Tips From Abroad

Benefits of a golf vacation (even for the non-golfer)!

2016-03-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

For anyone who plays golf, or appreciates the sport, they know that vacations to golf resorts are bound to result in several fun rounds. But, a golf vacation can even be fun for those who don't play. Confused? The nice thing about golf courses is they tend to be in beautiful locations and in warm weather climates. This means if you pick a destination that is popular with golfers, you'll likely end up somewhere warm year round with landscapes that anyone can can enjoy! Also, since a round of golf only takes an afternoon, many of these golf resorts also offer other activities, such as: pools, spas, entertainment, world class restaurants, etc.

Here are some examples of beautiful golf destinations I've visited (and not played):

Kauai, Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii

Southampton, Bermuda

Half Moon Bay, California

Pebble Beach, California

$ave on Cruise Fares

2016-03-19T09:21:00.002-07:00

Before you book your next cruise, check out these tips to save hundreds off your fare!

Costco Travel

-Costco offers similar incentives as other travel websites (free beverage packages, discount deposits, etc.). And...

-They'll also match the price you receive from the cruise line (if it's cheaper than Costco's price), but make sure to get a quote number from the cruise line to reference! But not just that...
-They typically also offer onboard credit in addition to any other deals and discounts. This is where the real savings comes!

Carnival

This cruise line is stingy on offering deals. But, there are still ways to save on a Carnival cruise:

-Orbitz offers onboard credit for Carnival cruises, but charges a $25 booking fee. Typically the savings make the $25 fee worth it.

-Check fares yourself frequently, and call to get a price adjustment if the price changes after you book!

Additional ways to $ave
-If you live by a cruise port, travel agents can alert you when an upcoming cruise has deals on unsold cabins.

-If you aren't set on a particular destination, waiting until the last minute can save you a bunch! But, be careful on airfare prices for last minute flights!

-Book onboard a cruise for a future cruise. I haven't done this myself, and think you can likely get cheaper prices using the other tips I've outlined, but some discount is better than none!

Things to consider before you buy an airline ticket...

2016-03-05T09:25:00.001-08:00

Ever go to buy an airline ticket and realize there are several options around the same price on different airlines? Here are some general things I think about before choosing…

Flight choices can be confusing!
Use these tips to pick the best one.

* Travel Time - This is always a major concern, both flight arrival and departure times, as well as total travel time. Booking a 6am flight to save $100 seems wise at the time, but when you're waking up at 3am, you might feel differently. Also, don't always pick the itinerary with the shortest total travel time - make sure you leave enough time to make any connecting flights.

* Layover - If you have to make a layover, pick whichever layover city should have the best weather when you're traveling. Each airline has different hub cities, so picking the airline based in these often works.

* Baggage fees - Unless you're able to pack light, as I've discussed in previous posts, baggage fees are a concern. Some airlines woo you with low fares, such as Spirit airlines, but have very high fees if you check bags. On the other hand, just because an airline offers free checked bags (such as Southwest), if their fare is higher, it might be worth paying the baggage fees on a cheaper flight.

* Frequent Flyer Miles - I wouldn't recommend picking an airline just for frequent flyer miles if the flight is more expensive, but if everything else is the same, being loyal to an airline can pay off. Check out my previous post on just that!

* Cancellation options - Some airlines are more flexible if you have to change your ticket (such as Southwest) than others. If you need the flexibility, pick the airline based on this.

Hope these points can help next time you're inundated with flight options!

Best Oscar Movies to whisk you away...

2016-02-20T09:41:00.001-08:00

With the Oscars coming up, I thought it would be fun to look at current and past movies that take place in other countries, or even within our own, as a way to travel without leaving your couch! Are any of your favorites missing from the list?

2016 Nominations
Bridge of Spies (2016)
The Revenant (2016)

Previous Winners/Nominations
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2015)
The Imitation Game (2015)
Wild (2015)
The Theory of Everything (2015)
Braveheart (1996)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1990)
Annie Hall (1978)
Born Free (1967)
The Sound of Music (1966)
Roman Holiday (1954)
An American in Paris (1952)
Casablanca (1944)

Climate Change

2016-01-23T18:21:00.001-08:00

Climate change is something that affects us all, in one way or another. To get a real feel for how our world is changing, here are some places/ways to witness climate change first-hand.

You can literally see this glacier melting in Iceland.

Solheimajokull Glacier, Iceland

- Glaciers have been melting quickly in recent years. The melting can be seen firsthand and local guides attest to the seriousness of the matter.

Alaska, USA

- Fewer whales off the coast of Alaska are thought to be due to warmer than normal ocean temperatures. This state is warming 5x faster than the rest of the planet according to some reports!

- In addition, when wildfires occur in Alaska, the permafrost (insulating top layer of earth) is burned away, the greenhouse gases within can easily get into the atmosphere. - Ryan Koronowski.

This lake in California is at record low water levels.

Venice, Italy, has been flooding more in recent years.
(Photo by Daily Mail Online.)

California, USA

- Extreme Drought has caused concerns over the water supply and also increased risk of wildfires.

Montana, USA.

- It is thought all glaciers in Glacier National Park might melt by 2020.

Venice, Italy

- Venice is flooding. Faster than normal. In 1900, St.Marks Square only flooded seven times, while it flooded 99 times in the year 1996!

The Great Barrier Reef

- Coral is dying which results in the death of the tropical fish living there!

Stay healthy and clean while traveling

2015-12-31T11:52:00.001-08:00

Here are a few simple tips to keep yourself clean and healthy while traveling!

1) Pack a small hand sanitizer or soap towelettes - restrooms often run out of soap!
2) In keeping with the above theme, a small pack of kleenex can also be useful.
3) The dirtiest places on a plane include the tray table, seatbelt buckle and restroom handles. Good reason to use the hand sanitizer.
4) Bring individually wrapped cold medicine, headache medicine, bandaids and neosporin. Just in case!
3) Use large zip-loc bags to pack your shoes, to keep dirt and germs off your clothes.
4) Pack a plastic bag to store dirty clothes, so they won't mix with the clean ones.

Any other suggestions? Leave them in the comments section below!

Foods around the World

2015-12-04T20:00:00.003-08:00

I asked friends from several countries around the world what food they think represents their country (or at least is a recognized symbol). Here are their answers!

America - Steak, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Italy - Wine and Pasta (I have to add Gelato)

Spain - Cured Meats (Chorizo, Jamon)

Mexico - Mole

Australia - Beef Pie

South Korea - Kimchi, Bulgogi (grilled marinated beer sirloin) and Galbi (beef rib)

China - Xiao long Bao (steamed pork bun)

Iran - Chelo Kabob or Ghormeh Sabzi

England - Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, Pork Pies and Cream Tea

Phillipines - Adobo (a type of cooking involving of marinated meat or vegetables) and Lumpia (egg rolls)

Taiwan - Braised pork over rice, Beef noodle soup and Potstickers

Switzerland - Swiss cheese (ie. Gruyère, Tête de Moine, Berner Hobelkäse, etc.), Mountain meat (ie. Bündnerfleisch (dried beef), Rohschinken (the Swiss version of prosciutto), Speck or Mostbröckli) and of course Swiss chocolate!

Do you agree, or have other suggestions based on where you are from?

Tired of Taxis? Try Uber!

2015-11-10T09:22:00.002-08:00

Uber - One of many ride-share companies!

Tired of taxis? More and more options are available at a street corner near you! This post focuses on one such option: Uber. This is a service you use through an app on your smartphone. After you sign-up with your information and link a credit card, you simply request an Uber car through the app. The driver can text or call you, and you get up to the minute details on when the car will arrive.

Regarding safety, Uber does background checks on their drivers. Most drive relatively new cars (often an energy efficient Prius). But, as more and more ride-sharing services enter the market, there are likely to be more rules and regulations to help keep everyone safe!

Bonus! Get your first ride (up to $15) free through this link!

Power of posting reviews!

2015-10-17T22:25:00.001-07:00

Even the TSA can now be reviewed on Yelp!

Sometimes bad things happen, even when on vacation. I wanted to highlight one way travelers can "fight back" with large airlines and hotel chains for bad customer service - through reviews. Twitter, Facebook, Trip Advisor and Yelp are being used by so many as they plan trips, and bad reviews can really hurt big business.

A 5-star hotel with less than glowing reviews will make
people look to 4-star hotels with great reviews!

Star ratings of hotels now mean less, while real customer reviews carry more weight. As time moves forward, I think we'll see less of the standard star and diamond ratings, and more based strictly on number and type of customer reviews. People are going to care less about a 5-star hotel with mediocre reviews than a 4-star with all positive reviews.

Even the TSA can be reviewed! Through an agreement with Yelp, the TSA can now be reviewed, and suggestions are monitored and taken into account for making improvements. Personally, I had one remarkably bad experience at SFO with an extremely unprofessional TSA agent. I wrote down the checkpoint number and person's name, knowing I was going to report it later. Keeping these specific details are key to any complaint or review. Instead of going public, I wrote a letter to the TSA itself, which passed the information on to the local airport, from which someone did reach out to make sure the individual was disciplined.

Traveling is supposed to be a wonderful experience. When people (or places) ruin that, make sure to spread the word. Whether it be directly with the company or through social media. They have to listen, especially with everyone watching!

The Big D

2015-09-25T21:50:00.001-07:00

While not a Texan myself, I spent a weekend in Dallas with a few local friends as tour guides. Here are their suggestions, in pictures, for places to see when visiting their town, nicknamed the "Big D!"

Dallas

Mega-churches - Prestonwood Baptist,
Potter's House of Dallas, Friendship-West Baptist

Parks - Thanks-Giving Square, Klyde Warren Park

BBQ - Pecan Lodge, Lockhart Smokehouse and Hard Eight

Museums - Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Garden

Fort Worth

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Historic Stockyards - Cattle Drive

Pecan Lodge - One of the best BBQ joints in Dallas!

Are 5-star hotels worth the cost?

2015-09-17T20:18:00.001-07:00

The Breakers - Palm Beach
(Image obtained online)

It's hard to put all 5-star hotels into one category. Especially as star rating and quality can vary widely between countries. But, if we focus on the United States, the question becomes whether the luxury is worth the cost. I've been lucky to have visited a number of 5-star resorts, and have mixed feelings. Here are some of the pluses and minuses I've encountered. Leave your thoughts in the comments sections below!

Positives to 5-star Hotels
* Service is normally spectacular.
* Location and comfort is excellent.
* Often have spas for added relaxation.
* Attention to detail.
* Special holiday events.
* Transportation is streamlined.

The Broadmoor - Colorado Springs

Negatives to 5-star Hotels

* Cost - Not just of the hotel itself, but the added resort fees, parking fees, internet fees, tips, etc. It often feels like they nickel and dime you to death, even though you're already paying a high rate.

* Not as family friendly (this can be a negative or positive depending on the customer).

* Can feel "stuffy," though it really depends on the location.

* Often quieter in the evenings, less live entertainment at the bars/restaurants.

The Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay

Americans Abroad

2015-09-11T19:27:00.001-07:00

Whether I'm traveling myself, or hear stories from foreign friends, it always makes me cringe when Americans just don't seem to fit in traveling abroad. Not that being unique is a bad thing, but please avoid some of these common mistakes which make us all look like fools…

White tennis shoes and Jeans
= American Tourist

Blue jeans with white tennis shoes - While comfortable, white tennis shoes and jeans have been the sure sign of being an American Tourist for generations. There are so many different styles of comfortable walking shoes - buy one and take your travel style up a notch!

Athletic workout clothes - In America we wear workout clothes to do almost everything (except actually working out)! My foreign friends have mentioned that it's so weird that Americans do this. Prevent the "lack of style" stigma - dress respectfully when traveling abroad!

Socks with sandals - Travel Faux Pas

Sandals with socks - Either forego the socks or buy a comfortable and trendy pair of walking shoes!

Baseball caps and t-shirts - Ok, don't get me wrong, I think sun protection is important! (Always wear sunscreen and a hat!) But, please take off your hat when indoors.

Loud Americans - There's no surer a way to stand out than loudly announcing it with your voice. Be respectful and keep it down!

What do you notice when traveling abroad that screams American Tourist?

Paperwork

2015-08-28T18:39:00.003-07:00

When traveling internationally, it's important to keep a hard copy of all documents with you. People often store these things in their email or on their phones, which is great, but if your phone gets stolen or you're somewhere without reliable internet, having a paper copy of your documents can be a lifesaver! (Also, with email security settings, if you check your email on a new computer abroad, you might be required to enter in a code sent via. a text to your phone. That won't work if your phone is lost/stolen, you don't get service, or it's out of juice!)

What documents should you keep a paper copy of?

Passport - Make sure it doesn't expire within 6 months of travel
Visa - Both the credit card type (toll free number), as well as an immigration visa
Health Insurance card
Important contact information of family
Itinerary - Print-out of airline tickets, hotel addresses, maps, directions, etc.

Make sure to keep a copy of all documents safe in your luggage while out and about for the day. Just don't put them in your checked baggage! Nothing would be worse than lost clothes and information!

Safe travels!

World's Most Famous Beaches

2015-08-15T10:43:00.001-07:00

The world is full of beautiful beaches! I even wrote a previous post on some that are close to major airports. But, walking along Waikiki Beach one day I was thinking of which beaches are household names around the world (or at least well known in the United States). It really isn't that long of a list!

Think these are worth the hype? Have any to add? Leave a comment below!

South Beach, Miami, Florida, USA

Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, USA

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
(Photo from Wikipedia)

Paradise Island, Bahamas
(Photo from Expedia.com)

Travel on any budget, continued!

2015-08-06T23:20:00.001-07:00

Following up on a previous post, here are some additional suggestions for ways to travel on the cheap...

Museums, like this one,
The Hermitage in Russia,
have free admission days.

- Most museums offer "free days," plan on visiting those days. Even the most famous museums offer this - The Vatican and Louvre!

- Use public transit. Taking taxis in an unfamiliar place can be tempting, but local trains and buses will be cheaper and give you a more "real" experience. Also, consider daily and weekly passes for longer visits.

- Never forget to ask about discounts… Students, Teachers, Seniors, etc.

- Booking hotels and rental cars at a non-refundable rate can save you a lot. If you're worried about canceling, put some of that saved money toward travel insurance to cover your whole trip! (Check out my previous post about travel insurance here.)

- Instead of booking hotels only, also check out alternative options such as vacation rental by owner (VRBO.com) and Airbnb.

Don't forget to ask for discounts: Student, Teacher, Senior, etc.

Eating Abroad

2015-07-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

A huge expense while traveling is eating out. There are multiple things you can do to $ave money in this regard, but still enjoy the local cuisine.

A fancy lunch versus dinner,
like this one in Russia, is a cost-saver!

Eat a nice lunch versus fancy dinner. Stop by a cafe or casual restaurant for dinner.
Local grocery stores offer great sandwiches, meats, and fruits, for a much more reasonable price than a local cafe. Also, I often buy cookies, jams, etc. from grocery stores to bring back for friends. Cost-effective, and also sure to be an authentic treat!
Share appetizers/dessert (or forego these altogether). Take a stroll and get an ice cream instead of ordering at a restaurant. Typically a cheaper choice, and a fun after dinner activity.
Buy wine to indulge in before or after dinner instead of at a restaurant. Alcohol can often can be consumed in a local park or outdoors in other countries.
Pack snacks in your luggage from home… Granola bars, peanut butter crackers, etc. Nothing is worse than traveling hungry!
Book a place with a kitchen/fridge to make meals.
When considering hotels, consider ones with breakfast included.

Pick up food for a picnic at a farmer's market

Local groceries offer regional delicacies
you can't find elsewhere!

Cruising to Cuba!

2015-07-07T19:36:00.004-07:00

Carnival cruise ships will be visiting Cuba soon!

Exciting news from the Carnival cruise ship corporation this week - they plan on cruising their mid-size ship Adonia to Cuba, which will be part of their new "Fathom" brand. The cruise line just got permission from the US Government to start the sailings, which will involve experiencing local Cuban life through cultural and artistic exchanges. The sailings will begin in May 2016 at a starting price of $2990, about three times higher than the typical Carnival Caribbean cruise! (I bet if you wait a year, to let them work out kinks, the price will also drop a bit.)

While other tour operators are going to be offering land-based packages, cruising will offer passengers comfortable accommodations while still being able to spend days ashore immersing oneself in a Cuban cultural experience. What do you think? Excited to experience and visit Cuba?

It is now just dependent on Cuban government approval...

Natural Disasters… Don't let them ruin your vacation!

2015-06-27T09:34:00.002-07:00

No one likes to have bad weather on their vacation, but it's a whole other ballgame when a natural disaster hits! Make sure to research what severe weather events can happen at your travel destination, and avoid them if possible. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind:

I wasn't expected a winter storm in New Zealand in September,
but you never know when a once in a generation storm will hit!
Best to be prepared for anything.

1) Hurricane season is June - November in the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans. Typhoon season is May - October in the Pacific Ocean.

2) Tornados can hit anytime, but are most likely in March - June. They are also more prevalent in the United States than in any other country.

3) Heat waves are common in the summer (June - August in the Northern Hemisphere and January - March in the Southern Hemisphere).

Some natural disasters are hard to predict, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Just make sure you're aware of the dangers and have an emergency plan! In addition, travel insurance is a must for expensive trips. See my previous post on this topic and stay safe!

Some disasters can't be predicted, like Volcano Eruptions,
and caution has to be taken year round.

Travel Trivia!

2015-06-19T18:49:00.001-07:00

For those who like to travel, here are some fun trivia questions. See how many you get right…

1) Which country gets the most people visiting every year?
2) Which country's people consume more beer per capita than anyone else on earth?
3) What is the only US state that had a king?
4) How many people go on a cruise holiday each year?
5) What percent of Africa is in the Northern Hemisphere?
6) Which country is the smallest sovereign nation in the world but also has the highest population density in the world?
7) Which country, located in the Americas, has the most lakes in the world?
8) Do glaciers store more or less than 50% of all the freshwater on the planet?
9) Does the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building have more steps?
10) Which island nation has the highest number of spoken languages in the world?
11) What is the driest place on the planet?
12) What is the only continent on the world without a desert?
13) Which city is known as the bullfighting capital of the world?
14) What is the largest Island country?
15) The Russian embassy in the US owes how much money in unpaid parking tickets?

Answers
1) France - over 80 million people visit annually
2) Czechoslovakians consume more beer per capita than anyone else on earth
3) Hawaii
4) Over 10 million take a cruise each year.
5) About 2/3 of Africa is in the Northern Hemisphere
6) Monaco
7) Canada
8) Glaciers store between 70-80% of all the freshwater on the planet. 99% of those glaciers are in the Arctic and Antarctic.
9) The Emipre State Building (1,860 steps) versus the Eiffel Tower (1,792).
10) Papua New Guinea - 820 indigenous languages are spoken in this country.
11) Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.
12) Europe
13) Seville, Spain.
14) Greenland - 839,000 square miles. (Australia is larger, but is a continent versus island.)
15) $3.8 million dollar in unpaid parking tickets!

Not all cruise ships are created equal!

2015-06-12T20:13:00.001-07:00

Whether you are an avid cruiser, or new to the industry, there are more cruise ships than any one person can travel on! Here's a breakdown of the positive and negatives of larger versus smaller ships, to help you make a decision regarding what will be best for your next cruise vacation!

River Ships offer a more personalized experience.
(Photo from Viking River Cruises)

River Ships (<200 passengers)
+ Completely different ports than larger ships
+ Attention to detail and personalized shore excursions
+ Focused on history and culture
- Less entertainment options
- Pricy

Small ships (<1,000 passengers)
+ VIP feel
+ More unusual ports than the larger ships
+ Quality entertainment, but less variety
- Cost
- Fewer options of destinations

Midsize Ships (1,000-3,000 passengers)

Royal Caribbean currently has the world's largest
cruise ship, Allure of the Seas, pictured here. It can hold
6,296 passengers and 2,384 crew!

+ High quality entertainment
+ Pleathora of ports of call
+ Quality of megaships, but with smaller price tag
+ Reasonable cost
- Crowded (Passenger:Crew ratio)

Megaships (3,000+)
+ Endless entertainment (Rock climbing walls, shopping, swimming, bumper cars, etc.)
+ A lot of new people to meet and stories to exchange
+ Variety of evening shows, bars and restaurants
- Only dock in major ports
- Large crowds both on the ship, as well as in port

"Don't Forget" for your Road Trip!

2015-06-05T18:01:00.005-07:00

Road trips, such as on the famous Highway 1 in California,
are a summer tradition in America.

Whether road trips are a fond childhood memory, or an annual tradition, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure your trip is fun and doesn't run flat!

1) Get your car thoroughly looked at before you leave by a trusted mechanic. (Or, get a rental! If you're traveling a long distance, a rental might be the most cost-effective versus putting mileage on your car.)

2) Pack extra snacks and water, in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to wait a while for a tow. Personally, I also have a flashlight and sleeping bag (for winter road trips), in case you get stuck in the snow.

3) Plan your route ahead of time, or make sure to have paper maps in addition to electronic navigation. You never know when you'll run out of signal, battery, or your device will just… break!

4) Invest in AAA! Whether you lock your keys in your car, get a flat, or have a dead battery, AAA can easily pay for itself in just one service call.

Once you're prepared, it's time for the adventure! Be flexible and let the road lead you! Safe travels.

Travel on any budget!

2015-05-20T20:28:00.001-07:00

Getting back to the main reason for this blog… Here are some suggestions to save you money while you travel!

One of the best meals some friends and I had in
Portugal, was at this small restaurant
at the recommendation of a local.

- Early morning and late evening flights tend to be cheapest.
- Stay in a business hotel (CBD) over the weekend. When the businessmen leave, so do the high prices.
- Visit places outside of peak season: Ski resorts in the summer, Beach resorts in the spring/fall, etc. Shoulder season can save you a lot, while still offering nice weather.
- Hostels aren't just for college kids. Some even offer senior discounts and private rooms/bathrooms. (Check out HostelWorld for rates and reviews!)
- Eat away from the tourist area of town. Ask a locals working at your hotel or coffee cafe what they recommend! Bound to get local flavor that way.
- Shop for souvenirs and snacks at a grocery store. You'll find local delicacies at a great price!
- Don't overtip! Believe me, I think a good tip for a job well done is nice, but see my separate post about appropriate tipping depending on the country.

Amazing price and amazing view from our hostel in Lisbon!

Create your own holiday!

2015-05-15T22:00:00.002-07:00

I credit a friend with this suggestion… Pick a random date and make it your own holiday. Why? Because vacations around standard holidays are always so expensive! Airfare and hotel prices can easily double when everyone else is off work too. And, there's just that, everyone else is also traveling, making places insanely crowded!

Things to keep in mind when you pick your holiday's date:

1) Pick a time when the weather is ok wherever you like to travel. Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) is often great price-wise as well as weather-wise.

2) Pick a time when children are in school. This tends to go along with less crowds and lower prices. (It also makes it easier if you aren't taking the kids along on your trip. Easier for relatives / babysitters to watch the kids while they are in their school routine.)

3) Avoid natural disaster times... If you love the Caribbean, don't travel during hurricane season (June-November)! If you love the national parks of the dessert Southwest, avoid the dangerous heat of the summer, etc.

4) If you like cruising, avoid the summer months. All destinations are in "peak season" since families tend to travel during this time. Typically the first few and last few cruises offered for any particular destination are the best deals.

Waikiki over Christmas is crazy!

Taking a trip to Oahu off-peak is peaceful!

Maui is another crowded island over the holidays.

Pick your own holiday wisely and the island is practically all yours!

Travel SMART

2015-05-01T08:13:00.002-07:00

What do I mean by travel "SMART?" The US Department of State has set up a smart traveler enrollment program where US citizens can enroll and let the government know what countries they will be visiting. Why bother, you might ask. By enrolling in this program, you automatically get updates on your destination's travel warnings and alerts. In addition, it serves as a way for the US government to assist you in case of an emergency. Anything from your passport being stolen to helping you evacuate after natural disasters. For example, after the earthquake in Hati, the government was able to evacuate over 16,000 US citizens and also did so after the civil unrest in Lebanon in 2006. By enrolling, it lets the local embassy know that you need to be accounted for and also serves as a way to communicate and get news back to your family when cell phone service is intermittant.

Remember to "let them know before you go!"

Stay Connected Abroad

2015-04-25T16:55:00.001-07:00

With the world so connected, there's no reason you can't stay in touch, even if you're far away. I've been a Tmobile customer for almost 15 years, and am very pleased with a new service they offer, free with most plans… Unlimited text and data in 200 countries, as well as phone calls for only $0.20/minute. I'm not getting anything from Tmobile for telling you this, but genuinely feel this is a great service they provide! I've checked train times in Spain, sent emails from Portugal, and posted pictures to Facebook from Australia, all for free from my cell phone. If you're an avid traveler, and don't use Tmobile, consider checking them out!

Thanks to free data internationally with Tmobile,
I was able to post this picture online during a trip to the Caribbean.