Where Will You Go?

Where Will You Go?

While most of the world is still cautiously sheltering at home, some countries are beginning to relax restrictions.  Some are allowing domestic travel for their citizens while others are extending to international travel for tourism.  It is important to check each country’s current travel restrictions before making plans to travel.  Countries often make unannounced changes.  The restrictions vary from mandatory quarantine to routine check upon entry.

You can use this time at home to plan your next adventure, whether it be near home or abroad.  Research destinations you are interested in visiting.  Learn about local customs, dress codes, and greetings.  Try to learn a few words of the foreign language to be encountered.  Check up on what others have written about traveling to that destination.  In addition to the most popular things to see and do, include off the beaten track things to do and see.  Find out where the locals eat and shop.  Inform yourself about weather conditions.  Find the best ways to get around like walking, rental vehicles, or public transportation.

It is a good idea to have a travel check list, a guide for every trip you take.  A good list would include everything you might use so that you can best choose items needed for each type of travel.

Here is a generalized list.  Customize your list to fit your needs.

Travel Check List

Clothing:

       Outer garments

(pants, shirts, shorts, dresses, etc.)

       Undergarments

       Other garments

(coats, jackets, swim wear, rain gear, hat, scarf)

       Footwear

              (shoes, sandals, water shoes, slippers, etc.)

       Accessories

              (belts, costume jewelry, shopping bag, etc.)

Personal care

              (oral & hair products, deodorant, shaving equipment, insect repellent, etc.)

Prescription medications in the bottles along with a copy of the prescription.

Over-the-counter medications and supplements you take

Cell phone, charger, case

Tablet or laptop with charger and cables

Flashlight, camera, batteries, memory cards, etc.

Credit cards (one or two)

Some Cash (your home currency and the destination’s currency)

Airline and other tickets

Reservation confirmations

Decide whether you will have check baggage, carry-on or both.  You may want a backpack or day bag as well.  Plan to enjoy yourself, meet new friends, try different foods, and see new sites.  Remember, “Be a traveler, not a tourist.”