World Travel

International travel can be a wonderful opportunity to explore new cultures and embrace an entirely new way of living. However, when you step outside of your comfort zone, it can come with plenty of challenges. In order to make sure that you’re prepared for anything that comes your way, you should make sure that you’re equipped mentally and physically. Take a look at some of the most important dos and don’ts of traveling to another country.

Don’t Overpack

A lot of people want to make sure that they have everything they could ever possibly need during a trip. However, over-packing your bag doesn’t just lead to hefty baggage fees—it can also lead to sore shoulders and extra stress. Only pack what you need. Depending on what time of year it is you may only need a few comfortable T-shirts, or maybe just a few warm outfits. Pack minimally, and you won’t regret it. The more that you have to worry about hauling around, the more it will detract from the overall experience of your trip.

Do Double-Check Your Documents

When traveling to another country, it’s important to make sure that you have all your travel documents in order. That means your passport and any visas that the country you are going to requires. It’s especially important to check the dates on your travel documents. Finding yourself with an expired passport while overseas can be downright disastrous.

Don’t Forget to Alert Your Bank

When you make transactions in another country, your bank may see it as suspicious activity. As a result, they may put a freeze on your account. Rather than risking finding yourself with no access to money, you should always alert your bank before you go on your trip. Let them know where you’re traveling to and what your travel dates are.

Do Research Before You Go

There’s something beautiful about spontaneity, however, there’s also something advantageous about preparedness. Rather than trying to figure out where you’ll go and what you’ll do once you arrive at your destination, why not prepare your itinerary beforehand? Do your research and get to know what the attractions are in the area and what you might like to do and go see. The more you get to know a location before you arrive, the less possibility there is for scrambling at the last minute.

Don’t Forget A Charging Adapter

Not everywhere you travel to will have the same voltage as back home. Make sure that you bring an adapter appropriate for the country that you’re going to. If you hope to charge your phone or other gadgets like cameras, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right adapter.

 

 

 

 

 

When it comes to famous cities in the United States, Lincoln, Nebraska isn’t usually high on the list. However, just because Lincoln isn’t extremely well known as some of the other cities in the United States are, doesn’t mean that the city doesn’t have a unique history. There is lots to do around Lincoln and a local culture that will welcome and include you. If you’re looking for Lincoln apartments and want to learn more about the area, what are some interesting tidbits that you should be aware of? Here are three fun and interesting facts that you should know about Lincoln, Nebraska.

Namesake

As you might have guessed, Lincoln gets its namesake from the famous American president Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was the sitting president during the American Civil War, guiding the country through some of its most difficult times. Initially, the city was called Lancaster, before eventually being renamed to honor Abraham Lincoln. This act goes to show how big of an impact Abraham Lincoln had on the United States, as he was not born in the state of Nebraska, but yet was still honored by its capital city. Today some remnants of Lincoln’s original name can be found in the county it’s located in, as the city is the county seat of Lancaster county.

College Football

If there’s one thing you’ll notice while you’re in Lincoln, it’s the community’s passion for college football. Lincoln is home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska, one of the most historical programs in college football. The Cornhuskers have had unparalleled success, winning five national championships and forty-six conference championships. Although now the Cornhuskers may not be the powerhouse that they used to be, they still have a large and passionate following. The Cornhuskers have sold out every game in their stadium since 1962, a streak that they have kept for almost 50 years. With that type of passion, you better be prepared for Cornhuskers football in Lincoln, especially if the program turns it around and finds its winning ways again.

Famous Residents

Although Lincoln may not be the biggest city in the U.S, it certainly has its fair share of famous residents and natives. These individuals called Lincoln home at one point, and eventually went on to make important contributions to areas such as entertainment, politics, music, and sports. Former vice president Dick Cheney was born in Lincoln. Cheney was one of the most prominent politicians during the Bush presidency and left a major mark on U.S politics. Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson also was born and raised in Lincoln, going on to create one of the most successful fantasy series in the country. Finally, the famous comedian and late-night host Johnny Carson attended the University of Nebraska and considered Lincoln home for a long period of time. Carson may be the most famous former Lincoln resident, as he is often credited with popularizing late-night television with the success of his wildly popular Tonight Show.

You might think you’ll be at a loss for things to do when you visit Houston, Texas. There are some misconceptions that it’s just a big city smack-dab in the hot desert, or at least close to it.

While it might get a little hot sometimes, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything excellent to do. In fact, Houston has everything you’d ever want out of a vacation and more.

We’re going to take a look at some tips for things to do on your Houston travel, making sure you don’t leave without seeing some of the excellent things that the city has to offer.

The Best Houston Travel Tips

Houston happens to be in the top five largest cities in the United States, and it continues to grow.

That means there’s a clash of countless cultures, athletic teams, stadiums, museums, and all of the other wonderful things that come with big cities. If you’re not sure of what you’d like to do at first, try witnessing a major sporting outing.

You can check out the Rockets, the Texans, or the Astros depending on the time of year. Those activities will drive you into the heart of the city, where you’ll find an amazing collection of foods from all over the world.

If you’re someone who loves old-fashioned American cuisine, Texas has you more than covered in that department. Click here for the best burgers in Texas.

However, you shouldn’t leave town without trying some barbeque from almost any restaurant. Texas adds something special to barbeque, regardless of who’s making it.

Other Forms of Houston Entertainment

Consider taking a look at the Houston Rodeo. This is an event that lasts a few weeks, showcasing more livestock than is shown anywhere else around the world. You’ll also get to have a glimpse at the world’s most talented cowboys having a shot at some of the fiercest bulls around.

The event also hosts massive superstars. Past acts have included Elvis Presley, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and many more.

You might find a lot of enjoyment in Houston if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to take things as they go. The city is massive, so there’s no shortage of things to stop and do as you drive by them.

That said, don’t miss out on the natural beauty and wildlife that Texas has to offer. The southern United States is one of the most beautiful and diverse places on the planet.

Don’t let them sell you on the myth that the south is one big desert. You’ll find rolling hills, places to swim, and geological formations that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Want to Learn More About Texas Travel?

Hopefully, our Houston travel guide was enough to get you started with a few ideas. There’s a lot more to do when you head down South, though, and we’re here to help you find your way.

Explore our site for more ideas on travel, entertainment, and the best places to visit when you arrive.

While traveling can be a lot of fun, it can also be very risky if you have any kind of health issues that you’re dealing with. Since people often get sick during or after travel, even if they aren’t chronically ill, traveling while you’re already dealing with some kind of health issues might seem like a non-starter. But if you’re determined not to let your health keep you down, there are things you can do to better protect your health and keep yourself from exacerbating any issues you might be working with.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for traveling when you have health issues.

Over-Prepare For Medical Issues

If you already know that you have a predisposition to getting sick or injured in one way or another, it’s best to over-prepare for this possibility as you plan your upcoming travels.

As part of this, you should do everything in your power to get yourself as healthy or strong as you can be before leaving. And as you’re packing for your trip, make sure you bring enough medication or medical equipment to last you for at least a week or two after your trip is supposed to be over, as emergencies could happen and you don’t want to leave yourself in the lurch. This way, if you have travel delays or just choose to extend your trip, you won’t have to worry about leaving yourself unprotected.

Travel To More Developed Areas

When you’re at home, whether that’s in your own house or in some kind of assisted living facility, you will have easy access to the medical care you need. But when you’re traveling outside of this area, you’ll need to do a little more research to ensure that, if something were to happen, you could get the care you need.

With this in mind, it’s wise to choose your travel destination based on where you’ll be safest if your medical problems become an issue for you. In most situations, this will mean sticking to more developed destinations that will have the medical care that you need and will be able to quickly help you if the situation arises.

Think About Required Accessibility

If the health issues you’re dealing with limit your mobility in any way, this will be something you’ll want to consider as you plan for an upcoming trip. While you’ll likely still be able to do many of the things you want to do during your travels, you’ll want to double-check with every place you’re planning to go on their accessibility. Luckily, most places do have accessibility options for people with mobility problems, so this shouldn’t be something you have to work around too much.

If you’re wanting to get out and travel despite any health issues you might have, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you have an enjoyable time while staying safe out there.

Florida is one of the most visited states in the country, as well as one of the most popular destinations in the world.

And while Orlando is known as the tourism capital of America, there are many other places you should check out. The Florida Keys is one of those places.

This little string of islands at the southern tip of Florida is breathtaking. There’s so much to do in the Keys that you should plan to spend at least a week, if not more, exploring the islands.

So what are the best things to do at the southernmost point of the US? Keep reading to start planning your trip now.

1. Visit Key West

You can’t visit the Keys without hitting up the furthest island: Key West. Key West is the ultimate destination for tropical travelers, boasting many places to stay, things to do, and spots to eat and drink.

Plus, you can take a photo at the monument that celebrates the southernmost point of the continental United States.

2. Take a Helicopter Tour

The best way to experience the Keys is to take to the skies. Florida Keys helicopter tours will give you a one-of-a-kind view of the islands and coral reefs that make up this beautiful region. Opt for the Pigeon Key / Lighthouse Tour to catch a glimpse of some of the best lighthouses on the islands.

3. Go Snorkeling

The other way to truly experience the Florida Keys is by heading below the surface. The extensive coral reefs along the islands in the keys are beautiful and full of life. You’ll be amazed by the biodiversity hiding just a few feet under the surface of the water.

4. Paddle to Smaller Islands

On many of the islands, you can rent kayaks and paddle out to some of the smaller, uninhabited islands located just a few hundred yards, or even a few miles, offshore.

These smaller islands, otherwise known as the Florida Keys secret spots, offer the perfect way to escape the crowds and have a nice picnic with a view.

5. Find an Island Hike

No, there aren’t any mountains in the Keys. But many of the islands offer short hikes with grand views of the ocean and an opportunity for easy, enjoyable exercise.

6. Catch Your Dinner

The Florida Keys are known to sportsmen and women as the sportfishing capital of the world. The fishing here is incredible, whether you charter a boat, cast your line from the shore, or fish the flats.

You can expect to catch many delicious species, such as Redfish, Kingfish, and Permit. Tarpon is also one of the most sought-after fish in the region, but mainly for sport and not as food.

7. Visit Bahia Honda State Park

Looking to enjoy the Keys with kids? Check out Bahia Honda State Park for a picturesque place to swim, snorkel, kayak, search for birds and shells, and stargaze at night.

8. Check Out Ernest Hemingway’s Home

Looking to enjoy a piece of history? The literary geeks among us can’t miss the Ernest Hemingway Museum, located in his old home on Key West. It’s now a National Historic Landmark and is worth making the stop to check out the architecture along with the nearby gardens.

9. Spot a Florida Keys Deer

Yes, there are deer in the Florida Keys. Keys deer, as they are known, are much smaller than any other deer in the country. Hit up one of the many island hiking trails and there’s a good chance you’ll spot one.

10. Swim In the Country’s First Undersea Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the country’s first official park located entirely underwater. This park was created to preserve the coral reefs and the aquatic life that depends on them. If you are staying in Key Largo, this spot is a must.

11. Check out the Key West Butterfly Conservatory

Looking for another way to enjoy time in the Keys with kids? Visiting the Key West Butterfly Conservatory is perfect if the weather happens to be rainy.

With dozens of butterfly species fluttering around an exotic-plant-filled environment, kids and adults alike will be amazed.

12. Make the Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

Are you hoping to visit every National Park in the country during your lifetime? Over 60 of them dot the country, and one of the hardest to reach is Dry Tortugas National Park.

It’s located 70 miles west of Key West and requires either a ferry ride or a short flight. On the tiny island, you’ll find a historic fort as well as a campground, allowing you to enjoy a night spent surrounded by the ocean.

13. Relax by the Beach

Of course, most of your time in the keys will naturally be spent on the beach. With many amazing beaches on each island, it’s hard not to find a great spot to lay in the sand and soak up the sun.

If you are staying in Marathon, check out Sombrero Beach as well as Curry Hammock State Park.

14. Stop by the Key West Aquarium

Keep your kid’s education going strong, even on vacation, by visiting the Key West Aquarium. This historic attraction has been wowing visitors for over 70 years thanks to a chance to pet stingrays and to experience the local wildlife up close and personal.

15. Camp at Long Key State Park

Sure, the Florida Keys boast amazing beachfront hotels that offer all the luxuries and amenities you could desire on vacation. But there’s no better way to enjoy life on these islands than by camping out under the stars, listening to the sound of the ocean as you drift off to sleep.

Multiple parks and campgrounds are available throughout the Keys. Long Key State Park allows you to set up your tent or park your RV just a few feet away from the water.

Enjoying the Florida Keys

This is just a tiny sampling of what you could do in the Florida Keys. It would be very easy to spend a month in the Keys and not experience all that the region has to offer. When you plan your trip, make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy it all.

Looking for more tips like this? Be sure to visit our blog today to keep reading.

If you love the outdoors, then there’s no better way to enjoy it than by going on a camping trip! Haven’t gone before? What’s stopping you?!

The hobby is on the rise, with a 2019 report finding 7.2 million families have started going in the last five years. So, join in the fun with a memorable family camping trip! Get started by planning it now.

If you don’t know what to pack, that’s not a problem. Just keep reading on to learn about all the packing essentials for the best camping trip!

Sleeping Bags

You don’t have to be uncomfortable just because you’re sleeping outside! A cozy sleeping bag should always be at the top of your packing checklist.

Choose sleeping bags that accommodate your needs. If you want to sleep with a partner or have little kids, get one that fits two people. On the other hand, if everyone wants their own space, get a single sleeping bag for each person.

Tent and Equipment

When you look at places to go camping, you’ll have another decision to make. Do you want to sleep under the stars, or would you rather have some shelter? If you opt for the latter, you’ll need a tent and some equipment for it.

First, be sure to have a look at tents that fit multiple people inside. There must be enough space for your whole family.

Don’t forget your tent poles and stakes, too! They’re necessary for setting it up and keeping it in place.

A Flashlight

Part of the appeal of going on a camping trip is getting away from civilization. You get to unwind in the beautiful peace and quiet that surrounds you. But that also means you won’t have any electricity!

So, make sure you at least bring a flashlight – or even a lantern. Having a light source is handy, especially once the sky becomes pitch black.

Cooking Supplies

You’re all going to get hungry, so cooking supplies have to be among your packing essentials!

If you don’t want to try your luck cooking over the fire, bring a portable grill or stove. If you don’t want travel-sized or camp versions, bring your pots and pans, utensils, and dishware from home.

You can’t forget the food, either! Use a cooler to store your cold items and beverages. Some rags and trash bags might be useful for cleaning up.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen – and if you have kids, they happen often. Keep a portable first aid kit on your packing checklist to be prepared for them.

Your kit should have an antibiotic ointment, bandages, and painkillers. Include some sterile wipes for disinfecting, too. Bug spray and aloe vera gel are also handy additions.

Have the Best First Camping Trip

It’s time to get ready for your first camping trip! And because you know exactly what to pack, you’ll be prepared for anything. Start looking for the best places to go camping and get out there!

For more camping guides and resources, check out our website. We’ll make sure you’re prepared for the best trip yet.

Would you like to visit Ireland someday? There’s so much to see—new food, new friends, and a new perspective on beer. Or didn’t you know that a pint makes for an appropriate breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

The hardest part of planning a trip to Ireland is usually convincing your spouse. Fortunately, you’ll find everything you need in the sections below. When you’re ready to discover what makes Ireland so special, so you can finally convince your sweetheart it’s time to start your adventure, read on.

1. Visit Ireland for Its Natural Glory

Ireland possesses one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. It hosts such natural wonders as the Cliffs of Moher. Or perhaps the terrain that was made famous in the Game of Thrones, The Dark Hedges is more to your taste.

It’s all rolling green hills and cold windswept cliffs in Ireland. Be sure to pack accordingly. Think waterproof and think layers.

2. Festivals and Outdoor Fun

You can’t take a trip to Ireland without experiencing a festival or two. The Irish take their love of music to a new level. Their enthusiasm literally rocks the stadium.

And don’t forget the other outdoor fun, such as photography, hiking, and outdoor sports. Climbing is popular, so is kite flying.

And if you’ve been on the fence about a trip, but unsure about the 18-hole Irish experience, stop what you’re doing. Plan your golf vacation here and now. Ireland boasts some of the best golf experiences in the world.

3. Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration

Did you know that St. Patrick is credited for bringing Christianity to the Irish? The man was born in Rome but later kidnapped and transported to Ireland as a slave. He threw off his bonds and followed the path of a saint, passing on his wisdom of the Holy Trinity.

And those are three things the Irish love most: Catholicism, St. Patrick, and celebration. If you’re visiting Ireland, you can’t miss Saint Patrick’s Day. It would be like visiting Brazil without experiencing Carnival.

4. Castle Hop

If you’re a medieval history buff, you’re in for a treat on your Ireland vacation. Though Ireland might not boast as many castles as Germany, it’s still any castle lover’s dream.

• Blarney Castle: it’s where they hide the famous Blarney Stone. Kiss it!
• Bunratty Castle: It’s one of the most complete castles still standing in Europe
• Ross Castle: haven’t you ever visited a fortress in a national park before?

The list goes on, but you see the point. Castle-hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Ireland.

5. Pull a Pint

If you were thinking about dieting during your Ireland trip, don’t. The Irish don’t understand the word moderation. Music, sports, food—it’s all or nothing for the Irish.

Whiskey and beer are no different. If you ask for a pint, you’re getting Guinness for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And that’s all you’ll get.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out Brazen Head Pub which is Ireland’s oldest pub. It appears in documents as far back as 1653. Add it to your pub-hopping list for Dublin.

What’s Next?

Now you know a few reasons others use as an excuse to visit Ireland. But, you don’t even need that. If you want to head to Ireland, don’t let a simple thing like an excuse get in your way.

Book your trip today. Would you like to learn more about Ireland and other great European destinations? Then pop over to our grand digital library full of excellent traveling tips, tricks, and destinations.

According to the National Park Service, more than 400 national parks received 237,064,332 visits in 2020. The national parks had 8,039,768 overnight stays in 2020.

Are you planning a camping trip to one of the national parks? Whether you’ll be camping in a national park or on your family farm, being prepared is vital.

Check out this packing checklist to learn some of the essentials you’ll need for your trip. Keep reading to learn more.

You’ll Need These Outdoor Tools

The first thing on the list of packing tips is a good set of tools for camping outdoors. You might not use all of them but it’s always good to be prepared.

Make sure you have a wood ax for cutting wood that you’ll need to build a fire. A multipurpose pocket knife is essential to have around the house but it can come in handy while camping. Don’t forget to add some duct tape to your pack.

Campsite Items You’ll Need

There’s other outdoor gear you’ll need for your trip. The most important is a quality tent.

Practice setting up the tent at home if you’re new to camping. This will help you work through any issues before getting to the campsite.

Sleeping bags, chairs, flashlights, and extra batteries are all necessary while you’re camping in the woods or mountains.

A Good Cooking Kit

Other outdoor essentials you’ll need while living outdoors for a few days are quality cooking tools. While new technology can make cooking gourmet meals in the woods a breeze, you can stick to the simple things.

A container for storing water is a must. A pot for boiling water and a frying pan is also important to have. Bring all the utensils you’ll need along with the food you’re planning to eat in a cooler.

Pack the Right Clothes

Next on the packing guide is the list of clothes you’ll need for your camping trip. The clothes you’ll need will depend on the season and weather during the trip. It’s important to pack comfortable clothes, however.

T-shirts, pants, hoodies, pajamas, bathing suits, and hiking boots should all be in your pack. Make sure to bring the best camping towel too. Layers for changes in weather, sunscreen, and sunglasses are other items you can pack.

Don’t Forget About Your Toiletries

When going on a road trip you can’t forget to pack your toiletries. Check to see what kind of utilities the campsite you’ll be staying at has first.

You should still include toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your pack. Don’t forget about your toothbrush, toothpaste, and menstrual products. Pack your medications ahead of time and bring a first aid kit too.

Everything You Need on Your Camping Packing Checklist

If you’re planning a camping trip soon check out this packing checklist for all the essential items you’ll need on your trip. You can’t forget the appropriate clothes, tent, and other camping gear.

Check out some of the other travel blogs on our site if you found this one useful.

Did you know that New York City is the most visited place in the country? The city received about 65 million tourists in 2018. 13.6 million of those tourists came from other countries.

Tourism is a major component of New York City’s economy. In 2017, tourists spent about $44 billion while visiting the city.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the city or you’ve come back several times throughout the years, spending a weekend in New York City takes some planning. Check out this list of tips for planning the perfect weekend.

Make a Budget First

Before visiting New York City, you should start planning by creating a budget. Even though you’ll only be in the city for a weekend, your spending can stack up before you know it.

Creating a budget can help curb your spending, so you can enjoy your time without having to worry about how much money you’ll need. Make sure to budget for accommodations, transportation, meals, and attractions.

Figure Out How You’ll Get There

Once you’ve got your budget all worked out you’ll know how much you can spend on travel to get there. Now you can decide whether taking a flight, train, or a car is the best option.

What form of transportation you choose will depend on where you currently live. If you’ll need to fly into the city make sure to start looking for flights some time in advance. Prices will vary depending on the season but you’ll be able to get better deals the earlier you book.

Choose Convenient Accommodation

When looking for where to stay in New York City there are a few factors to consider. Where you stay will depend on your budget most importantly.

You should consider getting a hotel/Airbnb or renting a place that’s in a central location though. While this might increase the price of your stay, it’ll make it easier to get around the city to the places you want to visit.

Since you’ll only be in New York for a few days, getting from place to place with ease is most important.

Plan Out What You’ll Be Doing

If you’re not a big planner it’s ok not to make a minute-to-minute itinerary for the weekend. You should, however, make a general plan of where you’ll be going to make the most of your weekend.

This will also help you plan out your budget because you’ll know the costs of the attractions you’ll be visiting ahead of time. One thing you can do is ride the East River Ferry for a beautiful view of the city. You can also head out for a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Figure Out How You’ll Get Around

If you’ll be traveling to New York by plane, you’ll still have to plan for how you’ll get around the city while there. New York offers many different options for getting around the city, the most common are buses and subways.

You can buy a subway card for the weekend since that’ll be the most affordable travel method. If you’re interested in driving yourself around, however, you should first educate yourself on New York City parking.

You can find free parking by searching for a place to stay with this amenity. Many hotels offer this service. You can also consider reserving your parking spot before heading to a location or using a parking garage.

Make Reservations at Your Favorite Restaurants

New York City is famous for its great restaurants and eateries. Since you’ll only be spending a weekend in the city you should consider making a list of restaurants you want to visit ahead of time.

Once you know the places you want to eat you can make reservations for the nights you’ll be there. This can help you avoid waiting in long lines for tables to open up.

Check Out Some of the Best Museums

Other places to visit in New York City, during a weekend trip, should include the many beautiful museums the city has. Many of these museums have free days where you don’t have to pay an admission fee, try to plan your trip around these days.

The American Museum of Natural History is a staple of the city and one you won’t regret checking out, especially if you have kids. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the best art museums in the world and a must-see for art lovers.

Things You Can Do On Your Last Day

The last day of a trip might be tiring with all the packing and traveling you have to do. If you don’t need to head to the airport or train station until later in the evening, you can check out a few sights before heading out.

Central Park is a beautiful green space in the middle of this bustling city. You can head there to have a picnic or watch the street performers. You can also visit The Highline for a walk through a beautiful garden with a unique view of the city.

You should also consider checking out a matinee of a Broadway show when you’re in the city.

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in New York City

If you’ll be spending the weekend in New York City it’s important to take the time to plan your trip, to make the most of your time.

Make sure you have a plan for transportation and finding free parking if you’ll be driving. You should also make a list of places you want to see when planning a trip to New York City.

Did you find this article useful? Make sure to check out some of the other travel-related blogs on our site if you did.

In sports, they say the best defense is a good offense. When it comes to homeownership, common wisdom suggests that preventative maintenance is preferable to emergency repairs. And in school, you’re better off studying a little every night than cramming it all in the day before a big test.

Being proactive is beneficial for a lot in things, and travel is no different. One of the keys to having an enjoyable trip is preparing ahead of time.

Sure, if you’re just driving to South Carolina to look at Charleston houses for sale, you might not need to do as much research as if you were taking a transcontinental flight to East Asia. Whatever your destination, though, it helps to be informed about where you’re going, what it’s like, and who the locals are.

Find Out What Kind of ID You Need

First and foremost, it’s important to make sure you have any and all legally required documents with you, as well as access to ones that might otherwise be helpful. For the former, this could mean a driver’s license, passport, visa, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and/or vaccination record. For the latter, this could mean medical records, plane tickets, hotel reservation confirmations, purchase receipts, and more.

Look Up Information on the Climate

Are you going somewhere hot or cold? Do you have to worry about rain or snow? What about heat exhaustion? The answers to these questions and more will have a huge impact on what you decide to bring with you when traveling, what your plans will be once you reach your destination, or even whether it’s advisable to go there at all. You may want to avoid Florida during hurricane season, for example, or India during monsoon season.

Know Where to Find the Essentials

Food. Water. Shelter. Safety. These are the things human beings cannot do without. No matter where you go, you’ll need to make sure things are accounted for and accommodated. Look up hotels, camp sites, and other lodging options in the area. Find the addresses for local markets and restaurants. Write down or memorize the contact information for emergency services such as paramedics, police, firefighters, and embassies.

Investigate Cultural Norms & Taboos

Being a visitor in a different state or country is a lot like being a guest in someone’s house. You expect courtesy and respect from them, and they expect it from you. More importantly, when you’re under someone else’s roof, you’re under their rules. That’s why it’s incumbent upon you to delve what does and does not constitute acceptable public behavior. In Japan, for example, guests are expected to remove their shoes when entering someone’s house. In Germany, eating with hands is frowned upon; even burgers and pizza require utensils.

Check the News for Current Events

You may think you know everything there is to know about where you’re going, especially if you’ve been there before already. But do you know what it’s like there right now, at this very moment? Things can change surprisingly fast in this world, so if you’re going to travel it you should know what’s happening in the news. Was there recently a natural disaster? What’s the political situation? Are the streets and hotels flooded with tourists? Failing to ask such questions could result in you receiving a nasty surprise.