International Travel Advice

The only thing I would add to the above post, would be to make a couple of copies of your passport info page.  Leave a copy at home with your emergency point of contact and then place the second copy somewhere safe when you get to your destination.  This will help you if you lose your passport.

 Ernie

Wifey and I just got back from Buenos Aires (a very cool city) and learned the following:

1) Your seat assignment is everything. Make sure you have a good one ... and then print it out and bring with you to the gate. Check in early at the gate so that the gate agents are not tempted to reassign your seat.

2) Eye shades + iPod for the flight ... worked like a charm until wifey, who used me as a pillow, decided to fluff her pillow in the middle of the night.3) Exchange a little cash so that you can "function" - from lavatories to tipping, but rely upon your credit card for the best exchange rate.

4) Get an electric converter prior to leaving.  This will ensure you do not have to overpay for it when you need it.

5) Remember that you are a guest in their country and that, when in doubt, a smile goes a long way.

edit: 6) Do not, under any circumstance, pack anything of value in your checked luggage.  With the new TSA rules and regulations, you cannot lock your bag/have assurance that someone will not feel compelled to rummage through it. 

Unfortunately in our case, they were not looking for bombs, but valuables. We had our camcorder stolen from our checked bags on the flight down. The airline (Delta in our case) does not feel compeled to take any responsibility for safeguarding your luggage and will not pay to replace anything. (They pay by weight of the luggage and not replacement value ... furthermore, they specifically exclude covering electronics.) 

Pack your valuables in your carry on suitcase.  

Have a great trip visiting our cousins across the pond ...

I'd add a couple more things....

* Take a few GBP with you, but usually your ATM card will work wonderfully in the airport. ATM cards give the best rates, followed by credit cards, etc. for exchange. Cash for cash exchanges at Thomas Cook and off-airport money exchange typically the worst. And with ATM's, you can re-deposit your leftover on the way out...

* Pack a carry-on with your valuables PLUS essentials. I try to put my toiletries, running shoes, one outfit, and valuables. That way if your luggage is delayed or lost, you're not forced to go buy new...you can hold out for a day or two without being stuck in the same clothes.

* Dress in layers for the plane. You never, ever know what temperature / ventilation conditions you're going to get; it'll range from cool to cold (most likely). And seat selection is critical, per the previous post. Exit row, bulkhead, etc are premium. And toward the front of the plane if possible.

And finally, I always seem to arrive - overnight to Europe or Asia - mentally tired but physically not. Your brain may be ready to go to bed, but your body hasn't done anything other than stay on top of a seat for x hours. I always, always make sure I go for a run the first day I'm there to knock the physical edge off being in a new country, to get the body as tired as the brain. Then...you'll sleep like a baby and be ready to go. And I agree - do whatever it takes to stay up until bedtime of the country you're in.

Happy travels!!!

A few mildly ridiculous others... don't forget to drive on the left hand side of the street.  Dressing for a "London Summer" means wearing gollashes and a rain coat.

bts

For the long flight:

• Pack your carry-on item light enough so that you can easily carry it while navigating through crowds, something that will keep your items within easy, organized reach (wallet, passport, boarding pass, book, mp3 player, toiletries). Keep it to a minimum.
• I advise against a backpack because that makes it easy for thieves to reach in and help themselves while you have your back to them.
• Dress for comfort. You don't want anything pinching at your waist when you are trying to sleep upright.
• Once you are settled in for the long flight, wash your face with your best face wash. Hydrate your face. Brush your teeth. Put on a pair of soft, warm socks (remove shoes).
• Use a sleep shade to block all light. Perhaps give it a light spritz of your favorite scent to knock out any undesirable smells.
• Neck pillow.
• Keep a bottle of water handy; those long plane rides can dry you out.
• When morning arrives, wash your face, brush your teeth, hydrate your face again. This little step will refresh you and wake you up better than a cup of coffee will.
• Apply makeup/lipstick, perfume, antiperspirant. You'll feel ready for the day

Have a FABULOUS TIME!

• Use your ATM (debit) card; you'll get the bank's best exchange rate without having to go through a third-party currency exchange and pay a fee. Plus, you can just take out a moderate amount at a time, no need to carry all your cash for the entire trip, which is silly anyway. If you're going to do cash advances off your *credit card*, contact them first; they may have an additional charge/rate for international transfers.
  
• This may be difficult, but try to dress like the locals. Adult men don't wear shorts in Europe unless they're engaged in athletic activities. If you're a woman and you're going to be in museums or churches, wear appropriate clothing; long sleeved shirts for example.
  If you're going to be walking the streets of a major city, look around and try to dress like the locals; in most of continental Europe that means no white athletic shoes and no ski parkas. Instead wear muted colors and long sleeved sweaters. Add a warm grey jacket (or black leather) and a scarf and you look like a local.
  
• I find that I get better service in Europe the better I dress; nice leather shoes and a collared shirt get me a good table and a modicum of respect. Add a culture-appropriate tip and you're golden.
  
• I like to wear a shoulder bag when travelling around major cities. Looks less like a touristy backpack, kinda blends in with the locals.
  

• Once on the plane, set your watch immediately to the local time of your destination. From that point on, only think of the time at your destination, DO NOT EVER say to yourself what the local time in your originating city is. IT DOESN'T MATTER.
  
• Try to sleep on the way there, and once arrived, you need to stay awake. Get out into the sunshine (if any), walk, whatever. No sleeping until at least 9PM.
  

Some great tips above, but to add a couple of things from my experience:

• If going to the UK, buy a rail/tube pass ahead of time here through a travel agent.  It's much cheaper than getting one over there, plus you can get some some attractive "tourist" packages that aren't available once you get there.
• Carry your shopping or "walking around" money in a pocket separate from your purse or wallet.
• A money belt that you can wear under your shirt is a great idea.
• You will do a LOT of walking.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Think function, not fashion.
• Take copies of prescriptions of any medications you need to take.  (You're on insulin, right?)  I have to take Coumadin (blood thinner) everyday because of my mechanical heart valve.  I always carry my medicine with me, plus I have a laminated copy of my EKG printout with notes from cardiologist explaining my condition (in case I'm incapacitated and can't).   
• Pubs are the Brit's main contribution to modern Western civilization.