Have you ever walked down a busy city street, and witnessed someone with a big map in their hands, a camera around their neck, and a confused look on their face? They look so…exposed. We’ve all been there, and we sympathize with them. However, we don’t want to be that guy. So lost, so confused, so open to people taking advantage and ruining his vacation. Here are some tips that will send a message to everyone (yourself included) that you know what you’re doing (even though you may not!)
Prepare before you go. A few hours on the internet will help you know what to do when you arrive at the airport, train station or city. When in doubt, ask someone. I’ve found the locals to be very helpful if you are respectful.
Pack Light. Unless you are going to be away for months at a time, there is no need to carry anything larger than a carry-on and large purse or tote, both of which you can take with you in the cabin on the plane. Three to four complete outfits (mix and match), accessories, toiletries, snacks, any medication you might need, and a laptop/camera are all you need for this trip. Trust me. All of that will fit in a roller carry-on and tote bag. And not checking in a bag means no schlepping down to baggage claim!
Navigate the airport with ease. Get to the airport in plenty of time to check in your bags, (if you even have bags to check. See point above.) get through security and park yourself at the gate. Allow up to two hours for domestic flights in a busy airport, and three hours if flying internationally. I’ve traveled enough that I cut these times in half but if you haven’t been to many of these airports abide by these times.
If you are a frequent air traveler, it may be worth it to sign up for TSA pre-check so you can breeze through security and not have to take off your shoes or remove your electronics from your bag. I also have Global Entry so I can get back into the US easily and Nexus to get into Canada easily. If you have Global Entry you don’t need TSA pre-check. It takes a few weeks to get any of these so plan accordingly.
Don’t Look Like a Tourist. Looking confused or lost will tend to open yourself up to thieves, pickpockets, and scammers. Try to at least look like you know what you’re doing. If someone approaches you and appears to be a little too helpful and friendly, beware of them. Moreover, never give out personal information to a stranger or tell anyone you don’t know where you are staying. Also, be aware of your space. Make sure that no one gets to close to you. Be rude if you have to but make sure people are a few feet away from you. Subways and some trains may preclude this distance so be hyper-aware of your belongings and pockets.
Sign Up for Frequent Flyer and Hotel Programs. If you have decent credit, research and sign up for one hotel program credit card and one airline credit card. In most cases, you can earn one free night or one airline flight per year, just for opening an account. Not to mention the points you will accrue with paid hotel stays, airline tickets, or other daily expenses.
Plan your vacation to a point but leave room to be spontaneous. Have a loose idea of the places you want to go to and things you want to see. However, leave pockets of free time for things that will inevitably come up when you are in the thick of it. You may have a chance encounter with a local who will recommend something that sounds great, but that didn’t present itself in your research or an opportunity that arises to see something that is not in the guidebooks. The beauty of travel is to discover and take advantage of the spontaneous.
Travel with the right frame of mind. THINGS WILL GO WRONG or not as you expected. That’s OK. Roll with the punches.
Have a photocopy of your passport and leave it in your room so that if you lose your original you have something to reference. I always tell my wife and children that the most important thing you have is your passport. Guard it at all costs. Its also is one of the most valuable items that people want to steal when you travel abroad. I keep an electronic copy of my passport, Global Entry card, and a credit card in a Dropbox file so that I can access them if need.
Depending on where you’re traveling and what’s going on in the company you’re traveling to know where the address of the US Embassy or US Consulate. If things are dicey enough register with them before you go. Don’t let this suggestion alarm you. I’ve only felt like I need to know where they were twice in my life of travel. As always, being prepared is key to a safe trip.
Leave an itinerary with family or friends. Just in case.
Have your phone turned on for international calling before you leave the US. Be sure you know what you’ll be charged for in each country. As an example, regardless of what your phone company tells you, Monaco has an exorbitant charge that they add to all foreign callers. Most major countries don’t have these charges but many of the smaller ones do.
Travel with minimal cash. I usually get it exchanged in the airport before I board the trans-Atlantic or Pacific flights. When in-country I use a credit card as often as possible. The exchange rate on credit cards is usually better than a bank or exchange kiosk. Check with your credit card company before you go. Also, my wife and I always have duplicate cash and credit cards that we carry so that if we get separated or one of our cards and cash if stolen we can rely on the other person to get us through.
Using these simple methods will ensure you travel like a pro and make your vacation as stress-free as possible so that you can relax and enjoy yourself!
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 