Contributed by Marnely Rodriguez, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Traveling internationally can be both fun but a bit daunting at times.

Not knowing the language of the country doesn’t help, so make sure to learn a few key phrases to get you started or assist you in any emergency.

From there, use these top ten international travel precautions to stay safe and get the most out of your adventure:

10. Avoiding jet lag

Jet Lag, caused by the crossing over to a different time zone develops fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and more if not prevented properly. Some ways to prepare when traveling across two or more time zones are:
• Avoid Alcohol, which causes dehydration, making your body struggle with the jet lag
• Caffeine before or during the flight is a no-no, as it will disrupt sleeping patterns

9. Travel insurance

When traveling internationally it’s important to sign up with a medical travel insurance plan to cover any emergencies that may arise during your trip. This will avoid expensive costs overseas, specifically on overnight hospital stays and medication that might not be readily available.

8. Trip protection

International trips normally have various stops, arriving at one airport and departing from a different city. Trip Protection allows you to have some leeway in case you need to change the date or cancel a flight. By paying a small amount, you are allowed changes with no extra charges.

7. Copy of valuable documents

Leave a photocopy of your Visas, Passport, and any other travel documents at home as well as have an extra copy on hand just in case your documents are misplaced or stolen. Another option is to keep a copy of everything on a reliable flash drive or two, for quick and easy reprints if needed.

6. Power adapters that work

Many American travelers don’t realize that electricity in other countries might not work with their phones, computers, or other electronics. Plugging in without a convertor could fry your powered goodies, or even start a fire. Make sure to take a reliable international power convertor with you (they tend to be very expensive abroad), and check with your hotel to make sure it and your electronics can be used safely.

5. Printed address

When you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language, have the address of your hotel printed in the language spoken there on a small card, so that if you ever get lost you have a sure-fire way to get to your destination. One of the most important travel precautions.

4. Know the culture

Be aware of the culture and treat the locals with respect. Know how to greet strangers as to not offend anyone and learn a few key phrases that will allow you to communicate with more than hand gestures. Locals appreciate the fact of you trying to speak their language and will be more willing to help you.

3. Emergency contact

If traveling alone, it is always a good idea to have both an emergency contact in the country you are in, as well as one back home. Someone close will be able to help you quicker. Your contact back home should be someone you are in touch with on a daily basis that knows your itinerary in case you go missing or if you need to be contacted immediately.

2. Travel light

Traveling light is probably the most underrated travel precaution but remember this: the more bags you carry with you, the more you’ll have to keep track of. Travel with a carry-on or backpack at most or share one piece of luggage with another person. It’s easier to see the sights and to move around, plus you won’t be exhausted after carrying that heavy suitcase across the city.

1. Common sense

Be aware of your surroundings and if you ever have that gut feeling that a situation is not safe, be smart about it and try to get out of it as soon as possible. Your gut instinct is almost never wrong! Know your boundaries and limits as a tourist and you should be fine. Travel precautions start with you.

When traveling internationally, remember that safety is always first but don’t forget to relax and have fun! Enjoy the sights, walk the road less traveled and taste new flavors!