15 Tips for International Travel

My World Race was an intense 11 months of back to back short term trips. We travelled to a new country every month or two, and for the last few months we went to different cities/villages every week or so. These tips here are things I've learned along the way... Enjoy!

Tip #1 - Be adopted by some locals that want to share their food, culture, and experiences with you.

Tip #2 - New cultures can be overwhelming, even intimidating at times... Be adopted by some street dogs for emotional support (or street cats, considering what is most prevalent).

Tip #3 - Don't eat the street food. Really, just don't eat the street food.

Tip #4 - Know where your bus is going before you get on...

Tip #5 - Have your local friends show you the spots for the good street food ;)

Tip #6 - Carryon must-haves: ear buds/ear plugs, sleep mask, blanket or sweatshirt, toothbrush, extra clothes, snacks... Never know when your 17 hou7r travel day might turn to a 58 hour travel day

Tip #7 - Not all travelers diarrhea is just travelers diarrhea... Do get checked for parasites

Tip #8 - Don't pet the street dogs, no matter how cute or friendly they might be. This also includes putting your hand down to "let them pet you" as they walk past.

Tip #9 - Until you know for sure, don't flush the TP. If you forget, however, do consider laying hands and praying over your toilet if no plunger is readily available

Tip #10 - Check out the local markets and put your haggling skills to the test!

Tip #11 - Do the touristy stuff, you may only be there once after all!

Tip #12 - Be gracious and be prepared as a guest. To the best of your ability honor your host by eating what is offered to you! You never know what you may like after all.

Tip #13 - As World Race Z-Squad likes to say "keep ya balls on yo ports!" aka: never, EVER take your eyeballs off your passport!! (We once had to leave a couple Squad members behind in Germany for a few days while they recovered theirs...😬)

Tip #14 - Eat where the locals eat, if you see a line be willing to stand in it cause more than likely it'll be worth it.

Tip #15 - Download the local language on Google Translate, the map (Google Maps) of where you'll be staying, and buy an e-sim before you go or a local sim card for your phone once you arrive.

Tip #16 - Learn as much as you can of the local language and practice with people you meet, even if you're only there for a short while. In most places people love it when foreigners care enough to engage with them in their language, it shows honor and intentionality and is a great way to show the love of Christ!

And always remember, when it comes to other cultures there is no such thing as good or bad, just different. Difference can be challenging and it can be beautiful, either way there is much to learn from the way other cultures interact and do life. And while you're out there, have some fun! Take a leap of faith and cross the wriggly ol' bendy bridge, try that spicy toothpaste, and learn those traditional dances even if you might feel silly doing it!