The Adventure...
Since my supposed to be first International tour was cancelled due to my mom's illness last 2012, I decided to make sure I will go back with a vengance. Hence, last 2013 I have been in Malaysia and Cambodia. Together with my friend and travelling buddy, Arfem, our goal is to travel to the countries that does not require for us to get a visa. Our journey's aim is to be a traditional backpackers that we did not pay for tours nor guides. Our sole guide is Google and Google Maps.
The Preparation...
To make sure we maximize our time to go and roam around, we made sure we researched on the place we will travel. Here are some tips you might think helpful if you are traveling outside of the country:
- Do online check-in. Some airlines offer online check-in for their passengers. This will save you time and secure your seats.
- Research on the places you will visit. This is really helpful especially in choosing / booking the hotel you want to stay at. It is easier to be near the places you want to visit than being near to the airport. It saves time and money going around the area.
- Know the public transportation and rates. It is comfortable going around in a cab, but nothing beats the experience of trying their mass public transportations like trains nor native tuk-tuk.
- Prepare your finances. Travelling is indeed an expensive hobby. But experiences you get from it is priceless. Here are some of the fees you need to be aware of if you are travelling outside the country.
- Traveller's Tax - from the point of departure, you need to pay a traveller's tax if you are bound to another country. This varies from one country to another.
- Terminal fee - before you go to the immigrations area, you have to pay a certain terminal fee. This is sometimes included in your plane ticket.
- Baggage fee - if you are not a light traveller, you need to alot a certain amount of money to have your baggaged be checked-in. The price depends on how heavy your luggage and the airline carrier's rate.
- Travelling Insurance - this applies to some countries that requires it such as USA and European countries.
- Know the exchange rates and currencies. Before you leave, it is best if you check what are the things you can buy and how much will they offer for it. Also, it is cheaper to have your money be changed before you leave. Make sure you call your bank to allow international transactions during your trip so you are ready just in case you ran out of cash.
- Pack things that are essential like clean shirts, pants, socks and underwears. If you think you can purchase it on the place you will be visiting, such as soap, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste etc., then do not bring it with you. It is good to check if the hotel you were going to stay at offer free use of hair dryer so you would not bring one on you trip.
- Cafe's and restaurants often have wifi hotspot. Use them whenever you need to check where you are and to look for directions.
- Wear comfortable clothes when traveling. Also take consideration the outfit you will wear in the places you will visit , e.g. Temples, Palaces, Mosques, etc.
- Enjoy and have fun exploring the places. There are things might not turn out as what you planned but do not let it ruin your day. Improvise and explore other alternatives along the way.
I hope this simple tips will help you on your next travel adventure....
