1. Google Translate App
Download Google Translate, especially for the camera feature! The camera feature can be even more handy, allowing you to hold up your camera to any other text and have it immediately translate the words into English. This is so helpful for menus and food labels at the grocery stores, especially when traveling with picky eaters.
2. Call Your Cell Phone Provider
Call your cell phone provider before you leave, so your phone will continue working when you land in a different country. You may just need to restart your devices once you land.
3. Download Maps of the Area Beforehand
Download maps in specific areas for use when you don’t have Wi-Fi or cell connection. This will also use less battery when you’re using the downloaded map. Search for the location/city you’ll be visiting. Tap “download” if available or tap “more” then “Download map”! This is super helpful when traveling to mountainous regions with little to no cell service.
4. Have Backups!
Take a picture of all important documents such as passports, insurance, drivers license. Also, keep all confirmation numbers in your notes app. If you don’t have cloud storage, send it to yourself in an email.
5. Find Tours with Transportation
Book the all-inclusive tours that include transportation, bonus is they include meals! This usually makes for the best, no stress days in foreign countries. I like to book a tour at the beginning of the trip and ask the guide for their recommendations on places to see and eat! They usually know the “local” things to do over tourist traps.
6. Let Go!
Let your ego go and let things happen. Kind of like the “let them theory” for traveling. Sometimes the restaurant you try will be bad, or you might walk a mile to find it closed. Oftentimes your response to the situation can be worse than the actual situation. Don’t ruin the day and accept it’s all part of the experience!
