Sometimes we ‘re heading to a foreign country thinking to stay there for longer but certain restrictions or lifestyle we bump to frustrate us and make our trip a challenge to remember. The things we find abroad might discourage us and even make our life a disaster. If you’re American you might find these really hard to accept, America is powerful, well accepted and loved, right? Well, it is but foreign countries have their laws which you should obey. To make your life easier, here are a few tips before you leave:
Tell your friends and family where you are going to
If you are going on big would tour, tell this to your family members. Probably you have already planned your first week; you know the hotel name or the telephones of the people where you’re planning to stay. Regularly keep in touch with the people who care about you; send them your itineraries, leave telephones or any contact details. Things are related: something can happen to you, but something may happen to those you love. Car accidents, sudden health problems or anything else can befall and it’s better to keep in touch.
Tell the world who are you
Fill in your emergency sheet of paper and have it with you 24/7. Have all contact details: who should be contacted in case you’re found unconscious in the desert, what’s your name, do you suffer anything (for example high blood pressure). Fill in the emergency information page of your passport. In addition make copies of your passport and papers for you and your family. Keep them in other place, your luggage maybe. This will help you prove that you’re someone in case you’re victim of thieves. Also leave a copy of all your documents (passports, visas, insurance policies) to you family members. This will help them track where you are in case of emergency like crashed airplanes for example.
Insurance
We all have medical insurances but do you know what your insurance plan covers exactly? Is it valid abroad or overseas? Does it expires or it is for a life-time? Does it cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation? Consider even signing new policy for supplemental insurance especially if you’re planning climbing the Apennines or scuba diving near New Zealand.
Consult your doctor
At least one month before you leave go to your doctor and share your adventure plans. If your doctor advises you for vaccination for certain diseases it might be good idea to accept. There are inoculations that require a few medical checks that’s why you should think at least s month ahead. Medical centers regularly receive information about new varieties of flues and you’ll be surprised how frail your body might be. Remember, to prevent is better than to cure.
Know your rights and respect other nations
Being American abroad is not an excuse of not knowing certain local laws. There is a whole world out there full of special restrictions which not always seem logical to us, but yes, there they are and foreigners should obey them even if they are Americans. There are dictatorships, regions in political crises and new independent republics. These countries might seem interesting to you but before you head to them, you should check the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Their website is rich in information and you’ll have answers of all your questions. Planning to stay somewhere longer than 30 days? Maybe you need special visa otherwise you’ll be considered illegal immigrant or even be arrested. Check the list of countries here:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
