Second, figure out what needs to be booked ahead of time. Certain museums and tours may need to be done a few months before you get there or they may only offer them on certain days. You can plan your hotel bookings based on the tours. If the website sounds like you can just walk in, contact them and make sure! It would be awful to travel to a different country just to figure out that the thing you wanted to do was a reservation only event. I think tours are a great way to learn about local history and culture and more in-depth then just watching documentaries about it.
Third, location is important! When you book a hotel or hostel pick an area that is popular or at least beside a train, subway, or bus station. Yeah, I know it is more expensive to book a place right next to the subway/bus station but you know what else? It is AWFUL to walk back to your hotel for blocks and blocks after a long day of touring. The price is worth it! It also makes a LOT easier for taxi drivers to pick you up and drop you off.
Fourth, how are you getting around this city? Does it have a subway or bus system? Do you have to take an Uber everywhere? How much does it cost to use these systems? Do they offer tourist passes?
In my experience, many of the Asian countries I have gone to do have subway systems but areas like Thailand don't offer Uber. Japan offers tourists passes.
Fifth, what language do they speak? Is there a population that can speak your language? If not, be sure to write down the address of your hotel and the places you are going in the native language. You can show the address to people if you get lost. Not to mention, download the language to your translator so if you don't have wifi you can still communicate.
Sixth, figure out how you are spending money in this area. Some countries do take most major credit cards but small local shops may not. I think you should always have some emergency cash as well. The best way to exchange money is with your personal bank before traveling but you can also exchange in airports or some businesses overseas.
Seventh, does this country have "free" internet? Or is is blocked off and censored to certain websites?
Google maps won't work in China so you either have to get a VPN or use a different maps system.
Eighth, be aware of the local laws and customs. You don't want to start a fight by accidentally saying the wrong word or making the wrong hand gesture.
In Thailand, putting your feet up on a chair is very rude.
Ninth, figure out what the local scams in this area are.
France has particularly bad pick pockets and recently they had a friendship bracelet scam. The scam was that a person would run up to you, tie an impossible knot around your wrist, and force you to pay them for the bracelet. Be aware of these scams and keep your eyes open.
Tenth, when you pack be sure you bring the essentials! Depending on how long you are staying there and where, this can be completely different. There are many lists online you can find where they give recommendations.
My big tip is you should figure out if your country has clothes dryers, so far only America has had them in my experience. That means denim is impossible to dry out and you shouldn't bring denim if you plan on washing them. It also means bringing a small rope so you can tie and hang dry your clothes.
Other items like deodorant, toothpaste, razors, and brushes can be bought in most stores if you forget them.
Important items to bring would be glasses, contacts, medicine, and an electric converter.
Do you have any other tips? Write them below!
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