Traveling internationally can be a daunting experience.  There can be a lot to plan, a lot to see, and a lot to be on the lookout for while exploring new places.  Fortunately for you, reading this, you can avoid some of the mistakes I made.  Make the most of your adventures abroad with this handy list of travel Dos and Don’ts. Hopefully, this list helps you discover new insights on what to do and what to avoid on your trips. Safe travels!

The Right Way

1. Get out and discover the city! Walk as much of the city as possible.  By walking extensively, you’ll have the opportunity to fully embrace the local culture and absorb its essence.

2. There is a lot to be said about the crowds of people on vacation (Often negative), but the crowds can be useful in some situations.  If you get lost, follow the crowd; usually, they are going to the same popular hotspot you are and can help you find your location.

3. Always have cash.  Unlike the United States, most of the world still believes cash is king.  Have some of the local currency before you land, and carry some with you at all times.  Though it is a good idea to keep most of it safe in your accommodations.      

4. If you know what you want to see before you get there, book your tickets online to skip the crowds! This is especially true during the tourist season (June-August) because the lines can get very long. Just to give you an example. The line to the Vatican City museums was literally four hours long. 

5.  When in doubt, ask the locals.  Locals know their city best.  Most people are friendly and will usually be happy to give you a recommendation for their favorite restaurants, attractions, etc.  This is especially so if you are staying in an Airbnb (Or a similar site).    

6. Look up the weather before you leave. If you just assume what the weather is going to be like, then you’re not doing it right! You want to pack your clothes according to the weather.  We had a European trip that was hot most of the time, but then it was freezing and rainy in other areas.  And we were not prepared for the sudden change.  Rain in general is going to be unexpected, so always bring a light rain jacket.

7. It is a good idea to print off important documents (Maybe even two copies). This can range from your passports to your room reservations.  Having two prints allows your traveling companion to have a copy. Having a second copy has saved us before while trying to board a cruise in Europe.  

8. Be aware of your surroundings. The United States is actually more dangerous than most of the places you plan on visiting, however, one art form not often found in the US is pickpocketing.  You might not always see them, but trust that they see you! Take precautions with your money and valuables.  My wife nearly experienced this in Paris at the train station, and I nearly experienced it in a crowded street in Accra.  Pickpocketing is an art form.  Trust me, they are good at it.       

9. When it comes to technology, put your phone in airplane mode until you are in a wi-fi area.  This can help save a lot of money and data from being needlessly drained.   

10. Stay supplied with water.  Find a grocery store and stock up on your water there! It is a lot cheaper at a store than anywhere else. You will save a lot of money by making a habit of doing this.  Also, buying a bottle of wine at a store and drinking it in your accommodations while resting can help your wallet and recharge you for the next day.  

The Wrong Way

1. Don’t assume things prematurely about the people or country you’re visiting. Are all the stereotypes about your culture and people true? No.

2. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes! If you are wearing heels or sandals and plan on walking all day, you are going to be stopping a lot to rub your aching feet. Be smart, not stylish.  Bonus points if you can combine the two.    

3. Avoid restaurants next to major tourist attractions.  The restaurants that are right by the big sites are always way overpriced, aren’t very authentic, and often don’t have good service. Yes, you get the view, but if you just go a few blocks away from the attractions, the food gets cheaper and more authentic!

4. Don’t be the loud tourist.  A lot of countries consider Americans loud and obnoxious, from what I have gathered.  Yes, we are loud, and trust me, they will notice and treat you like a tourist.  

5. Try not to dress like a tourist.  For example, white tennis shoes, a fanny pack, a selfie stick?  Yeah, you stand out like a sore thumb.  Dress like you belong there, and you might get a different response.

6. Don’t act like you are special.  A lot of Americans are entitled, and they don’t even know it.  You will when you visit other countries.  You are not special because you are an American on vacation.  In fact, you are just one of the millions of other people there trying to do the same thing.  And the locals don’t owe you anything.  

7. Don’t give the people asking for money your attention unless you plan on giving them money.  Anywhere you have popular sites and millions of tourists, you will also have the homeless, beggars, hawkers, and street performers.  If you give them the attention they want, expect to give them some cash, or they’ll likely harass you.  As rude as it sounds, the best way to avoid them is by keeping true to your path and bluntly telling them, “Sorry, no thank you.”  

8. Don’t overdo it.  Slow down and enjoy the trip.  It can be very easy to get into the go, go, go, mindset.  But go at your own pace and enjoy the ride.     

9. Don’t overpack.  I know this is hard.  You feel like you need to bring just about everything with you, just in case.  I promise you, less is more.  Less is more, especially when you consider how difficult it will be loading, unloading, and walking around with your luggage.  Plus, I assume you want souvenirs.  Leave space for souvenirs.  

10. Don’t forget to let your bank know you are going overseas.  If you do forget, expect them to turn off your card the moment you pull cash from an ATM.  Also, probably a good idea not to skip out on travel insurance.  If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Traveling is supposed to be fun, but there is a right and a wrong way to travel.  Hopefully, these tips will help ensure you travel the right way so you can spend more time enjoying the experience and less time stressing about it.