in English. Ask if they speak English first
in their language. A good thing to know is how to ask for a taxi or the
nearest subway stop. When I was in Spain,
I took my Spanish-English dictionary and a Spanish phrase book.
Packing a computer
I didn’t take my computer. I had one paper to do,
but I did it without a problem in the university computer lab and in
internet cafes. In most European cafes, is between 1-2 euros an hour.
Health and vaccines
Make sure that you have checked on health issues
that you need to be aware of and if you will need
vaccines prior to your departure. Make
sure that you keep your health insurance and medical information with
you and that people traveling with you know where to find your
information. Have a contact person’s name and phone number included in
case there is a problem.
Where to stay
Hostels are a great idea for travelers
on a student budget. Other student travelers use them often as well, so
it is a great way to meet people our age from around the world. Also,
since most people staying in hostels are young, the front desk is
usually very helpful with places to go, cheap tours, and other useful
information that people our age want to know. It is best to look for a
hostel that is centrally located in the city, on a major street, or
close to a metro station.
Ways to travel
For certain trips, it may be worthwhile to buy a
Euro Rail Pass. Know
how and where they work before buying
one. It is best to get a pass if you have your trips planned out or you
know which countries you will be traveling to ahead of time. Most of my
traveling was done “spur of the moment”. I flew everywhere I went. I
bought cheap tickets off several travel websites including
Easy Jet,
Ryan Air, and
Mucho Viaje. I also had a lot of luck
with buying
last minute tickets. Good websites for
student fares are
Student Universe and
Travel Cuts. It is important to
remember that most airlines have a weight limit and may fly into an
airport outside the city limits. Buses are available at the airports to
take you to the city for around 10 euros.
Traveling tips for Korea
Watch out for motor bikes!!! Other than that,
Korea
is a safe country.
Tips for traveling in Thailand
Don’t accept the first offer you are given. Always
make sure to bargain and to shop around for a better deal.
While in Bangkok, use the sky train. It’s the
easiest way to get around. Most cab drivers don’t speak English very
well.
Don’t wear beach attire or flip flops.
Stay in a guest house at
Khao
San Road.
Don’t listen when people tell you that the
Khao San Road is closed for a National
Holiday.
In Koh
Samui, the sawthaws
will always try to overcharge you.
If you go to Chiang Mai you will need Malaria
medicine.
Take the
tuk-tuk’s at your own risk.
Don’t buy CDs, DVDs, or anything else in bulk.
DVDs should cost about $2 and CDs about $1.
Bring Pepto
Bismol, and plenty of it!
Tips for traveling in Spain
Spain it is customary to wear slippers in the
house and is considered rude not to.
The kitchen is a Spanish woman’s domain. You must
always ask to the kitchen unless she tells you otherwise.
They are also very clean and tidy. If are in a
home stay, remember, it is your room, but it is not your house.
It is very common for people to throw trash on the
ground.
Although Spain
is a very liberal country as far as time goes, it is similar to other
countries when it comes to being on time for trains, planes, and buses.
Don’t get out of a taxi until you have given the
driver your money AND gotten correct change. If you feel that you
have not received the correct change or have been over charged, take
down the phone number on the back of the taxi and the taxi car number.
Don’t take anything from people on the street that
is “free”. It never is.
General Information
Use vital resources such as
Let's Go,
Lonely Planet,
STA Travel,
TravBuddy,
Tales from a Small Planet, and
blog spots from other travelers.
Checking out
travel insurance is a good idea. Basic
insurance is included in the
International Student Identification Card
as well as discounts at restaurants, tours, and hostels.
Make two copies of important paperwork (i.e.
passport, itinerary, airline tickets, etc.) Leave one in your luggage
and the other one with someone back home. Also, make sure you know where
the
U.S. Embassy is in case you lose your
passport or there is an emergency.
Buy a
TSA approved lock for your suit case.
TSA has tools to open them and won’t cut them off your luggage. You can
use them when staying at hostels to keep your luggage secure.
