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JOAN'S WEEKLY TRAVEL TIPS
My son Gordo, who's had some eye-opening experiences during some of his trips abroad, had a great idea: to post informational tips I've learned over the years during my travels. Some I've learned through bad experiences; some are from good experiences; some are just commonsensical. I can't claim that these will be unique tips – most travelers will come up with the same advice. Anyway, here goes:
Joan's Travel Tip No. 1:
Pack light; travel light. This will save on those pesky airline baggage fees and in today's do-it-yourself atmosphere (except in the swankiest places), it will save your back. Many hotels no longer have bellhops to help you lug in your stuff. My advice: pack your bag (not plural) and then take 1/3 out. You're also allowed about 45 pounds for a checked bag on an international flight. Can you carry it comfortably?
Joan's Travel Tip No. 2:
To help pack light, take clothes with similar palette so you can mix and match, 2 pairs of shoes, and scarves for accent.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 3:
Before you leave, if you have an ailing family member; if you yourself are over 50; if you have a medical condition, buy Travelers Insurance. In any case, it’s advised.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 4:
Use your ATM card to get cash in Europe, not Travellers checks. ATMS are ubiquitous in Italy. However, notify your bank that you'll be using your ATM in x,y,z countries during a certain period so they don't shut you off.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 5:
When you use an ATM, have someone with you to monitor outside activity. Watch out for suspicious looking people before you begin. If you don't feel comfortable, go elsewhere. Don't leave the ATM until your money and card are safely tucked away. Make sure to get your card!!!!!!!!!!!
Joan's Travel Tip No. 6:
DON'T FLASH CASH.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 7:
Don't buy many euros in US before going – unless you get a deal, fees are too expensive. Take 100 euros with you, max.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 8:
Also take a credit card; notify the card company that you'll be going to x,y,z countries during a certain period, so they don't shut you off. It might be wise to have 2 credit cards, in case one gets compromised, which happens and is a pain, but the possibility exists. Carry the 2 cards and your ATM card in different places.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 9:
If you carry a purse, use one that is difficult for street urchins to access. Lots of closed zippers, lots of pockets, lots of secret places are good. Remember: DIVIDE UP YOUR MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS, so you don't lose everything in case of pickpocketing or misplacement of goods.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 10:
Check with your credit card company about fees on purchases abroad. Some of them tack on a surprising 3%. I am not paid to say this, but Capital 1 has no fees … yet.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 11:
Most banks also charge a fee for ATM withdrawals. These fees can really add up.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 12:
Make copies of your credit cards, front and back, ATM card, passport, driver's license and take 1 set with you in carry-on and leave one set with a trusted person at home.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 13:
Make a list of all medications (and dosages) you take, your doctors' name and contact info. List any chronic conditions you might have. Keep this list with you at all times.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 14:
Take your medications in the containers they come in – with the Rx info. This can be a pain, but you'll get through customs faster, with fewer questions asked. Also NEVER pack meds in your checked luggage; always have them in your purse or carry-on.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 15:
This is a common-sense tip I'll pass on from something I read in Travel & Leisure yesterday: DON'T PUT CASH OR ANYTHING NEAR AND DEAR TO YOUR HEART IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. I guess there's a lot of pilfering going on at the airports. You can use a TSA-approved lock or have your bags shrink-wrapped (more common in European airports). Carry anything you really value in your carry-on. Also, it follows that taking expensive jewelry etc might not be worth the risk (consider hotels, pick-pockets, etc.).
Joan's Travel Tip No. 16:
Keep the name and phone number of an at-home contact person on your person at all times.
Joan"s Travel Tip No. 17:
OK, some of the important money and medical stuff is over, until I think of more. Next most important: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. Cobblestones can be hard on your feet, especially in 4" high heels or something analogous. (I did read the other day that the way Italian women negotiate the cobblestones in their heels is to put their body weight on their toes. If you're adept at carrying yourself in that manner, go for the heels, if that's your style.)
Joan's Travel Tip No. 18:
Europe uses 220 voltage and plugs vary from country to country. There's not euro-plug yet. You can buy adapters at a place like Radio Shack or through travel-supply catalogs.
Joan's Travel Tip No. 19:
Most hotels and even bigger B&B's in Italy have hairdryers in the rooms. (One less thing to pack.)
Joan's Travel Tip No. 20:
Most hotels and B&B's in Italy have WiFi – some have a stronger signal than others. However, in Italy the internet and telephones go out frequently, depending upon location, from bad weather or just because. It's an accepted fact of life.