Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Traveling Abroad
Sharyn Alden
Before setting foot on that plane to go overseas, prepare for what's in store. Make sure you know the answers to these 10 questions before you leave.
Top 10 questions to ask before traveling abroad
1. How do I get a passport and visa?
Before you travel internationally, check the entry requirements of the country you're visiting to see if you need a visa in addition to a passport. Check the country's entry requirements to learn what documents you need.
What's a visa? It's an endorsement stamp issued by a country that allows you to visit for a specific length of time. Apply for a passport and visa at passport agencies throughout the U.S.
First time passports cost $85 if you're age 16 or older and $70 for travelers younger than age 16. Renewals cost $55. Fast processing costs an extra $60.
Before you leave home, make two copies of your passport so it's easier to replace if it's lost or stolen. Leave one copy with someone you trust, and take the other copy with you. To avoid theft, carry your passport with you at all times.
2. Where can I get the euro?
At this writing, 12 European countries are required to use the euro, making it easier to travel between countries like Germany and France without exchanging money. The euro is used in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Check currency converter sites like www.oanda.com before you go for the latest euro exchange. The current exchange rate is about 90 cents to the U.S. dollar (November 2003).
Ask at your credit union for help in preparing for your overseas travel.
Don't forget to exchange some money at your financial institution before you leave home so you have "walking around money" when you arrive overseas. Typically, your best exchange rates are at financial institutions abroad, not at airports, hotels, or currency exchange shops.
3. Should I bring traveler's checks, cash, or credit cards?
You only should need one credit card overseas. When you cut down on the clutter you carry, you'll cut down on the potential for identify theft.
Your credit card usually will get the best exchange rate. The credit card bill you sign will be in local currency then exchanged to U.S. dollars by your credit card issuer. Take along some traveler's checks because they're insured, and include local currency in your "money mix."
4. What should I know about travel advisories?
Before definitively planning your itinerary, particularly to developing countries, check out what travel advisories might apply. Click here to find an updated list of countries the government considers unsafe for Americans.
If you travel to a country on the government's travel advisory list, you risk not being covered by medical insurance. By law, coverage doesn't have to apply even though the policy may say it covers the insured while traveling out of the country.
Avoiding making calls from your hotel because these are significantly more expensive than calls made from public phones.
5. Should I buy trip cancellation or medical insurance?
Before you buy extra insurance that covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, car rental, or medical needs, check with your current insurance carrier. Plus, your travel agent may have a comprehensive package that fits your needs.
Elaine Bowman, travel agent with Lakeland Travel Company, Lakeland, Fla., says, "Check your medical insurance before you leave home. Nine out of 10 times you'll need supplemental insurance. Medicare, for example, won't cover you when you're out of the country."
Keep in mind, the cost for travelers' insurance varies widely depending on your age, type of trip you're taking, length of stay, and destination. Bowman adds, "Whatever supplemental insurance you get, make sure it includes evacuation insurance."
6. What shots do I need?
This depends on your itinerary. See your physician or local travel medicine clinic several weeks in advance of travel, because some vaccinations and some medicine needs to be given well before your departure date. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest health advisories; 800-311-3435.
7. How can I avoid jet lag?
When you travel over three or more time zones your body's circadian rhythm usually is disrupted. The result is fatigue, disorientation, and disequilibrium. When you reach your destination, sleep may be difficult for a few nights--you may wake up several times because your internal "clock" thinks it's daytime.
Your credit card usually will get the best exchange rate.
But you can help trick your body into adjusting to different time zones.
Before you leave: When you travel east to west (the harder route to adjust to), a few days before departure, start going to bed an hour or two earlier each night. West to east travelers should stay awake an hour later each night.
On the plane: After you board, set your watch to your destination's time, then eat and sleep as if it's that time of day. Eat lightly, avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol. Drink plenty of water. During the flight get up and walk around several times to stimulate your circulation.
After you arrive: Even though you may be exhausted, don't go to bed right away. Get outside, and take a walk. Absorbing natural daylight helps set your internal timing. Then eat your meals and go to bed according to local time, not according to how you feel or your time zone back home.
8. What type of adapter do I need for electrical appliances?
Depending on where you travel, if your appliance is a new multivoltage type, you may only need a plug adapter. As a rule of thumb, buy a universal travel adapter. That way you're set to go no matter where you are.
Before you travel internationally, check the entry requirements of the country you're visiting to see if you need a visa in addition to a passport.
9. What's the most economical way to make international phone calls from overseas?
Avoid making calls from your hotel; these are significantly more expensive than calls made from public phones.
More economical options are international calling cards, pay phones, or prepaid phone cards.
10. How can I best fit in when I travel overseas?
Start by scrutinizing how you dress. Leave the wild outfits and eccentric and expensive jewelry at home. How you dress sets you apart, and that's what may draw the attention of thieves.
You'll find acceptance more readily if your behavior, along with your dress, is on the quieter side. Take time to learn about the country you're visiting. Local people appreciate it when they see you've made an effort to learn a few phrases of their language and know something about their history and culture.
Published December 29, 2003
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