Traveling Do's and Don'ts in Foreign Lands
Author: Terry Miller


There are many do's and don'ts to take into account while
preparing for a trip to a foreign land. Although you may assume
many are common sense, for some reason while people travel or
vacation, they tend to experience "common sense amnesia."

This may conceivably be from giddiness and intellectual
detachment while preparing for a long-awaited trip. Certainly
travel can be a great release from the pressures of work, an
opportunity for family enjoyment, or simply some alone time.
Nevertheless, there is some basic knowledge gathering you should
do beforehand.

Not all destinations are created equal, and there are laws that
govern every city, country, or continent you visit. So, the next
time you plan a trip to a first-time location, research the area
thoroughly to become familiar with each destination's traveler
requirements.

Learn everything you need to know about the place you will
visit. That includes at least a little of the language, customs,
religions, laws, and the kind of money you need to use there.

Do not show up in another nation looking like a typical
wide-eyed tourist because you may be treated badly or
disrespectfully. Just as you likely may not appreciate
international tourists who do not know at least minimum customs
in your own country, the same is true of people when you visit
their lands.

You must obtain a passport to travel to most countries. It is
imperative that you start this process very early, because
acquiring a passport can take several weeks. Without it you will
not be permitted through customs. Even if the country doesn't
require it a driver's license, it is still helpful to obtain one
from your destination nation, as your native driver's license
isn't always valid in other countries.

There are other customs you may assume to be normal that don't
necessarily apply to other nations. For example, bringing your
pet when you travel may not be such a great idea.

Although many stops in the Untied States allow you to bring
your pet, it is much more difficult to travel to other countries
with it due to quarantine laws and other international
considerations. Given the risk, it would be better to leave
"Fido" home with a reliable friend or relative.

When renting a car, be aware of different national laws. Some
such as Ireland, Cyprus, and parts of England require driving on
the left hand side of the road, so be cautious if you plan to
drive. (If you are uncomfortable with that arrangement and fear
making a critical driving error on the wrong side of the road,
you might alternatively consider taking a taxi instead of
driving yourself.)

Seatbelts are required just about everywhere you travel and for
everyone in the car, so don't be negligent. Additionally, the
speed limits change and can be much higher than those in the US;
drive safely and move to the far side of the road if you plan to
motor at a slower pace.

Traveling can be both very exciting and enjoyable, but you must
not arrive without knowledge of the laws and customs of a
foreign land. Adequate preparation will make your trip safer and
more pleasurable. So read up in advance, do your homework, and
when you have fully planned your trip you will feel more
comfortable traveling to a distant land.


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