Tips for Trekking – Part I (Money and Fashion vs. Function)

It’s been almost three months since I landed back in the states after four months of studying and traveling in Europe. Central Pennsylvania is a lot smaller and quieter than the cities I hopped through then and it’s given me plenty of time to reflect on my time abroad and analyze my response to returning home.

With stories shared by friends and family who have also studied and/or traveled abroad and my own experiences I decided to write one more post to this blog to share some travel tips. Most of these apply to both long-term and short-term travel with a few study-abroad-specific notes as well.

There’s a lot to say so I’ve broken it down into more specific categories through three separate posts for an easier read. Here we go...

Money

1. Notify your bank(s) in advance. They prefer at least two weeks warning before you’re set to leave. Know which cards you can use at point-of-sale versus which will be ATM cards only and tell your banks before you leave for a weekend trip across any borders.
2. Try to get a card with no travel or ATM fees if at all possible. I went through a local Maine bank that had no fees and it saved me a lot of money.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at the airport. Airports know you likely don’t have the country’s currency upon landing and they have some of the most exorbitant exchange rates available. If you can get by until you find a better rate, I strongly recommend doing so.
4. Know/Save your bank(s') number(s). Should you have any issues, it’s good to have their number handy. Most bank help numbers can usually be reached through Skype for no charge.
5. Have $100 cash in your home currency in your room or in your wallet. This way, you have the money if you need to exchange it but you won’t spend it frivolously or by accident.
6. Have a minimum of two credit/debit cards with you. One of my friends had her card eaten by an ATM –  Twice. That was her only card so until the replacement came in, she had to live off the cash she had stashed away. The second time, her parents actually had to wire her cash. And yes, wiring cash is still a thing. Which brings me to my next point...
7. Should you need to pick up a money order, be sure that the name on your ID matches exactly what the other person wrote down for the wire. Some places are stricter than others about this but it’s safest and easiest to just make sure they match.
8. Pay with cash whenever you can. It’s always a good thing to have a reasonable amount of cash on you (but not too much). It reduces unnecessary fees, since many restaurants and other businesses charge extra for using a card, and makes you more aware of what you’re spending. Plus, you may be surprised by how many places are still cash only.
9. Ask for your check. This depends on the country but some cultures find it rude to rush people and will never directly ask for your to pay and leave. In that type of culture, ask for your check at restaurants or you may be there for a lot longer than you bargained for.
10. Check whether service is included in restaurant bills and be aware of tipping expectations in your host country. I still don’t entirely understand the difference between service and tips so feel free to explain in the comments if you do – but I do know that restaurants in some countries (like the U.S.) expect tips of 10-20% while others find tips to be a bonus but not an expectation.
11. Keep your currencies separate. When you have a wallet full of coins from all over, you hold up lines and confuse yourself when searching the correct currency for the transaction. Save everyone some time and frustration and only hold what you need or keep extra in a separate pocket.

Fashion vs. Function

1. Bring a blanket scarf. If you don’t have one, get one. You may think it looks ridiculous at first but it’s one of the best purchases I made while abroad. It’s especially great on airplanes and at hostels when you don’t have enough blankets or need an extra pillow.
2. Neutrals are your friends. Pack multiple neutral colored shirts. Make sure they’re plain. Layer.
3. Bring at least one nice outfit. You can make it simple but you may want something nice to wear out on the weekends and something professional to wear for class/work/internship presentations.
4. If it’s going to be hot, bring loose clothing. This comes from my friend who’s currently studying in India where temperatures are averaging around 100°F (37.7ºC) so it may be wise to heed her advice.
5. Bring shoes you don’t mind destroying. As impressed as I was that my $30 target boots got me up and over a mountain in Transylvania, it would have been nice if they didn’t reflect that trek for the rest of my trip. You don’t always know what kind of adventures to expect, so plan for all of them, especially if you’re there long-term.
6. Embrace the hip straps on your backpack. I know you think you look funny but I promise that it’s worth it. Your shoulders, neck, and back will thank you dearly.