Top 10 international air travel tips

(photo by: Chris Cochran)

I have traveled to many different countries all over the world and I want to pass along some useful tips that I have learned over the years. This is my Top 10 international list, but I also have a Top 10 domestic list as well. Some of the information will be the same on both lists, but that just goes to show how important they are. Enjoy:
 

1. Both domestic and international air travel require this tip to be at the top of both my lists. Always pack an entire change of comfortable clothes in your carry-on bag. It doesn’t always happen, but every now and again my bags will get lost. There is nothing worse than to be stuck in a strange place wearing the same smelly clothes for a couple days while the airline searches for your bags, especially if you are in one country and your bags are in another one.
 

2. Make copies of your ID, Passport, and Visa (not credit card visa, but a travel visa for the country you are visiting, if required). Give a set to your family and/or close friends for safe keeping. Also, put a copy in your bags and carry-on. It will make things a lot easier if you have a copy of your ID and Passport to give to the Embassy to prove who you are if you happen to get mugged or lose your wallet.
 

3. Before you plan your trip, check with the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts and warnings. Plus, this site is a great tool for travel visa information and provides a list to U.S. Embassies and Consulates all over the world.
 

4. Pay for things with your credit card as much as possible. I personally recommend American Express for European travel. This will be the fairest exchange rate you are likely to find. Plus, it will cut down on the amount of cash you have to carry. Although, some hotels will offer to exchange your money at the current rate for free. Check with your hotel before you go to avoid paying a fee at a currency exchange place. As a side note, don’t forget to inform your credit card company the dates and places you will be traveling, otherwise they may decline or even cancel your card if you try and use it outside the U.S.
 

5. Keep a couple hundred dollars separate from your main stash. In fact, you should have a wallet with just a little bit of cash and a credit card in it to give to a mugger just in case. Think of it more like a decoy wallet. Being thorough is not the intent of the mugger but getting a wallet with some money in it is. Once they have a wallet they will usually let you go.
 

6. Check around for the best deals, seriously. Spend some quality time and do your due diligence when researching the best rates and deals. There are a lot of sites out there that have good deals like Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Here are some of the lesser known sites that offer great deals as well: Europebyair, Ryanair , and Easyjet.
 

7. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers if they have ever been to where you are planning your trip. If they have, then they can give you first hand information and they may even have a very important tip or two to share with you.

8. How cheaply do you want to travel? If you want to go very cheaply, then I suggest going the backpacker route and stay in as many youth hostels as possible. Europe is filled with youth hostels and most are open to anyone. The last time I was in Amsterdam I stayed at the Flying Pig youth hostel. It is one of the more famous hostels in Amsterdam.
 

9. Always arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure. International travel requires you to go through Customs and this can be a lengthy process. Don’t miss your flight because you couldn’t get to the airport in time.
 

10. Have fun! Seriously, have fun on your trip. You are getting away for a little while so take advantage of it. Don’t plan every second of your trip. You will be surprised at how often things work out for the better when you just go with the flow and let things happen.