Who should I go with?
Before you go
Health & Safety
Get Inspired
Money Management
Get Started
pros
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pros
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pros
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ALWAYS carry these items with you in a secure place:
- Valid form of identification (driver’s license, student ID, passport)
- Physical map or downloaded/screenshotted map of the area. DO NOT rely on wi-fi or cellular data!
Be vigilant of your surroundings and keep a firm grip on valuables.
Be aware of scams in the areas you’re visiting.
Make sure your bags are secure! Padlock any backpacks or bags that you carry behind you. Cross-body purses are harder to steal, and zipped bags take longer to open.
Try to use ATMs that are attached to banks, and look for cameras or fraudulent devices before using an ATM. Make sure no one is around you, and cover your pin. I recommend withdrawing large sums of cash and using cash for all your purchases – the less you use ATMs, the better!
The more confident you look and act, the less likely people are to try and take advantage of you. If you need to look at a map, go into a store or find a place to sit down.
Beggars (and sometimes shop owners) may get in your space and be assertive; be firm when saying “no” or ignore them until they leave you alone.
Dress like a local! If you look like a tourist, you’ll be more of a target. In conservative countries, women showing lots of skin will lead to significant harassment.
Pack a small first aid kit with these items:
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Medical tape
- Sewing needle & medical thread (good for popping bad blisters)
- Tweezers
- Medication
- Pain reliever
- Anti-nausea
- Anti-diarrhea
- Motion sickness
- Antibacterial cream and/or antiseptic wipes
- Anti-itch cream
Invest in travel insurance for each trip – it usually doesn’t cost much, and it’s always a good idea in case of emergencies! Some plans will even reimburse you if you miss a flight or lose your luggage.
- You can also insure any equipment you travel with, like expensive cameras
How to budget
Memorize the rough exchange rate of currency, so you know how much you’re spending. Exchange currency at an exchange booth or somewhere secure!
HEADS UP: some credit & debit card companies charge you an extra fee when using your card in a different country.
Use your student ID when purchasing tickets. You’d be surprised how often you can get a discount on stuff!
Know where & when to haggle, and where NOT to!
Bring at least $100 cash (or the equivalent in your currency) with you and hide it somewhere secure in a bag that you don’t carry around.
How should I greet people?
Should I tip service workers?
What are considered offensive gestures?
Should I haggle for purchases?
Key phrases to learn in a different language:
- Hello & goodbye
- Yes & no
- Thank you / please / excuse me
- Where’s the bathroom / bus / train?
- How much does this cost?
If you want to visit a specific attraction, research it ahead of time! You may have to purchase tickets in advance, or there might be a required dress code.
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- Flights & Transportation
- Tours & Deals
- Accommodation
- Local Activities
- Travel Insurance
- Volunteering Abroad
momondo.com – consistently has the best deals for flights
secretflying.com – incredible prices if you’ve got a flexible schedule!
statravel.com – offers student/under 26 discounts
intrepidtravel.com – guided tours (solo or group)
onthegotours.com – guided tours (solo or group)
If you want to take a day trip or explore an area, you can use websites to find local activities & meet people.
Note: Please research ethical volunteering abroad practices before signing up for a program!
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