You may wonder if international travel is worth the costs and challenges. Visiting another country can reward you in many ways, but you'll definitely encounter issues you would not face at home.
Here are some points to consider as you think about international travel.
What's in It for Me?
- History
There’s something special about standing where history happened. Whether you want to stand on Catherine the Great’s doorstep at St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace or walk along the Great Wall of China, there’s a certain, unmistakable thrill that comes from Being There, wherever history was made.
- World Cultures
Some travelers prefer to immerse themselves in another culture, trying everything from local foods to traditional sports. You can choose a “home base” and buy groceries, take walks, experience festivals and hang out with the neighborhood denizens. You’ll come away feeling you’ve really learned about your chosen city or region.
- Food Adventures
For some vacationers, it’s all about the food. You might want to sample all the dishes you’ve seen on “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern” or learn how to make veal marsala. If culinary adventures appeal to you, consider a trip to another country, perhaps combined with cooking lessons or a wine tasting tour.
- Sense of Accomplishment
Travel can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the language, customs and cuisine of your host country. For some travelers, that’s part of the fun. When you unscramble the dinner menu or finally climb onboard the right bus, you’ll probably feel an adrenalin rush. International travel can help you understand why explorers sought the South Pole and climbed Mt. Everest. They had to prove they could.
- Dream Destinations
Perhaps your grandfather told you stories about Lake Como in Italy or played Hawai’ian traditional music for you, and those experiences seeped into your subconscious thoughts. If you can supply an answer to “I’ve always wanted to visit (blank)," in five seconds or less, consider crossing a border or two during your next trip.
- Learning Experiences
According to the American Society on Aging, your brain continues to make new cells and establish nerve connections throughout life. For this to happen, you must “exercise” your brain. Combining travel with learning experiences can keep your brain as healthy as the rest of your body, and it’s fun.
- Wonders of the World / “Checklist” Travel
On July 7, 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation announced the results of the worldwide election of the New 7 Wonders of the World. People around the globe nominated their favorite sites and voted for their top seven choices. The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, Petra in Jordan, Rome’s Colosseum, Chichen Itza in Mexico and the Christ Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, won the most votes.Some travelers like to make lists of related destinations – such as the New 7 Wonders – and visit each place on their list. If you’re looking for a worldwide travel project, and climbing the Seven Summits isn’t your thing, a visit to each of the New 7 Wonders of the World could be just the project you’re looking for.
- Family Connections
Many travelers decide to visit their ancestors’ homeland on their first trip abroad. Genealogy is an extremely popular hobby, and there’s nothing quite like doing your research on-scene. You might see the buildings your ancestors lived and worked in. Perhaps you’ll meet a distant cousin. Finding new information about your ancestors and immersing yourself in their culture will add new dimensions to your family history research.
What Problems Could I Encounter?
- Language Difficulties
Learning a few words in another language can be a daunting experience. Memorizing the words for food you hate to eat, while an essential part of travel preparation, might prove difficult and time-consuming. If language barriers bother you, but you’d still like to visit another country, consider traveling with a tour group.
- Increased Cost
Transportation costs add up quickly. If you want to travel to another country, you may discover that travel costs use up a large portion of your budget.
- Poor Accessibility
Some destinations aren’t disability-friendly. Elevators are narrow, important sights don’t have elevators and wheelchair ramps and curbs lack cuts. Subway travel might prove difficult – long staircases are a hallmark of subway stations – so you’ll need to check on elevator availability and learn how to request assistance before you travel.
- Dietary Issues
If you prefer certain types of food – meat and potatoes, for example – you should expect to pay a premium for the meals you prefer. Dietary restrictions and food allergies may present special problems. Wherever you travel, bring along a menu translation card or dictionary so that you can be sure you’re ordering food you really want to eat.
- Safety
While you can avoid most travel-related crimes by wearing a money belt, securing your valuables in hotel safes and staying away from high-crime areas, safety is still a top concern. You’ll need to do research to identify safe places to stay and scams to avoid.
- Passport Problems
If you’re traveling on the spur of the moment, you might not have time to apply for and receive a passport.
How Can I Minimize Problems and Still Travel Abroad?
Consider an escorted tour or international cruise. If you prefer independent travel, you might try an independent tour, in which the tour operator handles travel logistics, but you don't have a guide or set itinerary. Traveling with an experienced companion could be a cost-conscious way to see another country while having help at your side.
