Can't read this now? Pin it for later!

1. Do intensive research

Reputations, guidelines and restrictions of certain parts of the city like if tipping is allowed, mannerisms, chewing gum, what to wear etc. Make sure you’re heading into safe areas. Check if you need a Visa for entry! Places like Bali require visa on arrival and Cuba a tourist card and in Jordan a Jordan Pass for example. You will be denied entry if you don't complete these on time. Click here for visa requirements as a Canadian citizen.

2. Practice a bit of the language/ Learn key phrases

Learning some key phrases like hello, how are you, please, thank you, how much etc shows respect and can also help you bargain. Many vendors especially in countries like Turkey, Jordan, etc will make up their own prices on the fly if they see you're a true gringo, so it’s useful to show them you know a lil something.

3. Charger? Adapter? Converter?

An adapter and converter are two separate things. An adapter made to plug in your electronics in the desired country. A converter is used to convert the voltage. Countries abroad usually will use a higher voltage so you need a converter to not ruin your electronics that are designed to not take as much voltage.

4. Think twice about overpacking

Especially for longer trips, where you plan on going from place to place. It's less stressful when your luggage isn’t overly packed with stuff that you’re most likely not going to wear. It can cause anxiety when you open your luggage and you don’t even know where to start.

It’s best to keep it simple, pack essentials that you can wear with multiple outfits, plan outfits and anything else you can most likely find once you get there if you really need.

5. What is appropriate clothing?

I’ve made the mistake of going from Vienna to Jordan thinking I could wear similar clothes. The amount of stares I got when I wore a long black skirt with a slit was uncomfortable. I ignorantly didn’t do my research on what to wear and that was a mistake. Especially for women, I advise to respect especially more conservative countries and dress more modestly.

6. Watch out for Travelers Tummy

TMI but Travelers Diarrhea is a real thing that happens when eating the local food, since your body is not used to it. Make sure to bring the proper medication to prevent or treat it. Listen to your body if it’s telling you it doesn’t like something. As a fellow foodie, I loved to ignore it and my stomach paid the price later.

7. Bring cash, local currency

Getting local currency before your trip will save you from crazy conversion fees. Many places also only accept cash so it’s best to carry some with you just in case.

8. BYOM- Bring your own safety kit

I’ve been sick during my trips way too many times that I can count. I definitely used to struggle with planning for emergencies. You can be just fine at the airport and get sick on the plane. It happened to me on my 11 hour flight to Bali. My amazing friend Cucui taught me the importance of a safety kit, always being prepared prevented me from having a bad trip due to being unexpectedly sick.

Having a variety of ‘just in case’ medication for stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, menstrual cramps, blisters etc have been absolute life savers for me. Especially if the country you’re in doesn't have pharmacies just around the corner.

9. Make copies

Another just in case 'you never know' scenario. God forbid your personal belongings and phone get stolen, lost or damaged/broken. Having copies of your IDs, itinerary, hotel information, written phone numbers, return tickets will save you even more stress.

10. BYOS - Bring Your Own Snacks

Bring your own snacks to the airport/airplane. In many instances your plane won't offer you sheit. Bringing your own favorite snacks will keep you satisfied until you land. Not to mention you will avoid the 10x airport prices.

11. Get international drivers license

Renting your own transportation is always useful, however you don't want to be turned down as soon a you get there thinking that your local driver license is enough. Many countries require you to have an international drivers license. If you plan on renting a car, motorbike for your trip do your research to see the driving/ID requirements.

Until next time, adios <3