Learning the Lay of the Land

Know where you are, where you're going, what you're doing. This is what you need to be prepared for.

If there’s one thing that can ruin a vacation, it’s being lost in a foreign country with a dead phone, no charger, not understanding the language that everyone is speaking, and not knowing the customs of that country. This can make for a very dangerous situation, which all tourists should do their absolute best to avoid. That’s why all travelers should work towards getting some understanding of the lay of the land of the country that they are visiting, rather than going in practically blind.

Before traveling, here are some things you should be aware of.

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Airports

Airports can vary from all shapes and sizes, different amenities, and the level of comfort that it can provide. In order to have the most relaxing journey possible, it’s good to know the amenities that any airports that you might be traveling to would have. This can range from what type of food to showers (which can definitely come in helpful) to lounges (if that’s your sort of thing).

Country Customs and Regulations

It’s important to understand that not every country has the same, or even similar, rules and customs like yours. Regardless if you agree with them or not, you need to respect the laws of the country you’re visiting. Some things to learn would be their COVID-19 policies, what rights you have, and more.

Remember you are subject to their jurisdiction, so don’t do anything illegal.

Weather and Geography

Imagine booking a trip to a rainy country and showing up with shorts, a tee, and flip flops. Not exactly that country’s vibe, is it?

Getting a sense of the weather of the country that you are visiting, as well as its geography is very important to do, prior to travel. Check the weather for the area you are visiting so you know what to pack. Some things that are great regardless of where you are going are sunglasses, a compact umbrella, and a light rain jacket. The weather can be unpredictable, but by having a sense of the predicted weather or weather trends for your destination, you can be more prepared for whatever the weather decides to throw at you on your travels.

Geography is another important piece of information that travelers should have at least a rough idea about. Know how far the airports you are flying to are from your internal destinations, be aware of safety levels and when you might be in a more dangerous and violence prone area, know what language is primarily spoken and make an effort to learn basic travelers phrases (ie: “where is…”, “how do I get to…”, etc.). Understanding the geography of your destination country also allows for you to plan some of your activities and experiences before hand. This might influence you to, for example, bring along hiking sneakers or boots if there is beautiful mountainous terrain or an extra swimming suit if the beaches are fantastic.

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Regardless of where you are going, it’s important to truly have an understanding of where you are going. At the end of the day, you are a visitor to a different country that you might know very little about. At least make some effort to learn a bit and be a gracious visitor. Safe travels, Across the Waves!