20 Things To Do Before Traveling Internationally

1. Make copies of your travel documents 

We don't plan on losing our passport while on holidays, but it's a good idea to make some backup copies just in case: one to bring with you and one to leave at home. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals  

2. Print out hard copies of your itinerary and confirmations

  Don't assume that WiFi will always be available to pull up your itinerary or travel confirmations - always bring a hard copy with you just in case. I cannot tell you how many times hotels have made a mistake in my reservations and tried to overcharge me. Having a hard copy handy will be in your favor. I also like to put a copy of my contact information and itinerary in my luggage just in case it gets lost, so the person who retrieves it will know how to contact me. You can also include this information on your luggage tag. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals


3. Check for travel advisories / register your trip 

 Depending on where you travel to, there may be unexpected travel advisories that you should be aware of. Sometimes your travel or health insurance may not be valid if there is a current travel advisory. You can also register your trip with your country's embassy so they'll know where you'll be just in case of an emergency. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

 4. Call your bank

  Before you leave, it's important to call your bank (the number on the back of your bank card) to let them know that you'll be traveling. This allows you to use your card to make purchases while abroad. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

 5. Have some emergency cash on hand

  Just because you have your bank cards available, doesn't mean that they will be accepted at every establishment. It's good to have some extra cash on hand in the local currency, especially for smaller purchases. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals man in airport and airplane in sky

 6. Determine what documents you need to enter the country 

 Most countries require a passport that is valid for six months or more after your return date. You may also require a visa or special documents to enter the country as well. For example, I needed to purchase a visa in order to enter Turkey earlier this year. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

 7. Check with your doctor or insurance provider
  Before traveling, it's best to check with your doctor or insurance provider to see if you will require any prescription medications or vaccines before your trip. You may also require a note from your doctor to allow you to bring certain prescription medications into the country. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals  

8. Research what you can / cannot bring inside the country 
 The last thing you want to do is to arrive at your destination and find out that some of the items you packed are not allowed into the country. This could be seeds or certain food. Check ahead to avoid any unnecessary disruptions. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

 9. Check the weather forecast before leaving
  I like to do this about a week before, then just a day before to make sure that I pack appropriately. If it's cold at home but you're traveling to a warm climate, chances are you don't need to bring a heavy jacket. Also, rain may pop up in the forecast which means you'll need an umbrella. Check ahead so you can pack accordingly. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals 

10. Research local customs and etiquette where you're visiting
  It's always a good idea to read up a little on the local customs, culture and etiquette so you will know what to expect while traveling internationally. Sometimes a hand gesture in one country may carry a different meaning in another country; you may need to dress more conservatively than you would back home; tipping policies may vary too - either way, you don't want to do something silly that could have been avoided if you did your research beforehand. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

  11. Research events and festivals happening while you're in town
 Knowing if there are any major events happening while you're in town is good to know. You may want to attend a concert, a festival or just in general, be aware of what's taking place in the city. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals 

12. Flip through guide books
  I know some travelers prefer not to consult with travel books, but I always like to flip through them to get tips, see what sights or attractions are worth visiting, etc. Many of them also include maps of the different neighborhoods in the city, so it gives you a better understanding of the layout of the city. If you don't want to invest in a guidebook, you can borrow one for free from your local library. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

 13. Get adapters / converters for your electronic devices
  This should be self-explanatory, but not every country has the same voltage. You can always pick one up from the airport if you forget, but you will pay more there. Instead, I recommend picking up a world travel adapter before your trip. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

 14. Learn a few key phrases in the local language
 One of the best things you can do is to learn at least one keyword or phrase in the local language. Even if you don't sound like a native, the locals will still appreciate your efforts. I noticed that this was especially true while I was in Paris. Even though I could only say a few words, I could tell they appreciated that I tried to communicate with them in French first before switching to English. Also, don't assume that everyone knows English, because this is not the case. Once you step outside of the main tourist spots, fewer and fewer people speak English. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

 15. Watch a video on how to use the city's public transit system
  Most metropolitan cities are equipped with a decent public transit system. Instead of paying the high price for taxis, try learning how to use the city's public transit. You'll save money and get around town quicker than by car. If you do decide to hire a car, check ahead to see if you require an international driver's license. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals

  16. Determine a plan for your mobile phone
  Whenever I leave the country, I always turn off my mobile data and switch to airplane mode. I use the city's WiFi to make calls and text using apps like Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger. If you require data, talk with your phone provider ahead of time to determine the right plan for you. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals  

17. Buy tickets for places you want to visit / see before you leave
  Sometimes you can get a discount when you buy your tickets in advance. This also allows you to skip the ticket line and save time while you're on holidays. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals 

18. Research how to get to your hotel from the airport 
To avoid paying high taxi prices it's a good idea to research the best way to get to your hotel from the airport. Sometimes taxis offer a flat rate which you should know beforehand in case they try to rip you off. Most options include taking a shuttle, private car or using the city's public transit. By knowing how much each option costs and how long each option will take, you'll be able to make a choice that fits your budget and needs. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals 

19. Research local tourist scams where you will be visiting 

Chances are you'll be able to spot a scam, but unfortunately this is not always the case. Understanding what to look for is a smart idea so you can prevent being a victim of a scam. Always keep your wits about you and your personal bags in sight at all times. skyosky.com Travel more and pay less? search & compare ticket prices 1000+ sites and airline & 800,000+ Hotels Book Now See also: Flights,Hotels, Rental Cars, Offers & deals 

20. Pack some over-the-counter medication and toiletries with you
  I understand some people want to pack lightly by leaving their toiletries at home, thinking that they'll be able to buy them at their destination. Keep in mind however that some items might be hard to find in other countries. If you are traveling to Korea, it will be hard to find deodorant there, so make sure to bring some with you when you visit. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9964415

World's Crappiest Airline Companies

By Jonny Blair


Here is my list of the worst airline companies in the world!

1. TACA AIRLINES (PERU BASED)

In Peru you should make sure you never fly with Taca. They are cheap and they are shit, they are one of the worst airline companies around. They cancel flights all the time with no warning and they don't show any signs of customer service.

2. Australian Airline Jetstar

Despite initially loving their cheap kick-ass fares, Jetstar quickly proved their lack of customer service to me in 2011. I had started a new job and been lucky to be given a whopping THREE days off in my first month, just so I could fly all the way back to the UK to attend a wedding. One of my best mates as a child was Michael McClelland and so I wanted to be there in Belfast for his big day. It would also be my first time in Northern Ireland for some 800 days - my longest ever time away from my native land. So I booked 2 flights with Jet Star as it was just so cheap even with connections, I then booked another two flights with Air Asia and Easyjet meaning I could get home to Michael's wedding, but would have 4 flights to take, a half day in Kuala Lumpur and a full day in Paris on route. Two cities I'd been to before, but hey I could see family and attend a wedding and keep my job as a school teacher in Hong Kong. All the flights were cheap. All looking good.

3. Aerolineas Argentinas

In Argentina I had a nightmare with Aerolineas as they scheduled a flight of mine before the first flight had even left the city the second flight needed to be in, in order for it to arrive on time.

- changed the time of my first flight THREE times

- moved me to a completely different airport in Buenos Aires

- my flight was cancelled

- delayed the new flight they put me on (refusing to even give me a FREE COFFEE)

- they blamed computer error

4. Airline Company Cathay Pacific

They lost my bag in 2012 on a long haul flight from Hong Kong to Heathrow. When my bag didn't arrive in Heathrow I had no time to waste as my connection to Belfast City Airport was in 55 minutes so I had no time to even complain. Again I have to thank my girlfriend who sourced my bag in the end. It was still in Hong Kong 3 days later and was found. Cathay Pacific offered NOTHING in compensation, but eventually delivered my bag (safe and sound) to my parents home where I was staying for a week.

5. Horrible company Air Asia

Air Asia have to be the worst airline company out there. They offer no compensation whatsoever for any kind of cancelled or delayed flight. Not even a free cup of tea and I have been on lots of delayed and cancelled flights from them!

- Air Asia are a shit airline company

I worked on car ferries dealing with customers day in day out for 2 seasons (Sorry for the delay, here's a free coffee), I have worked in countless bars and restaurants where the customer comes first. (Your beer isn't good? No problem I'll get you another one) and I know how to do Public Relations (I've done a year working with top brands in London and I've got a degree in the subject!!).

So chin up and happy travels and don't let these horrible companies get you down!




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