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No matter how much or how often you travel, your first international trip can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time! Going somewhere new in a foreign country is exciting but can be scary and overwhelming. Before heading overseas, the following tips will help you plan the best trip!

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No matter how much or how often you travel, your first international trip can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time! Going somewhere new in a foreign country is exciting but can be scary and overwhelming. Before heading overseas, the following tips will help you plan the best trip!

Whether you know exactly where you want to go, or you're still weighing your options, the hardest part of traveling is deciding where to go. Are you looking to stay closer to your home country and start close before becoming an i nternational globetrotter , or are you looking to go as far away as possible for your first trip? You should also consider the cuisine and language when choosing your destination. Once you've answered these questions, you should be able to narrow your choice down to one or two locations.

If you are still unsure, ask friends or family members who have traveled internationally were their favorite destinations have been. It's okay to ask for advice while planning your trip. Sometimes the people you know can give you the best insight on different locations.

Travel experts say that you should book your airfare between 56-62 days before your scheduled departure to get the best deal. Some of the best flight deals can be found on Tuesdays and flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday will often offer travelers the best prices.

While this is the most obvious thing you need when traveling internationally, it's often the item people forget to grab on their way out the door to the airport or they realize that it's expired right before their trip! Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Once you book your trip, locating your passport and making sure that it is valid during your trip should take top priority.

Some travel companies recommend making a copy of your passport in case you lose it on your trip. Instead of carrying it as an additional document while you're traveling, send a copy of it to your email, or upload it to a document storage service like DropBox, iCloud or Amazon Drive.

Recovering from long flights are challenging enough, but recovering from the actual trip is something additional people do not plan for. It can often take up to a week to adjust for time changes. Try to remember to fight your jet lag by getting plenty of rest before your trip and try to adjust your schedule to get your body prepared to travel.

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No matter how much or how often you travel, your first international trip can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time! Going somewhere new in a foreign country is exciting but can be scary and overwhelming. Before heading overseas, the following tips will help you plan the best trip!

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How to Safely Manage Your Money While Traveling

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How to Safely Manage Your Money While Traveling

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There are so many things to worry about when traveling. How do I get where I’m going? What do I do if X happens? Will the taxi driver scam me? One of the most common worries is how to manage your money while you’re traveling. As with any of these worries, a solid plan of action is the best way to keep yourself safe and put the worries off to the side so you can enjoy your travels.

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There are so many things to worry about when traveling. How do I get where I'm going? What do I do if X happens? Will the taxi driver scam me? One of the most common worries is how to manage your money while you're traveling. As with any of these worries, a solid plan of action is the best way to keep yourself safe and put the worries off to the side so you can enjoy your travels.

How to Use Your Credit Cards While Traveling

It used to be true that exchanging cash or using traveler's checks were the best ways to pay in a foreign country. That's no longer true. Whether your travels are domestic or international, your credit cards are a safe way to pay. If you lose your card or it's stolen, you won't be responsible for the charges you didn't make. You can call the company to have your card frozen immediately. You can't get your cashback once it's gone.

If you're traveling internationally, your credit card will usually give you the best currency exchange.

Two Bonus Tips for Credit Card Safety

The first is that you need to check your terms and conditions if you're traveling internationally. Do you pay a foreign transaction fee? There are many great travel cards that have a 0% rate, so you might want to get one before you go.

The second consideration is how you will handle your money while traveling so you always have a backup. It's better to travel with at least two credit cards so if one is lost, stolen, or the company puts a hold on your card for suspicious activity, you have a backup. If you have two bags, pack your cards in different spots.

How to Carry Your Money

Fanny packs became a tourist cliche for a reason. It keeps your money in a bag that's wrapped around you so it's tough for a bag snatcher to grab. It gives you easy access. And hey, the 90s are back, and lots of people are walking around with fanny packs these days. If that's not your style, consider a money belt or a passport wallet you can wear under your clothes for managing your travel money safely.

Always put your wallet in your front pocket, not the back. This makes it more difficult for pickpockets to grab.

If you're particularly concerned, think about carrying a fake wallet. Put some old cards in the fake wallet and carry it in a pocket that's more obvious. The pickpocket will grab that without looking further.

They also now sell travel vests and jackets with inside pockets to keep your valuables safe.

Be Aware of ATM Fees

While credit cards are the way to go in most situations, sometimes you need cash. If you're traveling internationally, consider opening a checking account with a bank like Charles Schwab or HSBC, which have no ATM fees. In fact, Schwab reimburses the ATM Fees charged by the other bank at the end of the month.

You don't want to pull too much money from an ATM in foreign currency because then you're walking around with a wad of cash, but try to think ahead and pull out more at once to pay fewer fees.

Don't Worry Too Much

You need to be smart and aware while traveling, but don't let the worry ruin your fun. You manage your money every day at home. You can do it while traveling just as well.

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How To Safely Manage Your Money While Traveling

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There are so many things to worry about when traveling. How do I get where I'm going? What do I do if X happens? Will the taxi driver scam me? One of the most common worries is how to manage your money while you're traveling.

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What to Pack for Your Next Backpacking Trip

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What to Pack for Your Next Backpacking Trip

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There’s nothing worse than setting out on a backpacking trip only to find you forgot something critical. Many avid campers and backpacking enthusiasts keep their backpacks stocked with essential items. However, even the savviest hiker forgets to restock important gear.

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There's nothing worse than setting out on a backpacking trip only to find you forgot something critical. Many avid campers and backpacking enthusiasts keep their backpacks stocked with essential items. However, even the savviest hiker forgets to restock important gear.

Whether you are a novice in the backpacking world or returning after an extended absence, it's tough to know just what to bring without overloading your pack and your back. These tips should help you fill your backpack with the necessities. Time and experience will bring the confidence necessary to create your own customized list.

Most experts agree that the best backpacking tip they have is to keep it light . Keep your essential items weight-free as much as possible. If you plan to bring a book, think paperback instead of that hardback edition.

If you plan to head up to the mountains to hike for a few days, you'll want to include most or all of these things in or on your backpack. Basic items start with a tent for a way to provide shelter. Next, a decent sleeping bag is important even during the summer months. Invest in a good sleeping pad to avoid sleeping directly on the hard ground and possibly risk getting wet and chilled.

Food and water are essential for existence. To this end, consider a lightweight, compact camping stove and a sturdy water bottle. Don't forget utensils. A water filtration system or purifier is prudent no matter how clean the water looks. also recommend matches, a headlamp or flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a map/GPS system. Layered clothing and proper footwear are vital to avoid injuries and protect your body.

If you plan to use your backpack while traveling through cities and rural areas as well as for camping purposes, you may wish to include additional items. These essentials include a sturdy lock to stow your backpack securely while exploring a new town or city. If blogging is your passion, do not forget your laptop and a universal travel charger.

Wearing a security belt with a hidden money pouch keeps your funds secured far better than a slippery wallet. A folding day bag makes it easy to take only the items needed from your backpack for a quick trip to town. Don't forget a towel for use after swimming or a shower. A mesh laundry bag is practical for stashing dirty laundry until you reach a laundromat. Finally, a folding toiletries bag keeps personal items organized and keeps them handy.

Organized backpackers recommend keeping a checklist of items you want in your backpack. Before setting out for the day or for a month-long journey, check off each thing on your list once it's stowed safely within your pack.

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What To Pack For Your Next Backpacking Trip

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There's nothing worse than setting out on a backpacking trip only to find you forgot something critical. Many avid campers and backpacking enthusiasts keep their backpacks stocked with essential items. However, even the savviest hiker forgets to restock important gear.

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Lima, Peru, is the gem of South America. The Peruvian capital is known as the City of Kings and has plenty to offer any traveler. As one of the largest cities and rich history, Lima offers travelers a variety of outdoor activities. With its world-class food, colonial-style architecture, and fantastic surfing, Lima should be at the top of your bucket list.

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Lima, Peru, is the gem of South America. The Peruvian capital is known as the City of Kings and has plenty to offer any traveler. As one of the largest cities and rich history, Lima offers travelers a variety of outdoor activities. With its world-class food, colonial-style architecture, and fantastic surfing, Lima should be at the top of your bucket list.

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to learn about a new culture or location is to immerse yourself in it fully. Experiencing Lima like a local is easy to do through Free Walking Tour Lima. Walking tour attendees will learn about the history that led to present-day Lima and be able to experience the culture while walking through the city. The tours head through the historical center of Lima and to some of the most renowned spots in the city. But you can also just grab your smartphone and head out on your own.

Circuito Magico del Agua (Water Fountain Park)

While most think visiting a park is something that should only happen during the day, Parque de la Reserva becomes a magical location at night. The park's famous fountains light up and glow against the night sky. The fountains are worth the 4-soles entry fee.

Barranco

Barranco is the perfect escape for a couple of hours while you're in Lima. With its historical architecture and blossoming art scene, there is something for everyone to enjoy. At night Barranco transforms into a party spot with great restaurants and themed bars for Peruvians and foreigners. While visiting Barranco, make sure to stop at Puente de Los Suspiros. The bridge lies in the main part of the district and links the two main streets together. Legend has it that if you hold your breath and cross the bridge, your wishes will come true.

Huaca Pucllana Ruins

Built around 400 AD, the Huaca Pucllana allows you to step back into history and experience an ancient civilization. At the Museo De Sitio Huaca Pucllana, visitors can view ceramics, textiles, tools, and other artifacts that have been present on the site since day one. The Museo also offers tours of a heritage site. The eastern side of the site is believed to have been used for administrative purposes, while the western side houses the 72-foot high pyramid where religious gatherings likely took place.

Biking

Lima is a beautiful city that can be explored by foot, but many enjoy biking around the city. The scenic El Malecon walkway is a great path for biking. Constructed on the oceanside cliffs, the path is about six miles long and is full of views of the coast as well as the city. There are bike rentals for anyone looking to explore the pathway on their own, or visitors can purchase a tour and learn about the area from a guide.

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Lima, Peru, is the gem of South America. The Peruvian capital is known as the City of Kings and has plenty to offer any traveler. As one of the largest cities and rich history, Lima offers travelers a variety of outdoor activities.

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Finding a perfect flight is frustrating. Add in the price factor, and it can feel like a never-ending task. With fluctuating prices, finding a cheap flight might be easier than you think. The following tips will save you time and money the next time you need to book a flight.

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Finding a perfect flight is frustrating. Add in the price factor, and it can feel like a never-ending task. With fluctuating prices, finding a cheap flight might be easier than you think. The following tips will save you time and money the next time you need to book a flight.

Top Secret Searches

Flight prices may change depending on your browsing history. Flight prices sometimes increase when a particular route is constantly searched. To counter this practice, clear your browser cookies, search for flights in an incognito or private browsing mode, or use a virtual private network to search from a different location. Each time you re-open an incognito window, your cookies reset, meaning your search should result in better prices.

Find the Cheapest Day to Fly Out

While everyone says that Tuesdays are the best days to fly if you're looking to save money, there isn't a consistent truth to which days are the cheapest. Although it is generally cheaper to fly out mid-week, it's better to use an airline's (or google's) flight calendar to see the whole month and which days are the cheapest for your specific route.

Set Email Alerts

You can use websites such as Google Fights, Hipmunk, Skiplagged, and others to create price alerts for certain routes and certain dates. These websites will then send you alerts when the price increases or decreases. Kayak will give you estimates of whether the price is likely to go up or down based on past trends. You can also sign up for newsletters, such as The Flight Deal, which forward daily updates on good deals sourced from around the web. Airlines frequently have route sales or offer discounted flights by mistake, but without email alerts you probably won't learn about them.

Fly With Points

The cheapest flight is a free flight, and the easiest way to fly for free is by using points. You can earn enough points for a roundtrip ticket by hitting the minimum spend on a newly opened card, and you can accumulate points by spending on that card after you hit the minimum. Most credit card companies offer travel rewards that will earn points for specific airlines, but unless you're loyal to one airline, you're better off opening a card that allows you to redeem points across a variety of airlines.

Budget Airlines and "Basic Economy"

Budget airlines may offer cheaper tickets than their counterparts. But when flying budget, you sacrifice a lot, such as leg room, comfort, and complimentary snacks. Budget airlines also charge hefty bag fees (even for carry-ons) and have terrible customer service. Most legacy airlines now offer some form of " basic economy " fares to compete with budget airlines. Basic economy fares are the cheapest on the flight but come with more restrictions and fees. For example, you may have to pay to use the overhead bin or select your seat. Basic economy fares are also lucrative marketing gimmicks. Airlines know that once they lure you to their website with the cheap ticket, you are likely to buy a more expensive economy ticket, rather than suffer the indignity of boarding last to sit in a middle seat with only your backpack.

Mix and Match Your Airline

Just like you can mix and match which airport you fly into and then fly out of, you can also mix and match the airlines you are flying to find the cheapest flights. Typically when searching for flights, you will only see routes coming and going from a single airline, but using sites like kiwi.com or Skiplagged allows you more flexibility to find the cheapest route. This can significantly cut down on the cost if you are traveling a long distance.

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Finding a perfect flight is frustrating. Add in the price factor, and it can feel like a never-ending task. With fluctuating prices, finding a cheap flight might be easier than you think. The following tips will save you time and money the next time you need to book a flight.

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New Travel Destinations for Frequent Travelers

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New Travel Destinations for Frequent Travelers

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Traveling allows us to explore the world around us and expand our views on things that happen in different cultures. For some people who have the opportunity to travel all the time and claim to have “seen it all.” Here are some out of the way places you might consider visiting.

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Traveling allows us to explore the world around us and expand our views on things that happen in different cultures. For some people who have the opportunity to travel all the time and claim to have "seen it all." Here are some out of the way places you might consider visiting.

Mauritius

Located in the Indian Ocean, this tiny island nation is the perfect spot for active travelers. With endless turquoise waters perfect for relaxing on the beach to water sports, there is something for everyone. Visitors can also explore Mauritius' colonial trade hub history and sample local rum and street food. Mauritius is home to churches, temples, mosques, and lighthouses all within walking distance of the panoramic beach views.

Kazakhstan

The ninth-largest country is the perfect destination for anyone who loves architecture. Kazakhstan is known for its city tours and expansive wilderness. With destinations stops in Almaty, home of clothing markets and upscale restaurants, to the Tian Shan mountains to hike the sacred forests, Kazakhstan is perfect for any adventurer.

Ecuador

Tucked along the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador offers mountains, beaches, rainforests, volcanos, and the Galapagos Islands. This oasis offers the best of both pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial culture perfect for any history buff. is also a great location for anyone looking to travel on a budget.

Samoa

The island nation of is part of a ten island chain full of volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, beaches, and a variety of swimming holes. Whether you're looking to swim in a natural ocean blowhole or dive deep into a cave pool, there is a swimming adventure for everyone in your travel party. Samoa is also the perfect destination for anyone who isn't fond of staying in fancy, over the top resorts.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea may be towards the top of the U.S. State Departments travel caution list due to high crime rates, but that doesn't mean that you should skip it. You may want to plan your trip Papua New Guinea through a reputable travel agency so you can explore the country's stunning and diverse landscapes. Papua New Guinea is a great hiking destination.

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New Travel Destinations for Frequent Travelers

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Traveling allows us to explore the world around us and expand our views on things that happen in different cultures. Travel allows us to become more empathetic to the people around us and allows us to be more well rounded.

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Americans miss out on hundreds of hours of vacation every year. Many can’t take time off work, but for those who can, the cost of travel often keeps them from jumping on the next flight. Here are a few tips for traveling cheaply.

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Americans miss out on hundreds of hours of vacation every year. Many can't take time off work, but for those who can, the cost of travel often keeps them from jumping on the next flight. Here are a few tips for traveling cheaply.

Off-Peak Times

One of the best times to travel to places where it's more expensive is during "off-peak" times. These times vary by location, so it's important to do your research before booking tickets and packing your bags. Traveling during the offseason will lead to cheaper flights, cheaper hotels, and less crowded destinations. Make sure to look into the weather, though. You don't want to show up during hurricane season.

Hostels & Hotels

If you're alone, finding a hostel may be the way to go. Staying at a hostel helps you meet new people and explore the area. Hostels often organize transportation, dinner, day trips, and social events. Apps like Hostelworld let you find and book the cheapest accommodations in the country where you are traveling. Because you generally pay by the bed at hostels, however, a budget-friendly hotel or an AirBnb is the better option when you're traveling with others. If you need a last minute hotel, HotelTonight has great deals.

Go Somewhere Different

Sometimes when people travel they want to visit places that friends, coworkers or family members have recommended. These locations can be crowded and overpriced. Instead, try checking out somewhere less well known. You won't just find a great, new place, you also won't have to deal with tourists. Destinations that are more obscure usually become more popular after backpackers and travel enthusiasts have come and gone. It's better to get there early.

Airports

It is more convenient to fly in and out of the same airport, but switching up the airport you fly in and out of may save money. What's more, roundtrip tickets have traditionally been cheaper than oneway tickets, but new websites such as GoogleFlights and Skiplagged have made it easy to combine one-way tickets from different airlines and even find fares that the airlines don't list. If you use Skiplagged, though, be aware that you can't always count on using the overhead bins.

Travel Cards

If you don't have a credit card that gives travel rewards, now is the time to get one. The market for travel cards has never been better for new customers. Travel cards come with large sign-up bonuses, great rewards for everyday purchases, and other perks like no foreign exchange fees, travel protection, lost luggage allowances, and rental car insurance. The sign-up bonus alone is usually enough to book a free roundtrip flight. Many cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Gold, let you transfer your points directly to airlines and use those points to get great deals on business- or first-class flights. You can also use the reward program's own travel portal to book flights-even at the last minute-and pay nothing out of pocket.

Flexibility

The most important thing to remember when traveling on a budget is to be flexible. Being able to switch up your plans at the last minute will allow you to take advantage of different deals and opportunities that can pop up during your trip. Last minute deals pop up all the time, and a willingness to take a spontaneous trip because of a cheap flight can make all the difference. So don't let your travel plans be set in stone. You might miss out on some great opportunities on your trip!

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Americans miss out on hundreds of hours of vacation every year. Many can't take time off work, but for those who can, the cost of travel often keeps them from jumping on the next flight. Here are a few tips for traveling cheaply.