There are certain things you can do to prior to your trip to maximize your chances of travelling successfully:

• Consider the travel advisory set out by your country’s government.  Check out Canada’s Travel Advisories and US Travel Advisories.
• Consider the weather at your destination for the intended travel month.  You may be disappointed if your vacation ends up being during monsoon/hurricane season.  Do a google search for the best time of year to visit your destination.
• Consider travel health.  Visit a travel physician early.  The Centre for Disease Control offers great travel health information.  On their website, check the country you plan to travel for their recommendations.  Be prepared when you travel so you prevent getting sick.  Things to consider for travel health are:
  • Immunizations
  • Altitude
  • Animal or Insect-borne illness, such as Rabies, Zika, Malaria, etc
  • Water or Food-borne illness, such as Traveler’s diarrhea, Hepatitis A, etc
• Consider travel visas.  Does your destination require that you get a travel visa?  Some countries make getting a travel visa very easy by purchasing it once you get to their airport, while others require you purchase a travel visa months in advance.  For Canadians, check out Canada’s Travel Advisories and search the Entry/Exit Requirements to see if you need a travel visa.  For Americans, check out US Travel Advisories to see if a tourist visa is required.

 

Other tips to consider:

• Travel with carry-on suitcases, when possible.  This will save significant time at the airports.
• Pack half as much clothes/toiletries and twice the money.  Most of us end up overpacking.  Consider buying certain items once you arrive at your destination.
• Consider local customs.  Prepare ahead of time and be aware of proper dress code.  It would be a shame to go across the world to find out that you won’t be allowed into certain sites because you are not dressed appropriately.
• Call your bank to see if your ATM card is supported in your destination country.  Bring at least 1 major credit card.  Consider bringing large US bills in great condition as these can be exchanged in most countries quite easily.
• Don’t forget your passport!

 

The following are G+L’s Golden Rules of Travelling.  As long as you do not combine two or three of the pointers below, you should be fine.  In all our travels, we have never run into any major difficulties when keeping these rules in mind:

1. Do not go out on your own
2. Do not get drunk
3. Do not go out after dark

Have fun, be adventurous and try new things, such as: hot air balloons, diving, snorkelling, wildlife, flying, helicopters, cruise ships, swimming, infinity pools, climbing pyramids, castles, churches, temples, glaciers, hot springs, geysers, kayaking, white water rafting, deserts, safaris, rainforests, jungles, beaches, waterfalls, mountains, caves, camel races, horseback riding, fjords, museums, towers, hiking, trekking,

Stay Safe and Happy Travels!

G+L