Traveling Internationally
-If at all possible, don't exchange a bunch of money before you leave. Travelex's business model is to swindle you. Do a small currency exchange outside of the terminal at the airport, if you need money for a cab or something. Otherwise, use your debit card to get local currency via ATM, that will get you the up to date exchange rate without currency exchanger thievery.
-Make sure you check the Visa regulations looonnggg before you leave. If you're going to Europe it's usually not a big deal, but some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport expires within 6 months (or some other arbitrary time period). You can get an expedited passport renewal via State Dept. but it's a big hassle. Also be aware some countries require you to pay a fee for a tourist visa. Turkey was a few dollars, but Argentina was over $100.
-Keep in mind you need to leave more time to get through security and everything at the airport. Often, international flights to the US have additional security screening. In some other countries the check-in and security process is far less efficient so try to be early.
-Pack a few essentials on your carry-on like some underwear, a shirt and basic toiletries in the event your bags don't arrive on time or get lost.
-Look up transportation from airport to your lodgings ahead of time, usually there are some pretty cost effective options that are several times cheaper than cabs.
Europe in particular
-I've never felt unsafe anywhere in Europe, cities like NY, DC, LA, etc. are far more dangerous. Worst thing I saw was heroine spoons near our hotel in Barcelona. Don't be too worried about crime, just keep your wallet in the front and try not to look like a clueless tourist. In general, don't get shitfaced in a foreign city.
-If you're trying to hit up a couple of touristy things in a day, factor in that eating at a restaurant can take a LOT longer than it does in the US, particularly Spain and Italy in my experience. So if you want to enjoy the fabulous cuisine some of those places have to offer, just factor in that it may take 2 hours or more.
-For a lot of Europeans breakfast means a pastry or some bread, and coffee. Even McDonalds in Italy was that way. And McDonalds is the only place that is gonna be open early in the morning. The solution is that if you're getting an early start, take a few snacks.
-If you're driving, don't fuck around, there's speed cameras everywhere.
-A lot of hotels will say they hi-speed wifi but that can mean a lot of different things. Small hostels and AirBNB might be a better bet if you need connectivity.
Everyone else covered phones pretty well. Depending on your provider just doing international roaming can be pretty cost-effective.
-If at all possible, don't exchange a bunch of money before you leave. Travelex's business model is to swindle you. Do a small currency exchange outside of the terminal at the airport, if you need money for a cab or something. Otherwise, use your debit card to get local currency via ATM, that will get you the up to date exchange rate without currency exchanger thievery.
-Make sure you check the Visa regulations looonnggg before you leave. If you're going to Europe it's usually not a big deal, but some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport expires within 6 months (or some other arbitrary time period). You can get an expedited passport renewal via State Dept. but it's a big hassle. Also be aware some countries require you to pay a fee for a tourist visa. Turkey was a few dollars, but Argentina was over $100.
-Keep in mind you need to leave more time to get through security and everything at the airport. Often, international flights to the US have additional security screening. In some other countries the check-in and security process is far less efficient so try to be early.
-Pack a few essentials on your carry-on like some underwear, a shirt and basic toiletries in the event your bags don't arrive on time or get lost.
-Look up transportation from airport to your lodgings ahead of time, usually there are some pretty cost effective options that are several times cheaper than cabs.
Europe in particular
-I've never felt unsafe anywhere in Europe, cities like NY, DC, LA, etc. are far more dangerous. Worst thing I saw was heroine spoons near our hotel in Barcelona. Don't be too worried about crime, just keep your wallet in the front and try not to look like a clueless tourist. In general, don't get shitfaced in a foreign city.
-If you're trying to hit up a couple of touristy things in a day, factor in that eating at a restaurant can take a LOT longer than it does in the US, particularly Spain and Italy in my experience. So if you want to enjoy the fabulous cuisine some of those places have to offer, just factor in that it may take 2 hours or more.
-For a lot of Europeans breakfast means a pastry or some bread, and coffee. Even McDonalds in Italy was that way. And McDonalds is the only place that is gonna be open early in the morning. The solution is that if you're getting an early start, take a few snacks.
-If you're driving, don't fuck around, there's speed cameras everywhere.
-A lot of hotels will say they hi-speed wifi but that can mean a lot of different things. Small hostels and AirBNB might be a better bet if you need connectivity.
Everyone else covered phones pretty well. Depending on your provider just doing international roaming can be pretty cost-effective.
2018 Ducati Panigale V4
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com