Handle Life Traveling: Don’t get lost on vacation!
When traveling you always should consider a few things before setting off on any adventure. I have always made sure to follow a couple simple steps to ensure that I don’t lose anything I can’t replace and that I am never lost on vacation!
Take Photos of Everything Valuable.
This is a good way to have a record of any items that way if they are lost or misplaced you will be able to have physical evidence that you will be able to demonstrate when looking for them. This should include your passport and any important personal documentation you may have with you!
Photo Credit: Huffingtonpost.ca
Be prepared to give directions or landmarks.
Write down where you are staying. Practice pronouncing the area and name of the hotel.
Learn some famous landmarks that you want to see and popular well-known buildings or stores near where you will be staying. As you can imagine this is a great way to make sure that you don’t get lost. Many times a driver may not know your hotel specifically but it is very likely they will know a popular building nearby. This is a simple yet effective method to prevent getting lost on vacation.
Practice some key phrases.
Practicing phrases in a foreign language that you don’t know can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be. Practice one phrase every day and before you leave on to your trip review all of the phrases once more. Just to be safe that you don’t forget I recommend writing down the translations for these phrases along with any others you may need and making a few copies to bring with you.
My name is…
I am staying at….
I am lost…
I am looking for….
Always have emergency cash!
This tip has gotten me out of several jams. Unfortunately, it is never certain what will happen so always bring at least $30 incase. It may happen that you become separated from your group, disoriented, or your phone dies…and in the worst case scenario all of these happen could happen at once. Having $30 is usually the maximum amount you will need to get you back to where you stay.
Let your bank know your plans
It is also worth knowing that if you are making several purchases using a credit card it is a good idea to inform your bank. This quick 5-minute conversation can save you a great deal of trouble. I made the mistake of not informing my bank and the card became blocked. The reason being is that when the credit card company receives several charges in places you don’t usually frequent they become suspicious of fraudulent activity. Although it is great that your company is attempting to protect you sometimes it can inconvenience you or put you in a situation where money is needed and you are unable to access your accounts for a day or more.
Don’t bring anything that you can absolutely NOT lose.
While this may be an obvious statement it is worth saying. Items with emotional significance or anything irreplaceable. Anything that has a sentimental attachment should never be brought. In my experience, these are the items that are the first to go missing regardless of if they have any sort of monetary value. If the item is electronic, for example, your laptop, that you do need then make sure to back-up all the data and leave it at home.
Make sure you take the time to do this because the last thing you want is to be stranded on vacation. Once you have done so you are ready to TravelSmart. Happy Travels!
