Dig Magazine

Issue date: 12/7/09 Section: Cover Story

Make the most of your winter break by traveling

Get your passport early
First you're going to need a passport photo. Make sure to get it taken where at a place that specifically takes passport photos because there are requirements they must meet. This usually costs about $10-15. Next, go to a post office that provides passports. You will need to fill out an application, provide proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, two color photos, and pay about $100. Make sure you complete this process long before your trip because it takes a few weeks for the passport to arrive in the mail. And no passport means no leaving the country, with no exceptions. Visit www.usps.com for more information.

Do your homework
Make sure to compare prices for tickets, hotels, and transportation before making any purchases. It may seem convenient to buy the first deal you find, but you'd be surprised what kind of great bargains are out there. Try websites like Orbitz, PriceLine, and Cheap Tickets.

Pack lightly
Packing lightly is key. Seriously. There's nothing worse than having five suitcases and trying to juggle them all while running to catch a taxi. Bring only the essentials: enough underwear and socks to last your whole trip (just in case you can't do laundry), a few basic tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched into different outfits, comfortable shoes to wear while you sight see, a sweater and/or jacket (depending on how cold the weather will be) that can be layered, pajamas, and one nice outfit and a pair of dress shoes for special occasions. Remember: leave a little extra room in your suitcase because you will probably do some shopping and will need some space to put your new items.

Dress comfortably
There is no reason to look like a fashionista on the airplane, but you don't have to look like a bum either. Stick with simple, classic attire. A plain top, jeans, and closed-toed shoes will do the trick. Add a scarf and a cardigan or lightweight jacket since it can get cold once airborne. Lastly, it is best not to travel wearing anything with too much metal on it, like a studded belt or a metal hair clip. It just slows down your traveling process when going through security checks in airports.

Be nice
Being nice in a busy airport can get you a long way. Say for example the woman checking in your bags is in an extra grumpy mood. One person decides to snap back at her for being so rude, while the other sucks it up and smiles. Miraculously there happens to be one extra seat in business class. Who do you think is going to get it? You do the math.

Brush up on the local language and customs
It's always a good idea to know the norms of where you are going. You don't have to be fluent, but knowing a few simple phrases like, "Please" and "Thank you" not only come in handy, but also reflects a positive light on you as an American tourist. Make sure you know basic customs too. For example, it's normal in Japan for people to be pushy in a subway station. So don't be so quick to go swinging fists when someone pushes you aside.

Bring money
Make sure you have the proper currency for the country you are going to. It's also helpful to know how to convert it into American dollars so you know how much you're spending while on your trip.

Be safe
Avoid being a victim of crime. It's always a good rule of thumb to blend in to the crowd; don't dress loudly and draw attention to yourself. Keep valuables securely put away in case of pick-pockets. Don't leave personal documents in your hotel room. Always let someone else know what your travel plans are.

Have fun!
The most important part of visiting a foreign country is to have FUN! Forget about the guy who threw up on the plane and the grouchy flight attendant. It's all in the past. It's time to explore and make some amazing new memories. So get out your camera and start sight seeing.

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