I've been to over 90 countries. I'll never travel somewhere new before asking these 8 questions.
What are the public toilets like?
When I first started traveling, I quickly learned that there is no one right way to use the toilet.
Many Americans take the "porcelain throne" for granted, but in some parts of the world, it's common to squat over a hole in the ground.
I've also visited countries where it's customary to pay an attendant a nominal amount for a square or two of toilet paper. In some countries' restrooms, you won't find toilet paper at all — but instead, a bidet or bucket of water to wipe yourself clean.
To prepare for any and all bathroom situations, I try to bring a roll of toilet paper and plenty of hand sanitizer on every international trip.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water?
Many Americans, myself included, are used to turning on the tap and having fresh, clean water to drink and brush their teeth. However, this isn't the case everywhere.
My travel experiences have taught me that nothing will ruin a trip faster than gastrointestinal distress from unsafe drinking water. Now, before I travel, I always check the US Department of State website to see if I'll need to stick to bottled water.
If the country's tap water isn't safe to drink, I'll attach my toothbrush to a bottle with a rubber band. This helps me remember not to rinse my toothbrush under the tap — a mistake that's easy to make in the early morning.
Do I need to apply for a visa ahead of time?
If you have an American passport (like I do), you can visit some countries worldwide without being granted permission.
However, there are many exceptions. Countries like India, Cambodia, and China require Americans to apply for a visa before visiting; and as of this year, Americans and Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter the UK.
To visit some countries, you'll have to go to a consulate and apply in person. For others, you can apply virtually.
If you don't have the right type of visa, you might not be allowed to board your plane — or you might even be turned away at the border.
As a frequent traveler, I always check whether I need a visa to travel as soon as I book a trip. Most countries' embassies will have this information on their websites.
How can I get cell service without paying a fortune?
When I'm traveling, I'm always terrified of being left without cellular service — but I also want to avoid pricy roaming fees and daily charges.
To save money, I usually use a service like Airalo or Holafly to purchase an eSIM card when I travel out of the country. That way, I can access a local carrier and control costs.
This method has worked for me all around the world. With an eSIM, I can still access my primary number's voicemail and text messages as long as I'm connected to WiFi.
How will I charge my devices?
Speaking of phones, you'll want to make sure you can actually charge your devices.
Outlets are different all around the world, and I've learned the hard way that even adapters labeled as "universal" usually aren't.
A quick online search will tell you which kind of adapter you need to stay powered up. Preparing ahead is important here — although airports usually sell adapters, they tend to be more expensive than ones you can order online.
Do I need to get any vaccines, or prepare for any potential illnesses?
I am up-to-date on all of the standard vaccines in the United States. However, several diseases that are largely under control in the US pose a significant threat abroad.
My years of travel have taught me to always check and see if I need any additional vaccines before a trip. In preparation for trips abroad, I've taken live typhoid pills and been vaccinated against yellow fever. For other trips, I've taken pills to prevent malaria.
At my doctor's recommendation, I've even packed antibiotics to bring to countries where they might not be readily available.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website to see which vaccines and medications are recommended for your destination. Once you know what you need, your local pharmacy may be able to order the recommended vaccines for you, or your primary care physician might be able to call in a prescription.
Will my credit cards work?
Many Americans are used to paying for just about anything they need with the swipe of a card — or even a phone if they use Apple Pay.
However, some countries are still largely cash-based societies. If that's the case where you are traveling, always come prepared with an ATM card — and make sure your bank account has enough cash.
Finally, keep your budget in mind. If you don't have a credit card specifically designed for travel, remember you may be hit with expensive foreign transaction fees for every purchase.
Are there any unusual laws I need to know about?
Through my travels, I've come across a lot of unexpected laws. For example, some countries in the Caribbean ban civilians from wearing camouflage. In France, you're not allowed to buy or even wear counterfeit clothing, including purses.
Moreover, some countries have restrictions on the type of medications you can bring in, even if they were legally prescribed in your home country.
It's important to me to respect local customs and stay on the right side of the law — so I always do a quick online search to see if there are any rules I need to know about before I travel.
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