by Linda Shortell

Created on: February 08, 2009   Last Updated: October 25, 2009

A young person who is traveling abroad needs a safe trip that does not put them in debt. When planning a trip abroad, beware of expensive trips offered by tour companies. There are cheaper ways to travel. Non-profit educational or spiritual organizations offer educational travel at reasonable prices, because their goal is community building and education, rather than profit. There are also jobs that offer travel opportunities.

Some tour companies have aggressive marketing techniques. They send you a letter stating you have won a trip or have been chosen to be a delegate. These for-profit companies buy mailing lists and send lots of letters. They want people to feel they have been nominated for the honor of traveling with their company. Make sure you know whom you are traveling with.

After making your travel plans you will need to pack. The best packing tip is to pack light. Avoid check-in luggage. Fit what you need in a carry-on suitcase and a personal bag, such as a purse or camera bag. You will save a lot of time and energy by packing light and you are less likely to lose your luggage. Washing your clothes is easier than carrying too much luggage.

Dress appropriately when you travel abroad. Make sure you are dressed for the climate and culture. Carry yourself with dignity and respect at all times. You will need sturdy shoes and a hat. A light windbreaker jacket is easy to pack and will keep you dry in case of a storm. Keep accessories to a minimum. Do not make yourself a target for thieves by flashing your money or allowing yourself to look like a rich or drunk tourist.

Make sure you have good maps. Either a paper map or a map on an electronic device will do. Even if you are going with a tour guide, read maps of the area before you go. You could become separated from the group. A good map will show you the quickest way to travel and save you from becoming lost.

Souvenirs should be small and easy to carry, or you should ship them home. People who buy too much at the beginning of a trip will carry extra weight for days. Send your family and friends a picture of you at a special place. They will appreciate a picture of you more than some trinket they have to dust.

Research the area before you get there. Learn a few words of the native language. Learn the locations and the prices of restaurants in the area. What is the appropriate attire for the region? Find out what the weather will be like. This will help you to pack light. Only bring clothes you need. Leave some room in your suitcase. You may want to carry something home.

The laws are different when you are traveling abroad. If you plan to drive you will need to know the laws and have insurance. The drug laws in some countries are very harsh. Make sure you have a prescription for any medications you are carrying and do not carry any illegal substances.

Budget your money so it will last the entire trip. Ideally, you will have earned and saved for your trip. Young people should not charge up credit cards or go into debt to travel. When young people travel on credit, they set themselves up to become a slave to debt for the rest of their lives

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