5 International Traveling Tips

We moved from Dubai, UAE to Ankara, Turkey on 08 March 2014. Although we were relatively prepared, there were a few points we missed. Here's some tips on international traveling:

1. Exchange Currency Prior to Departure
It's easier to change currency prior to leaving as the new country may not convert your money. When in doubt, always convert to USD and then you can change it to local currency as needed.

2. Pack Smart
Regardless of the climate, pack for 4 seasons since weather can't be perfectly predicted. "Dubai is a desert, I don't need winter clothes," I naively thought. A light jacket, heavy jacket, and pair of rain boots will take you a long way.

3. Double Check Airline Baggage Allowances
Not all flights allow one checked bag and one carry-on per person. We assumed US airline regulations would apply as we left Dubai, and the assumption cost us $300 in baggage fees. Ouch.

4. Research Privacy Laws
Seriously. Not all countries are like the US and it's incorrect to assume you'll retain all US privileges when traveling abroad. The US might not care if you have porn on your computer but if the country you're traveling to does, it's better to delete it than potentially face fines or jail sentences upon arrival. Begin your search at your local embassy's website and contact them for more resources.

5. Learn a Little Language
You don't have to be fluent, but knowing words like "yes", "no", "I don't speak [language]", "Do you speak English", "please", "excuse me", "left", "right", "my apologies", "no problem", "stop", and "wait" will help you immensely. English is the international language of business, yes, but not all countries speak English. Write down your hotel's address and phone number to at least ensure you can get back home.

These were the most important lessons I've learned so far from traveling internationally. Did I miss any other important tips for traveling abroad? Let me know in the comments!

24

What is life?

Yesterday I turned 24 years old. It's strange to think that I've been alive for nearly a quarter of a century. When I see friends getting accepted into prestigious PhD programs, going through grad school or medical school, I feel like I'm just drifting along, coasting through life without any real concrete plan. 

Realistically, I know I've accomplished a lot in terms of personal development but I feel like I haven't done much at all. Maybe I compare myself to my friends who are pursuing higher education and think "I should have done that". As I sit here writing this, I'm considering pursuing a Masters in Marketing or MBA for no other reason than school makes me feel like I'm "doing something" when the truth is we all do different things depending on what's right for us. 

Life is what we make of it, and I'm doing the best I can.