Stepping out into the unknown is just one thing that makes traveling so exciting. Each day is a new adventure and offers opportunities different from the day before. You may end up enjoying a day sightseeing somewhere, or end up getting robbed somewhere else. You could get food poisoning or enjoy a lovely day in the sun on a beach. Each day can hold both good and bad experiences, but this is ultimately unknown at the beginning of the day.
It is for this reason that you need to be prepared for anything. If you are prepared you will be able to face whatever is thrown at you and make the best of your travels. Here are a few ways that you can easily prepare yourself for traveling around the globe.
Multipurpose Gear
Packing multipurpose gear means that you can easily adapt to changing conditions and it helps reduce the amount of clothing you have to take. An excellent example of this is pants that zip off into shorts and comfortable walking shoes that look nice enough for an evening out. This saves room in your bag and money since you don’t need to buy as much stuff.
A Small First Aid Kit
You can find modern medicine anywhere in the world, but it isn’t always that accessible. You might not be familiar with the brands in another country or even able to communicate what you need at a pharmacy. That’s why it is important to carry a small first aid kit with you with a few essential items to be safe. Something for a headache, stomach pains, eyedrops, Band-Aids, scissors, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment, and even a small supply of antibiotics can really help you get out of an uncomfortable situation.
Copies of Your Passport and Important Documents
Keeping copies of your documents can come in handy, especially if you lose the original documents. You never plan to get robbed or lose your passport or phone. Having copies ready for officials can make filing police reports and getting new documents much easier. Another tip in case you lose your phone and have to navigate without it is printing a map, like those from https://www.onestopmap.com/. This way you can show people where you are wanting to go and they can assist you in getting there. It is a good idea to have a physical, or downloaded map in case you lose data connection, too.
A Reusable Water Bottle
You never know what could happen. Carrying a reusable water bottle that has a filter attachment will not only save you money, but it could also prevent illness and definitely tons of single-use plastic from ending up in the ocean or landfills. They say you can survive 3 weeks without food but only 3 days without water, so rather be safe than sorry.
Learn Basic Phrases
No one expects you to be a fluent speaker of a foreign language. However, knowing how to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” go a long way in endearing yourself to locals and is a great show of respect towards locals. Knowing a few key phrases will not only make interactions easier, but can help you order food and get help when you are lost. There are tons of online guides to local phrases. Look for one that is appropriate for where you are going.
List of Emergency Contacts
Having a list of emergency contacts on you will help others know who to contact in the case of an emergency. It is good practice to keep a list of your allergies on you so if I need treatment and can’t answer questions, doctors know what you are allergic to. Keep at least two copies of your documents. One on you at all times and one in your bag in your room.
Travel Insurance
The ultimate form of preparedness is travel insurance. Chances are nothing is going to happen to you while traveling, but you should still be well prepared because issues and troubles can sometimes add up quickly.
Read Before You Go
Watch a few videos and read some blogs to familiarise yourself with what is normative behavior and practices in that place. Knowing basic rules and etiquette can help you avoid unpleasant misunderstandings and leave a good impression.
You never know when to expect the unexpected and things can always go awry. You probably won’t use the items on this list all the time, and hopefully won’t need some of them, but the point is to be ready for anything.
