“Investment in travel is an investment in yourself,” said expert vagabond Matthew Karsten. He’s right. Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, however, added, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
To which Danish author Hans Christian Andersen commented, “To travel is to live.” American-born British poet T.S. Eliot was more apt in his description: “The journey, not the arrival, matters.”
Except for a few, particularly those who fear flying, most people love to travel – especially if the trip is going to a foreign land. While most travelers find their journey memorable and exciting, there are those who come home frustrated and exhausted. A few others end up facing life imprisonment or death penalty.
There are several reasons for travel fiascos but one of those starts even before the flight. “Do your homework well,” our teachers and editors tell us. The same is true when going to another country.
For first time flyers, here are some basic rules (or reminders to jetsetters) to keep in mind when traveling abroad:
Prepare all the necessities
At least a month before your scheduled travel, get to know the geography, history, and other information of the country you’re visiting. Buy a travel book and a map of the city you’re going to. Get the phone numbers of any friends or relatives who may be living in the area (just in case you get lost!).
Be sure to have all the necessary documents: a valid passport (check six month’s validity), visa (if the country you’re entering requires it), plane tickets (round trip), letters from your sponsors (if you’re invited), identification card (government issued, preferably), and other pertinent papers.
In terms of clothes to wear, decide what to bring and not to bring. If you are visiting a country when it is winter time, be sure to bring heavy clothes, jackets, and shoes fitted for the season. Also, don’t forget to bring your camera, cellphones, video recorder (battery charges for all three), and medicines (if you have health problems like hypertension).
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