Choose Your Clothes Properly:
This is one of those things everybody thinks they are doing well, and people are often unaware of how they could be doing it way better than they actually are.
The number one advice here is to dress in layers for the cold, and don’t pack anything too bulky. This is fine advice, as long as you are not going to extremely cold climates, like northern Canada in the winter, for example.
Also, don’t be afraid to buy something appropriate for your destination if it’s lacking in your wardrobe. It’s much better to splurge a little before your vacation to get your wardrobe perfect than to have to take time out of your vacation to shop and potentially spend much more because of markups, not to mention have to find a place for it in your luggage. You can go here and browse literally thousands of places in one, so there is no excuse for not doing it.
Take A Pharmacy/First Aid Kit:
Take everything you think you may possibly need abroad. Don’t assume that any one thing can be easily purchased outside of your home area, no matter how trivial it may seem to you. Items that are over the counter where you live may be controlled substances where you are going also, so bring a copy of your prescriptions or a doctor’s note for everything you are bringing. And don’t forget the anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications, just in case!
Think Security:
Travelling means you will have an elevated risk of theft, no matter where you go and no matter how safe people say it is. But the prepared traveller can greatly reduce that risk with a few simple precautions.
Don’t ever carry anything important in a back pocket. Consider pockets with zippers. Inside jacket pockets with zippers are excellent at deterring pickpockets. Do not use a fanny pack or anything similar; they are a pickpocket’s dream.
Try to have as little cash on you as possible. Some countries don’t have a lot of places that accept cards. If you are going to one of these places, get a bank card from a bank such as Charles Schwab, or another bank that refunds you ATM fees. These are gold for international travel and will save you a bunch of money and hassle. Perhaps even more importantly, they will allow you to make frequent small withdrawals and keep your cash on hand to a minimum.
Have locks on all your luggage. This includes especially backpacks and items you will be taking with you on the street at your destination. Some pickpockets are good enough to lift a laptop out of a backpack on your back, even while you are in motion. A lock all but completely prevents this.
