Nine common concerns when traveling abroad

Planning for a journey abroad is always exciting — but it usually comes with a bit of preoccupation, too. Even the most experienced of travelers are often met with unexpected challenges, which is why preparation is so invaluable. In this article, we will discuss a few of the most common concerns people have when traveling abroad, and we will offer some simple solutions that you may find helpful:

1. Jetlag

Anyone flying either eastbound or westbound is sure to arrive in a different time zone than the one they departed from. And this can have a severe impact on your mood and your energy levels. 8 pm in New York City is 2 am the next day in Toronto, for example. And 8 am in Los Angeles is 11 pm the previous day in Hong Kong! Though switching time zones affects the body’s natural rhythm too profoundly to be overcome through a simple “hack,” there are a few smart ways of minimizing the effects of jetlag. Getting plenty of exercise and avoiding caffeine, for example, can help you get to bed on time if you are traveling east — and catching a nap during your flight is the best way of preparing for that long first night out west.

2. The language barrier

The notion of relying upon your second language skills in a new country can be pretty intimidating — especially if you haven’t been practicing as much as you should! The best way to overcome nervousness about the language barrier is to ensure that you take care of as many travel details as possible before you arrive. That way, you can speak the native language to have fun, practice, and meet people, rather than trying to use your skills to sort out paperwork, book a hotel, or buy a prepaid internet SIM card in a convenience store.

3. Missed flights

Arriving late for a flight or connection is the definition of a headache. And when this type of problem occurs in a foreign country, it can be a travel nightmare. Save yourself time, money, and peace of mind by arriving at the airport with plenty of time in advance. Worst case scenario, you take advantage of airport time to get a little work done, have a cocktail, or call an old friend with the help of an international SIM card.

4. Astronomical roaming charges

Many phone carriers take advantage of consumers’ desire for convenience and charge exorbitant prices for worldwide internet roaming data. Traditionally, phone companies have gotten away with this because they know that most people aren’t going to bother going to a store, buying a prepaid international SIM card, and loading it with minutes. BNESIM is working hard to disrupt this practice by offering a convenient international SIM card that can be loaded virtually.

5. Lost documents

A lost or stolen passport or visa can result in some serious inconvenience. The best way to avoid such problems is to carry photocopies of your documents whenever possible and leave your actual documents in a secure location unless they are strictly required.

6. Safety

It’s easy to feel a bit uneasy in an unfamiliar environment — but the truth is that every year, millions of people travel abroad without experiencing any safety issues. Simply take common-sense measures such as letting a trusted friend know where you will be, avoiding areas that locals advise you to steer clear of, and keeping a working phone with you at all times. Follow such guidelines, and you will drastically reduce your odds of being involved in a compromising situation.

7. Navigation

Another reason why travel to a foreign country can be intimidating is the potential difficulty in finding their way around. This is another problem that mobile phones solve quite nicely — which is yet another reason why it’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of traveling equipped with a prepaid international SIM card.

8. Adapting to the climate

Traveling between regions with extreme variance in temperature and humidity levels can be a bit uncomfortable at times. This is due in large part to physiological responses that the body makes to help us cope with local weather, and part of adapting to a new climate is simply waiting for your body to acclimate. That being said, keeping clothes suited for your destination on hand can help! It is a common site in beach destination airports to see people walking out into the tropical heat fully bundled for a winter’s day in a city like London or Toronto, and this certainly doesn’t help matters!

9. Enjoying the trip

If you’re worried about the details of your trip, it can be easy to forget about enjoying the journey itself! Why not take one worry off your plate right now? Visit BNESIM online today to get your international SIM card for free when you buy any of our versatile international calling and internet plans!