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Part 3 - By Anne-Marie Dingemans
Pocket Dictionary or Phrase book
If you don't master the language of your travel destination, you want to keep one of these close by. It helps you asks the way (phrase books often even have sample sentences written out that you can show a passer-by when asking for help), know what you're ordering in a restaurant and you can use it to expand on your vocabulary on long train or bus rides.
Phone numbers and addresses
I do admit to being an over-organizer, but before I leave home I make a list of all of the addresses and phone numbers I may need. Well, not all of course, but definitely the accommodation(s) I'm staying at, embassy, police, bank- credit card- and phone-company numbers (for blocking of cards and phone), my travel insurance policy and emergency contact information. I keep a copy in my money belt, and a 'coded' copy in my wallet. I say 'coded' as I don't want to keep my homestay- or hotel key next to the address, that's asking for trouble when pick pocketed. If you really want to stay on top of the game, you can also print out little maps of the area your lodging is in, or the route from the airport to the lodging, so you have at least some idea of where you’re going.
... more to follow
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