For all my faithful blog readers, your job has been easy. I have not posted anything new in a very very long time, and for various reasons, which I will get to in my next blog perhaps. But for now, the forefront ideas in my head is to write briefly about travelling overseas and some tips I've picked up over the last 6 months.
October: Gabon
December: South Africa, Lesotho
January: Gabon
California
March- Bangladesh
1. In some countries- don't travel alone if at all possible. Don't go out at night. Always bring an ID card and a phone. SIM cards can be purchased pretty much in any country and can save your life. Make sure you have a phone that has a SIM card slot.
2. Make sure you are up to date on shots and required medicine. Good idea to bring pain killers, anti-diarrhea, cold medicine, etc. Antibiotics would not hurt either.
3. Hat, bug spray, sun screen.
4. Water purifying device. I have a steri-pen, ultraviolet purifier:
http://www.rei.com/product/807755/steripen-adventurer-opti-water-purifier-with-solar-charging-case
This purifier also has an fits all filter which can be useful depending on your bottle size--
http://www.amazon.com/SteriPen-FAF-ADP-SteriPEN-FitsAll-Filter/dp/B002GQZDJE/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1364015622&sr=1-7&keywords=steripen
The Katadyn system is also an excellent choice.
http://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-8013618-Pocket-Water-Microfilter/dp/B0007U00YE
5. Make sure your electronic devices are capable of receiving the correct voltage (otherwise buy a voltage inverted) A power adapter will be invaluable as well. Not all locations have an outlet that accepts your plug.
6. Make sure to bring the max allowable baggage limit for long trips. Being prepared is always a good thing. Bring clothes in a carry on. I lost my bag with all my clothes in it, and needless to say, 2+ weeks later without clothes stinks. Overseas trips usually allows 2 checked 50lb bags, a backpack and a small rolling suitcase as carry-on luggage. Additional bags are good to bring home items- just make sure its not illegal!
7. Flying on an airline: Exit rows, isle rows, or rows with a bulkhead in front may be desirable. Avoid seats next to the bathroom.
8. COOKING: Want to save a buck, or 2 or $100? Bring food with you. Get a dual voltage water kettle:
http://www.amazon.com/Narita-International-Electric-Voltage-NTK-007/dp/B0030HO5KQ
I have cooked pretty much anything and everything in my hot pot. Don't forget to bring a bowl, plate, silverware coffee mug, and strainer. Pasta, soups, you name it.
Other useful food items: cliff bars, snicker bars, jar of peanut butter,
Continental breakfast is your best friend. Grab food to go. Grab a couple apples or oranges. Eat them with peanut butter. You just saved $10-$20 for lunch. Drink water. Buy drink mix packets to mix up the taste- iced tea, lemonade, etc.
Hotels with a fridge and a microwave are amazing! Go to a food store and buy different frozen meals. Or buy jelly and bread. Save a lot of money this way.
Alternative fridge: Hotels with central air can be used for semi-refrigeration. Take the metal screen off and place items inside the air conditioning duct.
9. See the sights as much as you can. Living off hotel food can get old quick. There is only so much TV you can watch (if you are lucky it might be in a language you know). Cheap alternatives: Parks, museums, bodies of water, national parks/forests, etc. Ask the locals what to do and what to see.
10. Get visas beforehand and for a long enough period.
11. Bring cash. Not all places accept credit cards or debit cards. Cash is king in most countries. Exchanging money can be difficult as well. Some countries charge a huge fee for money transfers
12. Bring a camera. Don't forget to use it.
13. Pack the right type of clothes. Snow on the ground when you left and arriving in 100 degree weather you don't want to have all winter jackets. Make sure your clothes are culturally appropriate.
14. Expect delays and frustrations. Smile. Laugh. Be patient.
15. Be freindly with hotel staff and drivers, etc. You will most likely see a lot of them. Having them on your side is great. Don't forget to tip and thank you. It is not a bribe, its a thank you.
Add your thoughts and advice...
October: Gabon
December: South Africa, Lesotho
January: Gabon
California
March- Bangladesh
1. In some countries- don't travel alone if at all possible. Don't go out at night. Always bring an ID card and a phone. SIM cards can be purchased pretty much in any country and can save your life. Make sure you have a phone that has a SIM card slot.
2. Make sure you are up to date on shots and required medicine. Good idea to bring pain killers, anti-diarrhea, cold medicine, etc. Antibiotics would not hurt either.
3. Hat, bug spray, sun screen.
4. Water purifying device. I have a steri-pen, ultraviolet purifier:
http://www.rei.com/product/807755/steripen-adventurer-opti-water-purifier-with-solar-charging-case
This purifier also has an fits all filter which can be useful depending on your bottle size--
http://www.amazon.com/SteriPen-FAF-ADP-SteriPEN-FitsAll-Filter/dp/B002GQZDJE/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1364015622&sr=1-7&keywords=steripen
The Katadyn system is also an excellent choice.
http://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-8013618-Pocket-Water-Microfilter/dp/B0007U00YE
5. Make sure your electronic devices are capable of receiving the correct voltage (otherwise buy a voltage inverted) A power adapter will be invaluable as well. Not all locations have an outlet that accepts your plug.
6. Make sure to bring the max allowable baggage limit for long trips. Being prepared is always a good thing. Bring clothes in a carry on. I lost my bag with all my clothes in it, and needless to say, 2+ weeks later without clothes stinks. Overseas trips usually allows 2 checked 50lb bags, a backpack and a small rolling suitcase as carry-on luggage. Additional bags are good to bring home items- just make sure its not illegal!
7. Flying on an airline: Exit rows, isle rows, or rows with a bulkhead in front may be desirable. Avoid seats next to the bathroom.
8. COOKING: Want to save a buck, or 2 or $100? Bring food with you. Get a dual voltage water kettle:
http://www.amazon.com/Narita-International-Electric-Voltage-NTK-007/dp/B0030HO5KQ
I have cooked pretty much anything and everything in my hot pot. Don't forget to bring a bowl, plate, silverware coffee mug, and strainer. Pasta, soups, you name it.
Other useful food items: cliff bars, snicker bars, jar of peanut butter,
Continental breakfast is your best friend. Grab food to go. Grab a couple apples or oranges. Eat them with peanut butter. You just saved $10-$20 for lunch. Drink water. Buy drink mix packets to mix up the taste- iced tea, lemonade, etc.
Hotels with a fridge and a microwave are amazing! Go to a food store and buy different frozen meals. Or buy jelly and bread. Save a lot of money this way.
Alternative fridge: Hotels with central air can be used for semi-refrigeration. Take the metal screen off and place items inside the air conditioning duct.
9. See the sights as much as you can. Living off hotel food can get old quick. There is only so much TV you can watch (if you are lucky it might be in a language you know). Cheap alternatives: Parks, museums, bodies of water, national parks/forests, etc. Ask the locals what to do and what to see.
10. Get visas beforehand and for a long enough period.
11. Bring cash. Not all places accept credit cards or debit cards. Cash is king in most countries. Exchanging money can be difficult as well. Some countries charge a huge fee for money transfers
12. Bring a camera. Don't forget to use it.
13. Pack the right type of clothes. Snow on the ground when you left and arriving in 100 degree weather you don't want to have all winter jackets. Make sure your clothes are culturally appropriate.
14. Expect delays and frustrations. Smile. Laugh. Be patient.
15. Be freindly with hotel staff and drivers, etc. You will most likely see a lot of them. Having them on your side is great. Don't forget to tip and thank you. It is not a bribe, its a thank you.
Add your thoughts and advice...
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