by: Maria Irene Aserios Title of the article: Practical Tips For First Time Travelers Abroad The idea for my column today was borne out of a friend of mine, a first time traveler abroad, who got a bit rattled after her interview at the immigration. Apparently, the immigration officer was extra strict with her and, just like any first timer, she got frightened. She did eventually pass through immigration but it took a while before she regained her composure. I’m hoping that experience won’t deter her from traveling to more countries in the future! I’ve been blessed to have traveled to several countries (thanks to hard work and savings!) and let me tell you, there is nothing like visiting a foreign land to give you inspiration, excitement and a little bit of fear (in a good way!). Don’t get me wrong, though. I love the Philippines and I will always promote our country. However, there’s also a different kind of joy when you explore the world, meet new people, try new cuisine and immerse in other cultures and traditions. May I share just a few tips that first time travelers abroad may find useful. These tips are based on my own experiences. Please feel free to send me your tips so I can add them on a blog post I’ll be making on Mindanaoan.com:
  1. Bring copies of your passport. Two photocopies of your passport can come in handy.
  2. Bring sufficient IDs, preferably government issued ones. Make sure that these IDs can help validate your nationality.
  3. If you were invited by a relative or friend, bring copies of their letters of invitation.
  4. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your travel. And of course, see if you have the proper visa.
  5. This is important especially for government workers: secure authority to travel. If you don’t have one and you indicated on the immigration slip that you’re a government employee, you can’t leave the country.
  6. Get contact details of the Philippine embassy in the country you’re supposed to visit.
  7. Check if you need insurance and proper vaccinations. Certain countries require visitors to be properly vaccinated while some require health insurance.
  8. Download the Google Maps and TripCase apps. I frequently use these to plan and manage my trips! Very useful.
  9. Check the monetary conversions so you can budget your money well.
  10. Bringing a credit card or an ATM? Check if these will work in the country you’re supposed to visit. As much as possible, I withdraw through an ATM (machine will churn out local bills) and stay away from money changers especially at the airports. The rates tend to be rip-offs.
  11. Bring US dollars and not Philippine pesos. Have those dollars exchanged abroad. Based on my experience, I get better conversion rates.
  12. Check time zone differences. Jet lag may occur! Trust me, that ain’t fun at all.
  13. Bring an adapter and check the voltage. Some countries may not use the two-prong plugs.
  14. Register to a global roaming plan that’s according to your budget. Alternatively, you can buy a local sim and use that during your trip. I did this during a recent trip to Malacca and it proved to be more cost-effective.
  15. Pack light and save some space for pasalubong!
These tips aren’t complete, I know, but hopefully some of these are already part of your to-do list. So go on and travel - the world is your oyster! For more stories, do visit my Mindanaoan.com blog. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat - @mindanaoan. May I also invite you to follow my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/mindanaoanblogger Til next ish! Safe travels, everybody!