The Importance Of Traveling Outside Of The United States

You have saved and waited for what seems like an eternity for that one special vacation of your lifetime. But are you really ready for the trip? Traveling outside of the United States can be (and most of the time is) quite different. But it doesn't necessarily need to be stressful. First things first. Make sure that your plans are well thought out and that you can afford not only the trip itself, but also for any emergency that might arise during your time outside of the U.S. Most people are so focused on the trip itself, that they neglect to plan for anything that might arise out of the ordinary. One good example would be health care for an unforeseen medical emergency. Does your medical coverage in the United States cover for medical expenses …show more content…
Many countries discourage foreigners traveling to their country holding passports with less than six months prior to it's expiration date. In the event of an unexpected long term stay, (ie: a medical emergency). the visitor will have plenty of time on their passport allowing them to stay in their country without complications. Before finalizing your destination, be sure to check out the State Department's website for information regarding international travel, or more importantly the advisories and travel warnings (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html). This is especially important if you have not visited that particular country before or speak a limited amount or none of the host language. You will also want to take note of important telephone numbers and addresses of public service officials and the local embassy or consulate. Prior to traveling to your foreign destination, ensure that you take the time to register your trip with the local consulate. This serves a multi-faceted purpose. In case any national emergency/natural disaster should arise at your foreign location, your home government will know where to contact you in order to evacuate you. They will also know where to contact you in case something should arise back in your home …show more content…
One thing is for certain, we only serve to gain from our travels. Two paths await you when you travel. You can leave behind all the comforts of home and set off for a sheltered location that provides all the same comforts available to you at home. Or you can take the second route. Shed your lifestyle, customs, and certainties and escape into a new world that you can fully embrace. Trust me, the second path is always more fulfilling, plus the stories you come home with will be even better than any spa retreat could ever serve up. Travel should be something you learn from as much as to enjoy. Anyone can travel, but smart travelers will approach everything with an open mind and heart that allows them to see the real beauty in the places they set out to explore. Here are some of my favorite travel quotes to get you thinking differently about the way you travel. On Why You Should Travel Experience travel, these are as education in themselves. Euripides He who does not travel does not know the value of men. Moorish Proverb Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. Anatole France The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. St. Augustine Motivation To Go Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain Adventure is worthwhile in itself. Amelia Earhart Only those who will