Research Your Destination before You Travel

Traveling to a different country? Below are a few things you should know before you go.

1. Do some research and learn as much as you can about your destination.

2. Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.

3. Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.

4. Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, so extend it if you are close to expiration.

5. Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.

6. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.

7. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.

8. Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.

9. Find out what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use your electrical appliances.

10. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.

11. Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget. Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping, many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.

12. Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates. Checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.

13. Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.

14. Build some basic language skills in the local language.

15. Check the dates of local major holidays, since services may be limited on those dates.

16. If you plan on driving, investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.

17. Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.