Do's & Don'ts
 

I would like to know the Do's & Don'ts of traveling overseas.

We will be traveling overseas for the very first time, and want to be somewhat prepared. After reading Fodor I have come to realize that this group can give us the information that is needed.

Thanks,
Nan

Hi wi,

Don't smoke in the lavatories on the airplanes. :)

Do you have any specific questions?

((I))

Hi
where are you going? Not every country or city has the same culture or customs.
For example, there is advice for hiring gondolas in Venice that won't do you much good in Paris.
:)

DO: Learn to say hello and goodbye and thank you in the language of the country you will visit

Fruit -- don't touch the fruit. ((b))

or pick up the clothing in a shop. Ask the salesperson which item you want to see.

here's one thread about packing/overpacking that generally applies

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34672283

Do enjoy your trip.

Don't fret too much.

here's a thread about first-time travel mistakes

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34694168

When shopping in stores or markets, keep a "hands off" mentality. Self service (touching all the merchandise) is frowned upon in most of Europe. The sales staff is there to assist you and you won't get a huge sales pitch with lots of pressure to buy, so take advantage of their expertise.

Buy a food translater (i.e. Marling Menu Master, etc.). The places with the menus in English (outside of the UK of course) are typically the places that cater to tourists and the food may not be nearly as good or reasonably priced as a local eatery. Having a small menu translator will allow you to eat wherever you want instead of being limited to places with tourist menus.

Validate your train/bus/ferry ticket before getting on board! The fines are terrible if you do not do this.

Remember that you are in a different country and they do things differantly. Do not get upset if you find someone that does not speak English. Relax and do not get overwhelmed or upset by new things. After all, that is why you are going.

Beware of pick pockets no matter where you go. No country is immune to it. Use common sense when traveling.

Learn a little of the language: hello, goodbye, do you speak English, I do not speak, yes, no. "Most" people will try to help you even if they have a hard time understanding you.

Make airline connections FAR apart ( at least 3 hrs) relax and get your flight in good time!

Don't go hiking in a a Gortex jacket at high noon in Crete in August.

Don't get drunk in Sicily.

Don't wear shorts and sandals in January in Moscow.

Make sure to bring the right passport.

Don't laugh. My DH, who is always checking and rechecking things before a trip, mistakenly brought son's passport. Fortunately, we allow LOTS of time, so he was able to return home and back (of course, had to run to the gate).

But the comment about learning the language, at least hello and please/thank you, is always appreciated.

Happy travels!

We are traveling from Colorado to Austria.

I have heard to not wear jeans. I want to be comfortable. Is it ok to wear them as you travel?

If this is your first longish flight, I suggest being prepared to make yourself comfortable on the plane. There are threads here on choosing your seats, how to find out which plane on which airline has what seat comforts/discomforts.

I pack my own "first class" amenities kit: stretchy soft socks to wear on the plane; inflatable neck pillow; sleeping pills; lip, hand, face moisturizers; earplugs and Earplanes; toothbrush and toothpaste; wash and dry type thingies; analgesics.

I also have my own entertainment which includes a guidebook for the area I'm traveling to, and another book that is a good read (by my standards).

Wear soft comfortable clothing and have my own snacks and water.

Don't forget your:
passport
plane ticket or flight confirm codes
ATM card, credit card, cash
prescription eye glasses & meds
hotel reservations if you have them

Packing light is a good thing.

Don't put anything in checked luggage you can't do without. Ever again.

Better yet, don't check luggage at all.