Seven International Travel Tips

After four trips to Chile in the past four months, the Active Junky team has a few tips to keep you traveling strong, seeing more and returning home ready for everyday life—that is, if you decide to return at all.

Travel Tip #1:  Pick your credit cards wisely – and get versions with chips.

Not all cards have equal weight around the world.  Much of northern Europe favors Visa while Central and South America lean toward MasterCard.  Your best shot?  Take multiple cards, all equipped with a chip for greater security.  Notify the company you’ll be traveling outside the U.S. to avoid getting charges blocked by automatic security systems.

Travel Tip #2:  Be your own pharmacy.

Some countries, like Vietnam, keep even muscle rub balms behind the counter.  On a recent trip to Patagonia, long lines at a pharmacy frustrated one team member in search of Tylenol PM. Carry a variety of pain, congestion and sleep aid options in your carry-on to avoid making matters worse should you lose your luggage. 

Travel Tip #3:  Don’t assume water is drinkable.

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle On a recent backcountry trip to Sweden, our guide claimed, “You can drink the water anywhere in Sweden.”  This, despite bovine populations sharing the same trail and humans camping nearby.  Smile, say thanks and handle the water in a way that works for you.  The same is true in hostels, many hotels and restaurants.   It’s your trip and health; take charge and stay in the game.

Travel Tip #4:  Know your communication options – and limitations – before departure.

A surprise call in Austria three years ago woke us up.  Roaming data charges had reached nearly $1,000 in less than four days.  Our carrier waived the charges, but still the bill put us on notice.  See what your cellular carrier offers as the “drop it in and go” SIM cards sold in airports and hotels are not always as instant as promoted.  Many come with limited time and data, requiring a second purchase.

Travel Tip #5:  Your phone is your primary camera.

Some destinations make pulling out a camera a security-compromising moment for pickpockets.  Upgrade your phone to include simple photo and video editing tools to grab moments out of bus windows, in the bucking front seat of the raft and walking the beach.  Even acclaimed professional photographers deploy smart phones to document their travels, shoot supplemental time lapses and help plan their shots.  A water- and dust-proof case is critical; consider options with built-in supplemental batteries.

Travel Tip #6:  Take crystallized ginger – everywhere.

Prince of Peace® 100% Natural Ginger Candy

On over 80% of our trips in the last three years, we’ve dealt with one or more travellers with shaky stomachs or downright intestinal distress.  Ginger sooths, calms and stabilizes with “doses” of as little as three small chunks.  Buy it from a legit natural grocer back home and carry enough to help your friends in moments of need.

Travel Tip #7:  A belt is one of your best travel hacks.

Even if your pants fit, take a belt.  A webbing version is great as it serves as a compression strap, luggage pull and emergency source of string when unraveled.  Leather looks better but lacks the flexibility – unless you’re will to slice it up into strips.  Simple, cheap and effective.  Another way Active Junky overcomes obstacles to amazing days around the world