My Random Travel Tips

1. Be sure to call your credit cards and banks to let them know when and where you will be traveling so that they do not automatically suspect fraud and block your account. Trust me this is a serious PAIN!
2. Take a Cell phone with a SIM card so that you can buy a SIM in new countries. It is good to have a way for people to contact you and for emergencies.
3. Make a contact list of people you would like to send post cards etc to. Either email the doc to yourself or build it on Google docs so that you can look up addresses wherever you want in the world.
4. Pack old socks and underwear, items that are on their last leg and you are about to throw out. After you use them throw them out, this way you gain room in your bag and also clean out your sock drawer. (Yes I know it sounds gross but it works great!)
   
5. If you are traveling extensively, set up a second checking account and have the ATM and copies of important papers in an envelope addressed to you. Leave it with a family member or someone you trust so that they can send it, or at least reference, to you in case your belongings are stolen. (If your ATM is stolen you will want to close the account, it is nice to have a backup already set up. Make sure your accounts are not Linked.)
6. Take Combination locks with you for lockers etc. email or text the combination to yourself in case you get forgetful
7. Check out my packing list, there are a few items on there that will let you get all McGuiver on the road like elastic….
8. Update friends or family members with your travel plans and progress, so that some one other than you knows if something goes wrong. Sometimes a simple Facebook or Twitter update is appreciated.
9. If you are traveling alone, let people know that someone is expecting to meet you at your destination. It sounds sleazy but it is better safe than sorry in most situations.
10. Finances; ensure accounts are set up online before leaving home so that you can access them if you have to pay bills etc. Minimizing the personal information you type into an internet café computer is always a good idea.
11. Never expect to get any pictures unless they are taken on your camera. I can’t tell you how many time someone has a camera and you say, oh we will just exchange pictures later. Later never happens, you only have access to pictures in your possession.
12. Use a mass storage device instead of storing info on a laptop. A mass storage device is easier to keep safe and secure than a laptop.