Travel Advice | What to Keep in Mind Before Traveling Abroad

The following are some good pieces of travel advice you should take note of before traveling to a foreign country.

Traveling is an activity that many of us dream of having the luxury to do. It’s as if inside every man and woman is a lost soul that craves an infinite adventure. We work to have money we can use on traveling, we save up our vacation leaves, and we plan for our travel months in advance. Anyone who loves traveling would agree to the great amount of excitement one feels when they prepare themselves for an exciting travel. However, most travelers will tell you the same travel advice, and that’s to know a few certain things before visiting a foreign country. Don’t just go on a whim without any mental or physical preparation.

For those who enjoy the vibe of the Caribbean sea, Colombia would be a good destination choice. The ocean and beaches there are amazing, plus, Colombian women are considered goddesses walking among men. The cities are beautiful and the people are very accommodating. As a traveler, whether it’s your first time or not, Colombia is a place you should visit at least once in your life. Be sure to spend a few weeks in the country as there are so many things you can do and see there. But as mentioned, you need to be prepared for it. So here are 5 travel tips to keep in mind before traveling to Colombia:

1. Make sure your credit card works in their country. Before you travel, call your credit card company and see if they cater to the country you will be visiting. It would be wise to always have your credit card around in case you run out of cash and if there are no ATMs nearby.
2. Learn about their culture beforehand. There are certain things about the culture you grew up with that completely differ from that of another country. Conversely, there may be things about the culture of others they deem normal but will seem odd to you. So to avoid any misunderstandings, it is important that you study the culture of the foreign country you’ll be visiting beforehand so you won’t end up getting surprised or confused. For instance, in Colombian culture, around certain places in the country, it is perfectly normal for people to dance to Salsa music even in the middle of the street. So never call them out on it.
3. Utilize mobile applications that provide a well detailed map. Some people buy maps from local establishments and gift shops. When moving around the city, they end up finding stores in places that shouldn’t be there or establishments that have been closed for years. Buying outdated maps is a common problem many travelers encounter. To avoid this, just use map apps on your smartphone as they tend to be more updated.
4. Talk to the locals. There are certain things about a city you will never be able to find online, such as those that only the locals know about. So there definitely wouldn’t be any harm in asking them. Ask them if there are any hidden gems within the area worth knowing about like secret tourist spots, amazing restaurants, affordable markets, and so on.
5. Try the local cuisines. Most importantly, when deciding what to eat in a foreign country, never settle for something you’ve already tried before or something you constantly have at home. Try out the local cuisine. You will know a lot about a nation by having a go at their traditional dishes and recipes.

In order for you to have the best experience, always take note of the things to prepare before travelling to a foreign country. And of course, be respectful to everyone around you, especially the locals. So have a quick review of the pieces of travel advice mentioned above, then perhaps create an itinerary once you decide where you’d like to travel to. Good luck, stay safe, and have fun!