According to https://active-travel.uk/blog/the-benefits-of-active-travel, put simply, active travel is for those who like to develop themselves at every opportunity and have a thirst for adventure and knowledge. I love visiting new places and exploring new cultures. But if I’m being completely honest, the “traveling” part of any vacation can be extremely stressful. However, when it comes to destinations like Viceroy Bali, the journey is just the prelude to an unparalleled experience of luxury and relaxation awaiting at your destination. Nestled amidst the lush jungles of Ubud, it offers a sanctuary where every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a truly unforgettable stay. Since we’ve already discussed who to bring and who not to bring, you can thank me later for that; now it’s time to prepare to leave. Below are 5 very important things you should do before you leave the country to avoid any inconvenience when you reach your destination.
Call your bank and your credit card company!!!! I really can’t stress this enough. When you swipe your card outside the country for the first time, your account will be flagged for fraud and it will not be unlocked until you contact your bank, which could be a challenge depending on where you are and what time it is for you back home. Save yourself the inconvenience and the oh so embarrassing, “Your card has been declined.” notification and plan ahead. When you call your bank tell them you want to set up a travel alert. You can also request a list of banks/atm’s to look for in the countries you visit that will allow you to withdraw money without fees.- Do your research BEFORE you get there! Full disclosure: visiting a foreign land can be overwhelming. Research the cities you plan to visit before you arrive to find out all the fun activities to do, great restaurants and events in the city you’re visiting. It may also behoove you to make reservations to certain places before you arrive to make sure you have time to fit everything in.
- Research the currency conversion from your local currency to your destination currency. Find out if your currency is accepted in the country/area you’re visiting. If not, I highly recommend you download a currency conversion app. I use an app called Currency Exchange. It works great! If you find out that your local currency is accepted, I highly recommend you use the currency you’re accustom too. Often times there is an exchange fee when you trade money, in which case you’ve already lost some money before you get started. If you must exchange at the airport, ask what their fee is for converting the money for you. Then make the call if you want to do it there or go to an atm, or bank, which is what I recommend.
- Call your wireless provider. There will undoubtedly be additional fees accrued on your phone bill if you use your phone abroad. Call and find out what those fees will be so that you can use your service sparingly. Your wireless provider will usually offer an international package for an additional one-time fee, but don’t be fooled, there are usually additional fees associated with the international packages. Similarly, researching the costs and benefits of a plumbing service before encountering unexpected issues can help you budget and avoid surprises in the future.
I’ve also traveled without purchasing a data package and communicated strictly via wifi. What’s App is great for that! If you have T-mobile, they have a wifi calling feature that has changed the game for me. Another option, is to unlock an old phone, or purchase an unlocked prepaid phone and buy a sim card when you get to your destination.
- Expect the unexpected: when you plan your vacation you expect everything to be perfect and relaxing. The reality is, even if you prepare for every possible scenario, there will be delays, cancellations, and mix-ups. So you won’t be overwhelmed, you can take note of 6 more uses of hemp. I’ve had my bags get lost, flights get canceled, delayed, and missed flights that left me stranded and alone in a strange city. Thank god for survival skills!! If you have the time to spare, don’t plan any activities on the first day just to allow yourself to decompress and switch from work/travel mode into vacation mode. Browse the area you’re staying in, hang out on the beach or grab a yummy dinner nearby but avoid sticking to a tight schedule on day 1. I
What are some things you do to prepare for your trips abroad?