10 things to know before you start traveling

When you are traveling to a foreign places. There is a lot things to do before you go. Whether you going for a backpacking style, joining any arranged-tours or what not. You still need to know few things as below: 

Money

1. Cash

Bringing extra cash on hand is really important, it is better to have extra than ended-up stranded somewhere.

2. Credit card / ATM Card

Make sure credit card is valid to use outside your country or easy to say accepted worldwide. Same like credit card, your ATM card usually need to be able to use overseas. 

3. Local currency 

It is always important to change your money to the local currency of the country that you going to visit beforehand.

Important documents

4. Passport

Make sure your passport's validity is more  than 6 months before traveling. Otherwise immigration won't let you onboard the plane. And do not forget to make a copy of it.

5. Hotel vouchers

If your are going to stay on your relative's house then it's okay. But hotel voucher is really important to prove that you did make a necessary arrangements. Because most of hotels need it. 

Plan your trip ahead

6. Itinerary

Although it's not really important, but making a draft itinerary won't hurt you. At least you can manage your time wisely and didn't miss any interesting event/ attractions.

7. Accommodation

Same as itinerary, you do need to make a n early reservation especially during peak seasons. You don't want sleep on a public bench do ya?

8. Transportation

Getting to know on how to get to your hotel/ place of interest/ destination is quite as important as few of those list above. Don't ask me why if you plan to swim from Singapore to Indonesia.

Safety

9. Do's and Don'ts 

Some countries have their own laws that you might not aware. For example Singapore, chewing gums is PROHIBITED. So do try to spare time to check online and do some research.

10. Local Customs / Culture 

You might thing it's not important but it does! Knowing their culture and customs will prepare yourself. For example in Malaysia (and other parts of the world too), you are not necessary to shake hands a muslim woman especially the one who wear hijab (head scarf) it is against their religion to make any physical contact with a non-mahram. In Japan, don't wipe or blow ur nose in public, don't do any hygenic stuff in public and take everything to the restrooms as it is considered as disrespectful.

and last but not least, have fun guys! You are going for holiday not working!

Cheers.