Unexpected Travel Oddities

10 Things you don't think to plan for when traveling...


1.  Climate Change
     Depending on where you currently live, traveling to other climates might pose a challenge. If you are going to a mountainous or hilly area, the elevation levels could pose breathing problems like shortness of breath.  Remember that humidity levels change not only in relation to the equator but the time of the year.  The sun can be hotter in some areas and may be enhanced by asphalt and water.


2.  Food Differences

     You will find this mainly outside of the U.S.  It could be as simple as different spices.  Or it could be a heavy influence of seafood used in various dishes.  You will have different fruits and vegetables to sample.  Consider that some different meats are available in other countries.  Speaking of meat, you might be outside of the USDA grades of meat ratings or those approved by the FDA.  Careful of tap water, ice cubes, or foods washed in water in countries where water systems have different or no standards.


                                                                     3.  Different Meanings

     It might be as simple as "soda" vs "pop" or even soda-pop causing confusion. Tonic and seltzer could mean different things. Milkshake, ice cream, steak, burger, biscuit, chips, and cream may all be things you think you want but may not get what you thought you ordered.  Pudding could be another tricky one - blood pudding and bread pudding are not traditional pudding at all.  Consider non-food things that will mean something else in a different country:  bill, bird, bogey, carnival, carriage, first floor, football, hockey, holiday, and garden.


4.  Metric Systems
     Expect different forms of measurement in other countries.  Some are on the metric system, which means rental cars may have different speedometers or you may need to look at the inner numbers of yours.  Getting gasoline...some countries sell by the liter rather than gallon.  What about miles vs. kilometers?  Grams vs. Ounces.  Then there are regions that use military time.  It'll make you wish you paid more attention in math class.


5.  Electrical Outlets
     Be sure to check ahead if you need an electrical adapter for any appliances, gadgets, or electronics you will be traveling with.  While some are 220 volt others are 110 volt.  Some regions or vessels do not have electrical outlets in the bathrooms per regulation.


6.  Currency Changes

     This might be an obvious one, but remember the days when the U.S. dollar was worth more than Canadian?  The exchange rates have been very close recently so check in advance - some merchants will accept it on par.  It's good to know the currency conversion for hotels, restaurants, and other purchases so you know if it's a price you want to pay.  Most credit card companies will do the conversion for you - but most charge you a fee as well.


7.  Phone or Internet Access
     Call your cellphone provider before you travel to find out what the roaming charges, data usage charges, and other use of your apps etc. will cost you when you travel.  See if you can purchase a package for the time frame you are away.  Many regions won't have cellphone towers where you need them.  The same goes for Internet Access - even though most countries will have access, the type will be different.  Many countries block social media sites or even certain search engines.  On a cruise ship, you'll pay additional rates to use the ship's communication satellite system connection.


 8.  Laws or Rules 
     Be very aware when you are in other countries because laws and rules could be very different or more obscure than you realize.  Tossing something out of the car window could land you in jail.  Dropping something in the water may result in a hefty ticket.  It's always good to check resources so that you fully understand what new laws or rules you might encounter in your travels.  Don't find out the hard way.


9.  Time Change
Some travelers don't realize how spending time in a different time zone will affect sleep and wake patterns.  Why you will have energy at odd times of the day and feel immediate need for napping at others.  Your body's routines are not that quickly adjusted simply because the clock says what time it is.  Then when you travel back to home, you might find the same oddness - depending on how long you were gone.


10.  Tipping
       Another item to research before you travel.  Some countries or regions won't allow the tipping of waitstaff, cab drivers, luggage handlers, etc.  Others it is considered an insult.  Be sure to understand what is expected in other countries - as the U.S. standard 15% may not be the expectation abroad.  Ask or look at your bill to see if a tip is automatically included.  Also find out if a tip to the hostess or maitre'd is expected.


                            Video:  Travel Tips