With summer in full swing, many people still have summer vacations on the calendar. And to help people spend more time exploring, we asked Heather Dockery, a travel advisor in Chamblee, for some of her best travel tips.
Book a food tour
Heather recommends when traveling to another country to book a food tour on the first or second day of the trip. “You get to learn about traditional food and the culture,” she says, talking about the food tours. She also says your tour guide can give recommendations on where the locals go to experience the true flavor of the country. To find a food tour, Heather says your travel advisor can help or ask other travelers, friends, and family members for recommendations.
Learn a few words of the native language
Heather says when you’re in another country, being able to speak a few words of the local language can be helpful. “People appreciate when you attempt to speak their language,” she says, adding that it also helps to break the ice. They may be willing to offer more in the way of local information. Common words like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you are good place to start.
Learn about cultural traditions
Before the plane lands in your dream vacation destination, Heather says it’s a good idea to research and to learn about the customs and traditions of where you’re going. For example, if you go to Italy, it helps to know that cappuccinos are generally only served at breakfast. That way you don’t make the mistake of ordering one after dinner. Heather says they’ll still serve you the cappuccino, but it may be served with some strange looks to go with it.
Have multiple copies of your passport
Traveling abroad means you’ll most likely need your passport. Heather says to take pictures of your passport to keep on your phone. She also suggests emailing a copy to yourself. That way you can at least prove you have one in the event you lose or misplace your original. Keep an extra copy in a suitcase or travel bag that’s kept separate from your passport.
Travel Insurance
Heather suggests getting travel insurance. “Everybody thinks it’s more expensive, but it’s only about 5% to 10% of your trip,” Heather says. She points out that you never know when your luggage may be lost. And then many people don’t realize that their health insurance may not cover them overseas. So once you’ve booked your trip, get your travel insurance. Heather says you can research the insurance on your own or your travel advisor can point you in the right direction.
Pack your patience
We see it on the news – more people are traveling now, and Heather says those in the travel industry see no sign of it slowing down. Heather says people seem to value travel more than they have in previous years, and they are actually budgeting for it. But more people mean the potential for longer wait times. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
Team up with a travel advisor
When you’re planning a vacation, Heather stresses it’s always good to team up with a travel advisor. “We work for you,” she says. “It’s our job to make sure your trip is seamless and to save you time and money.”
For more information about Heather, visit hdockery.dreamvacations.com.
"People appreciate when you attempt to speak their language." Heather Dockery