Traveling can often be one of the most exciting parts of life, offering new experiences and adventures. But when it’s time to plan your next trip, especially if it’s international, there’s quite a bit to keep in mind. From passports to safety tips, let’s navigate the ins and outs of traveling abroad like a pro.

Before we get packing, let’s take a look at the basics: passports and visas. If you’re heading to popular tourist spots such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, or Portugal this summer, the first thing you need to check is whether your passport is up to date. Most countries you’ll want to visit fall under the Schengen Area of the EU, which allows for visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourist visits and specific short-term activities. Just make sure your passport was issued less than ten years ago and has at least three months left before its expiration from your intended departure date. It’s smart to double-check all of this before any travel, as the local authorities uphold these rules strictly.

But travel seems to bring out all sorts of issues, doesn’t it? One of the most common things people face is the unpredictability of health regulations. Now, as we continue to adjust to a post-pandemic world, different countries may require vaccinations or health checks. For example, as of late, Italy has no COVID-19 restrictions for travelers, but countries like Spain and Portugal might still have some specific protocols, such as checking with your travel provider for last-minute changes. It’s always best to look up the latest travel advice on the UK Foreign Office’s website before you go.

Once you’re all set with your travel documents, let’s talk about health – namely, how to avoid getting food poisoning on your trips. After all, trying the local cuisine is one of the joys of travel, but it can sometimes go badly if you choose unwisely. Here are some expert tips to keep your stomach happy:

• Wash your hands: This is one of the easiest ways to prevent illnesses. Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating. If soap isn’t available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid ice: Especially where the water isn’t safe to drink. If you’re unsure about the source of the ice, it’s best to skip the iced drinks altogether.

• Limit raw food: Undercooked meals can often be the culprit behind foodborne illness. Stick to cooked dishes to minimize your risk.

• Pack some medication: Carry loperamide, which helps manage digestive issues — just a precautionary measure!

• Stick to the two-hour rule: When food is left out for longer than two hours, toss it. This especially applies to perishable items.

• Caution with dairy: Dairy products can harbor harmful bacteria, so always check expiration dates and choose pasteurized options where possible.

Now, let’s not forget about the taste of airplane food. Ever wondered how to make those airplane meals taste better? Here’s a hot tip from chefs: keep some seasoning handy! Executive sous-chef Garrete Bowe suggests carrying Maldon sea salt, which is compact and can truly upgrade your inflight meal. It’s all about making the bland flavorful! It’s amazing how much just a sprinkle of salt can change the game.

When you’re on the go, you never know what might happen, especially concerning your belongings. For travelers with mobility needs, like wheelchair users, things can get particularly tricky. Ensuring your mobility device is safe during travel involves more than just choosing the right airline. It’s recommended to always inform the airline about your needs well before traveling. This proactive communication helps with making the necessary accommodations.

Consequently, should something go wrong, knowing your rights can make all the difference. Here’s what to keep in mind: If your mobility device gets damaged, report it as soon as possible. Airlines are required to follow certain regulations about passenger assistance, and knowing these can guide you through the claims process more efficiently. Researching local resources is also smart; should damage occur, knowing where to go for repairs can save you time and heartache.

Let’s lean back now and think about spontaneity on your travels. Sure, it’s great to have plans, but some of the most unforgettable experiences come from the unexpected. So, make room for chance encounters! You never know when you might meet someone who offers insight or invites you to explore something entirely new with them.

For solo female travelers or any traveler concerned about safety, it’s important to remain vigilant. While traveling provides unrivaled opportunities for adventure, some crossroad scenarios can be uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s wise to have safety measures, like carrying something like fake wedding rings or being aware of travel communities online, which can provide advice and support.

Traveling doesn’t stop when you return to your home country; no, the experience lingers on. While you may return with stories and memories, one simple mistake can leave you thinking twice about your next adventure. Keep your trips hassle-free by avoiding the post-holiday suitcase blunders. Unpack as soon as you return, check for items left behind, and make sure to take any necessary medications right away!

With all this information, you can make the most of your international travels! Nothing compares to the blend of excitement, learning, and discovery abroad. Just stay prepared, be mindful, and let the thrill of the unknown guide your next steps. Wherever you go, happy travels await you!

Wildlife safari is a dream for many travellers, as it offers them a chance to witness some of the planet’s most iconic and majestic animals in their natural habitats. Among the most sought-after experiences is spotting the Big Five – the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros. The thrill of spotting the ‘Big Five’ is an experience at the top of many travellers’ must-do list. These animals are renowned for their size, strength, and the thrill they evoke when encountered on safari. If you are also in for this, here’s a guide to the world’s wildest safari destinations where you can spot the Big Five and create lasting memories.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is synonymous with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. This dramatic event attracts predators like lions and crocodiles, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the Big Five in action against the backdrop of vast savannahs and acacia-dotted plains. Game drives in Maasai Mara often lead to sightings of lions lazing under the sun or elephants roaming gracefully in herds.

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Next in line is Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, famous for its role in the Great Migration and its rich wildlife. The Serengeti has a high concentration of lions, often seen prowling the plains or resting under shady trees. Elephants roam freely, and leopards can be spotted lounging in the branches of acacia trees. Game drives and hot air balloon safaris provide breathtaking views of the park’s expansive landscapes and diverse inhabitants.

3. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, spanning nearly 20,000 sq km of diverse habitats. It is home to a significant population of all the Big Five species, including the endangered rhinoceros. Visitors to Kruger can embark on guided game drives or self-drive safaris, exploring the park’s varied ecosystems from savannahs and woodlands to rivers and rocky outcrops. Sunset drives and bush walks provide intimate encounters with Africa’s wildlife, making Kruger a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts.

4. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is renowned for its large herds of elephants, often seen congregating along the Chobe River. This pristine wilderness also supports thriving populations of lions, leopards, and buffaloes, completing the Big Five ensemble. Boat safaris along the river offer a unique perspective, allowing visitors to observe wildlife from a different vantage point while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the African bush.

5. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, located in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is celebrated for its conservation initiatives. The park hosts all members of the Big Five and provides both guided safaris and self-drive opportunities. Visitors can traverse ancient acacia woodlands and rolling hills, seeking sightings of lions, elephants, and elusive leopards against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes.

6. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya, offers a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing. The park is famous for its large herds of elephants, often framed against the majestic snow-capped peak of Africa’s highest mountain. Lions, leopards, and buffaloes also roam the park’s plains, offering visitors a chance to witness the Big Five while enjoying views of Kilimanjaro and the park’s marshes and savannahs.

7. Sibuya Game Reserve, South Africa

Sibuya Game Reserve, accessible exclusively by riverboat, stands out as a distinctive safari destination in South Africa. It offers diverse wildlife viewing opportunities ranging from elephants to otters, and of course, the renowned ‘Big Five.’ Bird enthusiasts are drawn to the reserve’s impressive array of nearly 400 bird species, providing an exceptional bird watching experience.

The pandemic highlighted the risk that air travel carries for the spread of infectious diseases, and that risk remains even though the health emergency has passed.

“Airplanes have many touch points that are perfect for the transfer of bacteria or viruses,” said Dr. Mike Ren, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “You don’t want to get sick while on vacation and prevent your chance for relaxation or come back with a cold or something worse.”

The risk of catching a cold or flu starts even before a person boards their flight, Ren said.

Ride-sharing services transport hundreds of strangers each day, and thousands pass through airports on their way to and from their terminal.

But a few common practices can help protect you from catching something, Ren said:

• Use sanitizing wipes to clean the most-touched places on a plane — seats, tray tables, seat back pockets, arm rests, flight attendant call buttons, air vents and lavatory door handles
• Apply hand sanitizer or wash your hands regularly, particularly prior to eating a snack or after touching check-in kiosks, handling boarding passes or using the airplane or airport bathroom
• Keep boarding passes and other documents on your smartphone, to reduce the number of times you touch surfaces in the airport and on the plane
• Wear a mask through the airport and during flights to prevent airborne illnesses

“Flight crews have their own pre-boarding cleaning checklists, but since there is short turnover time between flights, they might miss something. Being prepared will give you peace of mind that comes from a clean flight,” Ren said in a Baylor news release.

Also, airplanes typically cycle air in and out of the cabin every three to four minutes, which in turn should rid the air of viruses, Ren said. However, masks provide more reliable protection.

People should keep their shoes on while flying, Ren added. The floors might not be cleaned as often as other parts of the plane.

On the other hand, changing out of your clothes after arriving at your destination might provide peace of mind, but isn’t essential to reducing infection risk, Ren said.

Finally, if you’re sick, you should think twice before traveling, Ren concluded.

“If you are sick, especially if you have a fever higher than 100 degrees, consider rescheduling your travel to keep others around you healthy,” Ren said. “If you must travel, use these tips to keep everyone healthy and prevent yourself from getting worse as your immune system is already weakened.”

A lost or stolen phone can be a nightmare. It’s especially disastrous when this occurs while traveling. Unfortunately, it happens a lot, especially if you’re visiting a country known for having issues with pickpocketing, like Italy or France.

Whether you’re heading to Paris to watch Simone Biles or Sha’Carri Richardson compete in the 2024 Olympics or squeezing in a last-minute vacation before school starts, check out these tips to give you some peace of mind in case your smartphone takes an unauthorized adventure during your trip.

Travel tips

Tip #1: Back up your device before you go.

Backing up your device to a cloud service or computer can save you from the agony of losing everything on your smartphone. This digital copy will restore everything from your pre-trip iPhone or Android to the new device.

If your device backs up onto iCloud or Google Drive, most phones will automatically back up daily when connected to WiFi and not in use.

Tip #2: Log out of apps.

Log out of important apps. In this case, this refers to banking apps, payment apps, like Venmo, and shopping apps, like Amazon.

Think of it like this: if you can spend or send money in the app, log out of it.

Consider also signing out of apps with access to personal information or professional platforms, like email and social media accounts.

Tip #3: Enable your device’s Find My or Find My Device.

Before your trip, enable your device’s location tracking. Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device allow you to track the current or last known location of your phone from another device or computer.

The phone needs to be turned on for the tracking to show the most accurate location data. Otherwise, it may only show the phone’s last known location or display that the phone can’t be located.

Tip #4: Take a different device.

Smartphones can be expensive, so consider taking an older model, purchasing a secondhand device or buying a flip phone. This secondary device doesn’t need all the data, apps or pictures you have on your everyday device, so avoid putting any apps or information that aren’t necessary for your trip.

Tip # 5: Go analog!

Bring printed copies of anything important, like booking confirmations, addresses and phone numbers.

Bring a map of the area and mark important places, such as your hotel, popular landmarks, train station or restaurants you want to visit so you have it in case you need it.