Your insatiable wanderlust has you off wandering the world on another adventure, but despite all of your travels, there are still minor hiccups that you may encounter while abroad. Here are a few mistakes that even some of the most seasoned travelers frequently make and some easy travel hacks to remedy them so you can stress less and get back to exploring:
Leaving Valuables in Checked Luggage
You’re probably thinking, “I know better than to do that! I put all of my valuables in my carry-on bag.” If you’re especially travel-savvy, you probably don’t even check a bag, to avoid any lost luggage snafus. However, you never know when you’ll be forced to check your carry-on due to a full flight and limited overhead storage. Or if you are traveling domestically in another country, you’ll often have to adhere to different carry-on size restrictions than you are used to in the U.S. and be forced to check a bag that is too big.
Be prepared to gate check your hand luggage and still carry-on your valuables by packing them all together in a zippered pouch inside your carry-on bag. This way, you can quickly grab the pouch of valuables and still carry it on, tucking it into the seat pocket in front of you in-flight.
Not Having a Security System to Protect Your Home
Avoid the stress and worry about being targeted by burglars while you are abroad by arming your home with a cloud-based home surveillance system. Choosing a cloud-based system allows you to check up on things at home from anywhere in the world so that you can rest assured and enjoy your international adventures. Opt for a system that includes networked wireless cameras that are suitable for outdoor use, like the top-of-the-line options offered by Lorex Technology. Featuring weatherproof night-vision cameras and ample video storage capabilities through DVR and NVR units, these home security systems will help you cover all of your bases for complete home protection.
Wasting Money on Foreign Transaction Fees
Don’t spend more money than you have to when shopping abroad. Instead, use a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. Chase, American Express and Capital One all offer special cards with waived foreign transaction fees.
Another alternative that many travelers opt for is to simply pay for everything in cash using the local currency. However, be sure to get the cash from your local bank or American Express Travel office instead of withdrawing it from an ATM while abroad, as you’ll also be charged extra fees.
Thinking Your Passport is Valid Through the Expiration Date
Your passport may list an expiration date, but that doesn’t mean that it is the same date that will be honored by other countries around the world. For instance, in China, the United Arab Emirates and Russia, your passport must be good through at least six months after your flight back to the U.S. in order to be used. There are 26 European countries that require passports to be valid for at least three months past the date of travel. Consult the U.S. State Department’s website to find out the specific requirements and restrictions for entry and exit in the countries that you plan to travel to in order to avoid any issues and allow plenty of time to remedy any potential issues.
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