Learn….From my mistakes!!!
I’ve always traveled a lot. Whether that was for work or for fun, it seems I spend countless nights in hotels. Now that I’ve started taking longer trips, I’ve learned a few things that I hadn’t known. So, wether you are planning to be gone 3 days or 3 years, these tips are for you!!!!
No. 1: Take Photos/Videos of your home.
Are you a worry wart? Do you obsessively and compulsively think about whether you left the stove on? Might that sensation hit you right when you are trying to chill on the beach and instead you are thinking – “gosh, I hope I didn’t leave the stove on.”
Right before I walk out the door of my house, I take a video. It’s the very last thing I do. Every time. Takes me about 5 minutes. I go over such key questions as: Are the refrigerator and freezer doors closed; is the stove and oven off; is the washing machine lid open to allow airflow and prevent mold….
This may seem simplistic, but it can save you from agonizing worry about whether your stove is on. Moreover, in the highly unlikely event that something should go wrong while you are on vacation, you now conveniently have a more itemized report of the condition of your home for your insurance company!!! Win/Win/Win!!!
No. 2: Deal With Mail.
So…I learned this trip that the US Postal service is as far behind as you think. Maybe they have evolved to using vehicles instead of horses and trains to move mail. But don’t try to hold your mail online. Because it may not work. Yeah…. I figured that out literally three days after I had left the country.
So. Lesson Learned. Deal with mail a week or two before you leave. Consider a mailbox company that also opens and scans your mail if you will be gone for the foreseeable future.
No. 3: Make a Data Plan.
I already hear you saying “Ty – I’m one step ahead on this one. I’ve already called my cell phone carrier and I’ve got an international roaming plan”.
And that is a great first start. But. How much data is available to you? Does the country or even area of the country you are visiting have a roaming agreement with your carrier? Do you know how much data you actually use?
- Look at how much cellular data you actually use, you will likely be shocked. Plan on turning off cell phone data for all non critical apps.
- Investigate local options. Many countries or regions have a 14-30 day tourist plan. It may be ALOT cheaper than using your US Company’s international roaming plan. You can then turn your phone on airplane mode and use your US number over Wifi,
- Google maps will allow you to download maps. I have all of Paris downloaded. This is useful not only to lower my data usage, but also if I’m lost and service is unavailable (say in parts of Versaille where there is not coverage), I can at least get part of the way.
- Be mindful of other big items you may have stored in the Cloud that you may want. Music/Netflix etc.
No. 4: Pack Medicines.
When I first got to Paris, within a week I was sick. So I went to the Pharmacy. I learned that Pepto-Bismol is unavailable. As are a host of other drugs we take for granted in the US, like Benadryl. You can get Benadryl. With a prescription….
So. Not only should you do the obvious like making sure you have all of your prescription drugs, and a sufficient supply to carry you for at least several extra weeks in the event of an uncontrollable situation that extends your stay involuntarily, do not take for granted that you will have easy access to simple drugs we can grab at a convenience store. This is true even in a major city!!!
No. 5: Realize You May Lose Access to Internet Content.
Since I have been in France, I’ve gone to two websites only to be locked out because I’m not in the U.S. One of which was a financial institution to whom I needed to make a payment. But since they do not operate outside the U.S., for security, they have blocked all external traffic.
Now. This could likely be resolved by using a VPN. But feels unnecessary. So, be aware that certain websites like financial institutions may block foreign IP addresses. Therefore, pay all your bills in advance. Make a plan for how to pay them if you will be gone for a while. Notify your financial institutions that you will be traveling.
And realize that some content is geo-fenced. Like just because you have a song in your library on iTunes doesn’t mean you a play it in a foreign country. So. If you need or want something, take it before you leave home!!!
Safe Journey!!!
I hope these tips help you!!! Bon voyage!!! Safe Travels!!!
The Video.
Check out my youtube video on things to do before you leave home. Please like and subscribe!!!!