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Here are several tips that can help:
1. Knowledge is power. Do some research on the places you
plan to visit
so you will know what to expect. This will help eliminate the
anxiety of "what-if" running through your head.
2. Rest up before you go -- you'll enjoy your trip more and
worry less
if you are well rested and energetic. If flying long
distances, you
might want to stop over for a night or two along the way.
3. Before you go, make a copy of the opening page of your
passport and other important travel documents and keep them
separate from the actual documents when you travel. Then you
won't panic if those documents are lost or stolen.
4. Learn basic phrases of the local language -- you'll feel
more in control.
4. Learn basic phrases of the local language -- you'll feel
more in control.
5. Stay connected to friends and family through periodic
e-mails
or telephone calls -- it will help keep you from feeling
isolated.
Make certain to provide them with your itinerary with contact
numbers
at the hotels where you'll be staying. You should also bring
your cellular phone or purchase a satellite phone just in
case.
6. If music relaxes you, make certain that you take your
favorite CD's or tapes along -- you may not be able to find
your favorite titles or artists overseas. Bring along a
transistor radio so you can listen to the BBC or
other English language stations.
7. Learn some deep breathing exercises or other relaxation
techniques
that are easy to do.
8. Exercising can also help you relax. Before booking your
hotels, find out what facilities or access to health clubs
they have. If you prefer, there
are exercises that can be done on the floor in your hotel
room. Consider bringing along a jump rope or other
easy-to-pack exercise product.
9. Try to blend in -- avoid wearing obvious U.S. symbols
such as U.S. team sports shirts. Sample the local culture and
take note of and follow local customs, so you won't feel like
you're sticking out from the crowd.
10. Make sure you have a resource for medical and personal
safety assistance lined up, such as SOS Global Traveler
assistance services, which provide telephone access 24/7 to
Western doctors. That way should you need help, you'll always
know who to call.
9. Try to blend in -- avoid wearing obvious U.S. symbols
such as U.S. team sports shirts. Sample the local culture and
take note of and follow local customs, so you won't feel like
you're sticking out from the crowd.
10. Make sure you have a resource for medical and personal
safety assistance lined up, such as SOS Global Traveler
assistance services,
which provide telephone access 24/7 to Western doctors. That
way should you need help, you'll always know who to call.
International SOS provides emergency assistance services
around the
world including medical evacuation and repatriation and access
to SOS doctors for advice and help. It provides services to 60
per cent of America's Fortune 500 companies and performs more
than 12,000 evacuation cases per year (that's more than one an
hour, every hour, somewhere in the world). Membership can be
purchased for short-term trips or annual plans.
A Members Only portal on the International SOS Website
provides travel health and safety information you can use to
prepare for your trip. Memberships range from $55 for a 10-day
medical membership for an individual traveler to $225 for an
annual membership.
You can purchase SOS membership through your travel agent, by
visiting SOS online at www.internationalsos.com or calling
(800)-523-8662.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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