Top Ten Travel Tips (International)

I’m not actually considered a frequent traveler, internationally speaking as I’ve only been to 3 countries in my lifetime: Hong Kong, Macau and the United States of America. I’m writing this entry because I’m considered on a roll for the past 3 years because of my yearly trip out of the country and these tips have guided me:

1- NO ID, NO ENTRY. Bring your passport everywhere go and I mean everywhere. Just guard it with your life. As a supplement, it would be good to bring your driver's license. You'll never know when you'll need these IDs.

2- MORE MONEY. I'm pretty sure you'll bring a handsome sum of money since you're in a foreign land but make sure you bring small amounts (read as coins) as well. You may need it for parking meters, make a phone call (mayroon pa ba nun) or whatever.

3- ANG PLASTIC MO! For non credit card fans like me, it's a must that you bring a card as well. The reality is that there are transactions that can best be handled by this payment method. And if you run out of cash, you can always use the cash advance feature of the card.

4- LIGHTER IS BETTER. This is more of a choice and I choose to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. There are some items that will be available in the hotels or you can buy disposable hence no need to bring from your country of origin. Another tip is not to bring BIG items like a toothpaste. You won't completely consume it anyway.

5- DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Just like during our school days, do your assignment. Although this time nobody's going to check. Must have information include: plot your itinerary, know the important contact numbers & address (hotel, airport, the Philippine embassy, your bank or its affiliate, your cellular phone network provider or its affiliate) and detailed directions per leg.

6- COMFY. Wear comfortable but appropriate clothes. If you’re going to a forever summer state like Florida, lose the fur coat. If you’re going to Canada or somewhere in northern US, a thermal undergarment will be your best friend. Also expect a lot of walking (tricycles are non existent in the countries that I’ve visited) hence I’d go for a comfortable pair of shoes over a stylish one. Sneakers are still the best!

7- DISPENSABLE. While it’s required to bring nice clothes for the endless photo shoots, bring clothes that you can let go. You'll never know if you'll need to leave some to free space for the new stuff.

8- WEIGHT WEENIE. You have to watch your weight referring to your baggage weight. Most international flights allow 70 lbs. maximum. It’s best that you check with your airline. Domestic flights usually allow 50 lbs. maximum. I learned it the hard way when I paid $50 during a flight from LAX to JFK. And we were only talking here about a 5 lbs. excess.

9- MEDICINE. The last thing you want to check out during time pressed travel is a drug store. Make sure you have enough medicine during your travel. It would help if you have a doctor’s certification stating why you need such medicines.

10- BEST BUY. Buy only stuff that you need, can't buy in your home base and cheaper if bought abroad. Else, just buy it at home especially if the difference is below 10%.