Don’t Forget the Toilet Paper!
Travel abroad can be stressful; with proper planning your memories will last a lifetime.
International travel can be one of the most exhilarating experiences of a lifetime. You will recall with fond memories the walk from your hotel to the money exchanges in the bustling heart of a foreign city passing shop after shop because you don’t have any of the local currency. Perhaps you will look back on an exciting, but confusing dialogue with your waiter after a fabulous meal and still try to figure out what was said. Remember wandering around for hours because you lacked the basic knowledge to ask for directions in Spanish or getting stuck on the wrong metro and traveling miles in the wrong direction because you misread the map. Good times, Good times! With a little bit of preparation before hand you don’t have to have a marvelous holiday tainted by frustrating memories of currency and language barriers.
Plan on it
First, have a basic plan. You don’t have to hire a travel agent to get a firm grip on your accommodations and sight seeing tours. Self-catered holidays are becoming more and more popular. Ask for help from a friend who has been there. The internet is a valuable and virtually limitless source of information, use it! Dare I even suggest it? You could even use a book to get the knowledge you seek.
Speaking of books, a good Spanish/English dictionary (of or a dictionary containing the languages pertinent to your travel) will be very useful. There are many well written and easy to use pocket varieties. In addition to a dictionary it would be a good idea to learn a few basic Spanish phrases like: how much does this cost or where can I find a restroom.
Airport pitfalls
It is a good idea to pack medications, especially liquids, and any object that is the least bit pointy (your toenail clippers for example) in luggage that will be stowed in the bowels of the airplane. Post 9-11 security is much stricter as to what is allowed in your carry-on. Be prepared for customs. Some items cannot cross international borders. Being aware of what these items are will help avoid entanglements with Customs Officials. Save your receipts. You may need to them as proof if a dispute on the taxable value of your souvenirs occurs
BYO-TP
Bring all your basic toiletries, and check them twice! Restroom facilities internationally are not always likely to measure up to standards you could be accustomed to. To avoid embarrassing and stressful accidents always carry a few coins and your own toilet paper. It is not uncommon for public toilet facilities to charge a fee for use. This fee may or may not include toilet paper, best be prepared.
Armed with the prior knowledge and preparation you will be able to look back on the strange and different things you may encounter with fond laughter rather than the disquiet of embarrassment. May your next holiday be soon, and enjoy the trip.
The author of this article Pablo Conway visits Spain on a regulare basis through out the year. He has been improving his knowledge of Spanish on each visit.
