Camera . . . check, toothbrush . . . check. You think youıre
ready for your summer excursion, but are you sure?
Whether you are traveling by bus, train, plane, or car, you should
always be prepared for the worst.
When taking a plane, one carry-on and one suitcase is the best
bet. The essential items should be stored in your carry-on in case your
suitcase is misplaced. All airlines allow you to bring a purse as well as a
carry-on.
Keep in mind the number of days you will be gone, and donıt pack
for a month-long trip if you will only be there two days. A big suitcase
is nice because it allows you to pack many things, but it can also be a
hassle. Suppose you had to lug a suitcase around for long distances, even
a suitcase on wheels could be a pain. Always remember to leave room for
souvenirs; youıll want the extra room in the end. Mr. Baker, an experienced
traveler, says it is also good to dress modestly; to ensure your safety try not
to stand out.
When packing for a road trip, take into consideration the car you
will be driving (the bigger the car, the more you can take). Pack as you
would for a plane trip, meaning pack a suitcase with things not needed for the
car ride, and put it in the trunk so it will be out of the way.
Pack the things you might need at a momentıs notice in a bag that
will be easily accessible at all times. Donıt forget the entertainment;
Mad Libs, crossword puzzles, and music are a few favorites. When
traveling in a car, comfort is a must, remember a pillow and a blanket.
A cooler is a good thing to have; it allows you to bring beverages
for the ride. It may even save you money in the long run; you will not have to
purchase drinks from the gas stations along the way. The pit stops are
pretty much the same with or without a cooler, the need of a bathroom can never
be forgotten.
Money may seem like an obvious thing to bring, but there are few
things to take into consideration when determining which form would work best
for you. Mr. Baker recommends, ³ATM cards and travelersı checks are
fine, but they take longer. ATM cards are accepted worldwide.²
Travelersı checks are recognized internationally. Although
travelersı checks are very handy, it is almost a necessity to have some
currency with you for things such as transportation. All 50 states, and
all countries, will accept travelersı checks, but some small vendors may not.
Personal checks are fantastic in your own city, but when
traveling, they are possibly the worst to bring. Most banks are local
chains, meaning they are not located in every state. First National Bank
is not a regional bank, it is only found in Nebraska and a few other
states. Wells Fargo, on the other hand, is located in most U.S.
states. Donıt try using personal checks internationally; most likely it
will not work out in your favor. You may want to verify with your bank
the location of all its branches.
Some credit cards can be used internationally, such as Visa,
American Express, andMasterCard. Although most countries accept them,
again, some small vendors might not. In the U.S., credit cards should be
accepted in most places, but they shouldnıt be your only form of money.
Some credit card companies also become aware of an unusual increase in spending
and may shut down the card, for your protection.
When exchanging money, keep in mind that each currency has a
different exchange rate, and it changes daily. Cash is easiest to use,
but be cautious when carrying around large amounts of it. Be sure to exchange
some money before you leave (in case you want to buy something right when you
get off the plane) and then exchange more when you reach your
destination. Now that most of Europe uses the Euro, it is much easier to
go from country to country without worrying about currency exchange.
No matter where you travel, near or far, it is good to be
prepared. This is only the beginning of things to know before going on
your summer excursions. Remember when traveling to expect the
unexpected and have plenty of fun.