Guest Post by David Smith
When you are travelling abroad it can be tempting to just carry on as normal and not think about whether you should change anything because you are abroad. This can be a mistake and it is worth thinking through what you should and should not do when you are visiting a different country.
Do – Learn the Laws
Even if you are going to a country which you feel is very safe, it is important to have some awareness of their laws. If you are travelling using an agent then ask them if there is anything you should be aware of, otherwise check online. It would be silly to be arrested for driving too fast or behaving in an unacceptable manner, when it could be avoided if you understood what the laws were beforehand. It will not take long to find out and could mean that you will avoid being arrested and ruining your visit.
Do – Learn the Language
Although it would be impossible for a visitor to a foreign country to be completely fluent in the language, it is a good idea to learn some words and phrases. It is good manners to learn how to say please and thank you and then good to be able to ask for medical attention or other emergency help if necessary. You may think that a phrasebook or dictionary will be good enough, but it could be wise to learn a few things, just in case you lose it.
Don’t – Get into Debt
It is such a good idea to never get in to debt, but when you are visiting a different country for spring break this is even more important. You need to make sure that you have no payday loans, overdrafts or credit card debt outstanding or building up while you are away. This is because the fees and charges will build up and you will not be so easily able to sort them out.
Don’t – Go Without Insurance
It can be really tempting to try to save money when you are travelling abroad by not having insurance. However, this is an extremely risky thing to do. If you need medical treatment, then it will not automatically be paid for, as many people think. You may be able to get some free care, but you may need some sort of proof or certificate for that and so it needs sorting out before you travel. Even insurance for theft can be well worth having, especially if your luggage is lost perhaps when flying or things get stolen during your trip.
