1. Pack Light? ?
It’s a rare traveller who actually wears everything they pack; usually the fear of running out of clothes means you cram all your outfits into your case only to bring half of them back unworn.? Plan what you are going to pack in advance and aim for practical clothes that can be worn for most occasions, such as jeans, comfortable shoes, and plain colours. Surely it’s better to have some spare room in your suitcase for souvenirs for your family?
2. Do Your Research
If you are visiting a new destination, read all about it before you travel so that you can form a detailed itinerary. Get a selection of guidebooks and browse online content, and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten track so long as it’s safe - sometimes the hidden gems are the most rewarding. The internet is full of audio tours for major cities that you can download onto your iPod - very useful and many of them can be downloaded for free.
3. Sort Out Your Paperwork?????? ?
Even if you are one of those lucky nationalities that never seem to need a visa to get in anywhere, check visa regulations well in advance as they can change overnight and you don’t want to get all the way to the airport to be turned away. It goes without saying that you should check your passport and UAE residence visa have not expired. Remember that for most countries, your passport should not expire within six months of date of travel.
4. Money Matters??????? ?
These days it’s so much easier to travel with ATM and credit cards than travellers’ cheques. However, notify your bank that you are travelling to avoid them blocking your cards because they suspect international card theft when it’s actually you merrily swiping away on your holiday. And have a backup plan - it’s a good idea to take some cash with you, just in case. Consider changing your dirhams into dollars while still here - some countries may not accept dirhams in all money exchanges, but US dollars seem to be universal.
5. Dress Appropriately?
That backless, strapless, hotpants suit may look great on, but it won’t be much good in a chilly winter or rainy afternoon. It also won’t do you any favours in more conservative destinations (large parts of Asia and the Middle East), where you are expected to dress modestly. Check weather forecasts in advance to make sure you’re not taking your polar fleece to Jordan in July; and read advice on dressing appropriately so as not to offend the locals.
6. Learn The Lingo???? ?
There’s no need to achieve fluency in the official language of the country you are visiting, but a few key words will help you read road signs, decode restaurant menus, keep your manners and chat with locals. Many travel web sites feature audio files of such key words, so that your pronunciation doesn’t let you down. It’s also a good idea to write down the name of your hotel, in the local language, to show taxi drivers.
7. Blend In ?
There are certain things that will immediately let everyone know you are a tourist: this could leave you vulnerable to petty criminals who prey on those who look lost, bewildered or preoccupied. Navigate your route in advance, walk with purpose, and if you need to check your map, duck into a shop or cafe to do so. Carry money, cameras and other valuables discreetly, and remain alert at all times. And never wear socks under your sandals!
8. Health Check??
Before you travel, check whether you need any vaccinations (such as yellow fever) or medications (such as anti-malaria tablets).? And when you are in your destination, look after your health. Use suncream in hot climates, and make sure you eat properly prepared food - even ‘safe’ foods like salads can be dodgy when washed in dirty water. Make sure your medical or travel insurance covers you for illness and accident and take the relevant claim forms with you.
9. Keep In Touch?
If you are travelling in a remote area, or undertaking any activities that are slightly risky (such as skiing, hiking, sailing, etc), make sure you arrange to keep in regular contact with someone back home who has your itinerary and knows whereabouts you are at a particular time. That way, if you fail to check in as planned, that person can alert the authorities sooner rather than later, who can then check whether you need assistance.
10. Say Cheese
Photographs are a great way to preserve holiday memories, so you don’t want to make it all the way up the Eiffel Tower only to find your camera battery is flat. Make sure you pack your charger and spare memory cards, so that you don’t miss those amazing once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. And if you need to ask a stranger to take your picture, choose the little old lady or the honeymooning couple rather than the shady group of hooded youths in fast-looking running shoes.
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