6 Tips for Keeping it Cool on Your Exotic Getaway

10-16-2013

by Christina Stone

Don't Forget Your License(s)

Whether you dream of driving along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, scooting your way through the crowded city streets of Barcelona or sailing off the coast of Cuba, fabulous adventures await when you take the road less traveled. You can only do this, however, if you have the right documentation with you. A driver's license will suffice if you plan to rent a bar, but you may need a boater's license if you want to charter your own sailboat while overseas. In Canada, for example, you will get fined $250 for operating a boat without a license, even if you're just spending the afternoon fishing in Lake Superior. Look into a SafeBoater.com boating license to learn safe boating tips and receive the necessary paperwork to prevent a fine.

Read the Fine Print on Your International Data Plan

Sure, you want to keep in touch with the folks back home while you're gone. If you have kids or pets, you'll need to stay connected to whoever's watching them. Just make sure you know how to alter your phone's settings during international travel to minimize unwanted interruptions. Take advantage of wifi hotspots to check email and upload those Instagram pics without hogging data from your international plan. Learn how to monitor data usage so you can increase your plan if needed, and avoid hefty overage charges.

Learn to Go With the Flow

When you're adventuring abroad, sometimes plans can change unexpectedly, as blogger Sarah Shearer learned firsthand when her Nepali trekking trip was postponed due to an outbreak of dengue fever, according to Cornell.edu. When plans change while traveling, it's important to take a deep breath and go with the flow, especially if you lack the comprehensive language skills to really understand what is going on.

Consider Travel Medical Insurance

Thinking about practical things like insurance can harm your trip planning buzz, but it may be a good idea to purchase travel medical insurance. Whether you're planning hardcore hikes, potentially dangerous deep sea dives, or simply preparing to soak in the cafe culture and the local beaches, you never know when you could need insurance. Paying a low premium beforehand is much better that getting stuck with costly medical bills that could get in the way of future travel.

Remember Your Preferences

If you hate bicycling at home, you're not going to suddenly love it just because you can bike along the Rhine. It's great to push your boundaries by trying new adventures, exploring the highlights of local cuisine and letting go of some of the comforts of home, but you should still respect your personal limits, Megan Hettwer of Women's Adventure Mag suggests. Preferences are all about traveling stress-free. 

 

Christina Stone is a mobile tech developer who recently left Silicon Valley for the hills of North Carolina. When she’s not blogging about technology or politics, she can be found scouring local thrift stores for her next big find.

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