I still get anxious before trips, but it’s nothing that keeps me up at night.  The key is doing research about where you are going and the things you want to do.  Part of your trip preparation is making sure that you do the things that you need to do before your trip, whether that is as big as making sure that you have a valid passport or as small as purchasing tickets to an attraction like the Anne Frank house which usually sell out the day they become available.

As a first-time traveler, there are a few key things you should keep in mind to make your trip go smoothly:

1. Passport and visas: Make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas before you travel. Check the expiration date of your passport and make sure it will be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you need to apply for a new passport, don’t wait until the last minute as it may take several months for you to receive your new passport.  Starting in 2024, many of the popular European destinations like Italy, France and Spain will require travelers to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

2. Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in case of lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations, or medical emergencies. There are different levels of coverage available. Although it is more expensive, we always get the plan that allows us to cancel for any reason. Consider the activities that you are going to participate in, you may want to use a specialty insurance.  If you are planning a scuba diving trip, you might want a policy with a company like DAN which has doctors familiar with the unique medical needs of divers and covers hyperbaric chambers if needed.

3. Budgeting: Set a budget for your trip and stick to it as much as possible. Consider the cost of transportation, accommodations, food, activities, and any other expenses you may incur. A little research before you go will give you an idea of what you need.  Some countries like Egypt have a cash based economy and you may not be able to use your credit card in some places. Egypt also has a developed tipping culture called Backsheesh so you will need to carry smaller denominations.

4. Packing: Make a list of what you need to pack and stick to it. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, and travel insurance information. Be sure to research what weather to expect and bring appropriate clothing.  A coworker’s daughter planned a wedding on a mountain in Colorado and wore her heels only to discover that the mountain was snow covered and she had to wear snowshoes to reach the spot where the ceremony was performed.

Related: 15 Things You Should Have in Your Carry On, 15 things I have in my purse/travel bag when I’m traveling

5. Safety: Research the safety and security situation of your destination and take the necessary precautions. For US residents traveling abroad, be sure to register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  You can receive alerts about any safety concerns that arise. We received text warnings about protests in Lima, Peru and strikes in Brazil. You also need to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and keep your valuables safe. I wear a money belt, keep my money and credit cards in my front pocket and carry a ”dummy wallet” with a few small bills in case I get pickpocketed. Don’t put valuables in the cargo pockets of your pants. I had a friend have his passport pickpocketed during a trip. Women should use a cross strap style purse.

6. Communication: Make sure you have a way to communicate with family and friends back home, such as a phone plan that works overseas or a messaging app like WhatsApp. Verizon has an international plan called Travel Pass and AT&T has one called International Day Pass; both allow unlimited talk, text and data for $10 per day.

7. Culture: Research the cultural norms and customs of your destination and make an effort to respect them. There are often dress codes for religious settings such as head coverings for women or removing your shoes.  Try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language to help you navigate and communicate with locals.  At a very minimum, learn please, thank you and bathroom.  Google Translate is a huge help and you may want to try a language app like Duolingo.

8. Patience: Travel can be stressful, and things don’t always go as planned. Try to stay calm and patient and remember to take breaks and enjoy the experience. Be prepared with a plan B in case things don’t work out.  We once had the opportunity to spend a night in Zurich because our flight out of Lisbon was delayed and we missed our connection to Chicago.  After checking into a hotel, we hopped a train to the downtown and walked along the river, did some sightseeing, marveled at the Christmas lights and decorations and enjoyed a mug of gluhwein.  What many would find exasperating, became a great experience because we were prepared to take advantage of the opportunity when it occurred.

It’s natural to worry about upcoming travel, especially if it is your first major travel experience, but with some preparations you can ease your mind about the major concerns.  The key is to do some research on your destination as soon as you decide where you want to go.  If this seems overwhelming to you, you may want to consult a travel advisor who can help you through these steps and take care of the details of your trip.

Plan Your Trip

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Upon Arrival

As a US citizen, when you fly into Cairo, Egypt, you can get a Visa on Arrival. Your first stop needs to be at the Egyptian National Bank booth where you will pay for your visa, which costs $25.  You have to pay cash in US dollars. You will receive a sticker that you must put into your passport before you go to Immigration. 

As soon as you clear Immigration, you’ll be at the baggage terminals and someone will probably meet you and offer to get you a car. You can find a cheaper car by going out by the exit. There will be an area marked Airport Limousine and there’s a lot of people there. Everybody wants to give you a ride so you can bargain with them to get your best deal. The person who met us as we passed Immigration quoted us $30 US, but the taxi quote we got was approximately $15 or $16 which would be 350 pounds Egyptian. Be prepared to walk away from the first offer that the taxis make and they will come back to you with a lower price. The airport is approximately 40 minutes from central downtown.

Money Matters

Egypt has a cash based economy.  Many places, including restaurants and stores, will not accept credit cards.  Most places will accept either Egyptian Pounds or US Dollars.  We were told that Egyptian banks are fussy about accepting hard currencies like the dollar or Euro which are damaged or dirty.  The damage can be very minor in the eyes of US citizens, like small tears or writing on the bills, but Egyptians may not want to accept them.  They will not accept coins because they can’t exchange them at the banks.

Something that you need to be aware of is the practice of Baksheesh or tipping.  This is an act of showing appreciation and thanking someone for helping you.  Most service workers do a great job and expect you to acknowledge this with a tip.  This includes the hotel workers, drivers and restaurant staff.  Please don’t confuse this with those who are simply begging, especially children.  They may pull at your heartstrings, but giving money to children who are begging encourages them to turn begging into a business and to not attend school.

Getting Around

Unlike many cities in Europe, Cairo is not a pedestrian friendly city.  The sites are not close together.  Uber is available.  At most of the sites, there are cars offering to drive you.  The drivers will quote you a price, but they are willing to bargain.  For a drive from the Citadel to our hotel, we paid a quarter of the initial quote.  Be prepared for the driver to ask for additional money because of the heavy traffic.  Hold firm to the agreed upon price.  The white taxis are the only ones with meters.  Check with your hotel to get an idea of how much your trip should cost.

Scams

We went to Giza to see the pyramids and the Sphinx on our recent visit.  You can walk around the Great Pyramid and over to the others.  Once you pass through the entry gate, you do not need to show your ticket to anyone. There are a number of men around the Great Pyramid who look official, with name tags and some with whistles, who will ask to see your ticket.  They are attempting to find out if you are with a group or not. They may tell you that your ticket doesn’t allow you to be where you are and ask for additional money.  Some will offer to show you the best spots to take pictures and offer to take them for you. Then they ask for money, usually in US dollars.  You can pay them if you like, but be prepared for them to ask for more.  Remember that you can say no, put the money back in your pocket and walk away.  

Another common scam is for someone to approach you on the street and say that they work at your hotel and recognize you.  After gaining your confidence, they will offer to take you to a shop, restaurant or attraction in an attempt to get your money.  Usually, just asking which hotel is enough to discourage them.

Crime

Crime is not very common because of a heavy police presence.  You do need to be aware that there are pickpockets around the major attractions and in the bazaars, just like there are in almost every major city in the world.  Only take with you what you need for the day so that if the unfortunate happens, you are only out a small amount.  Keep the rest in the safe in your hotel room.

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