10 unique tips for traveling abroad

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Summer is here! And so are summer vacations. For those traveling overseas, this can be both exciting and stressful. To make it easier on you, here is a list of tips for traveling abroad:

1. Have you heard of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)? It's a great way to feel a little bit more safe while traveling abroad. According to the STEP website, "U.S. consular officers assist Americans who encounter serious legal, medical or financial difficulties." For more information visit the STEP website and peruse the other resources available.

2. Bed bugs abound in major cities! Check various review websites before making a hotel or hostel decision. Once your choice has been made, buy a mattress protector from your local Walmart or Target. When you reach your destination, check your bed for the small bugs or small dots on the mattress or sheets. (Bed bugs sometimes like to congregate by headboards!) Lastly, find a good location to put your suitcases. If there are unspotted bed bugs, laying the suitcase on the floor or bed gives the tiny critters an easy way to travel with you. Visit the EPA's website to read more on bed bugs.

3. Want to see the world on a budget? Stay in a hostel! Hostels are a great, cheap way to tour the world without putting a serious dent in your savings. There are some that require you to share a room and others that have an option for a private room. Moth bathrooms are community-style (you might want shower shoes); but other than that, most hostels are clean. Hostels sometimes have a breakfast area but there are usually no extra amenities. Like hotels, you can research hostels online. You can book your room on websites such as hostelworld.com.

4. Travel lightly! This should go without saying, but it is ten times easier to travel when you don't have a lot to carry. Overseas, you will most likely take some form of public transportation--such as a subway, train or taxi--that does not provide extra space for giant travel bags. If you just can't decide what clothes not to bring, compression bags are a huge help! Just don't forget that this doesn't make a suitcase any lighter. And don't forget to leave extra space in your bag for souvenirs!

5. If you are going to a country that has a primary language other than English, try to learn a few words in that language. Oftentimes, locals will be more receptive when you at least attempt to converse with them in their native language (even if you don't do so well!). Get a small translation book that can be easily carried around, such as guides from Rick Steves.

6. Make use of the trains! Depending on how long you are spending at your destination, you may have time to travel to various cities (or even countries!). Trains can make this much easier. In Europe, for instance, the EuRail pass is a fantastic tool. Buying passes like these can actually save you money, especially if you plan to travel to multiple destinations. Buying it as a whole is cheaper than buying multiple train tickets individually. And it saves you the hassle of trying to figure it out when you're there!

8. Want to still be able to use your phone while abroad? Well, you can! Most carriers have an international plan you can buy for a short period of time. Just go to your local retail store and the sales associates will work with you to pick the best plan. Most will give you a set number of texts you can send and/or receive, and a lot of plans will allow you to talk on the phone for a certain number of minutes for a reduced price. Having this option can give parents traveling with children peace of mind, and it can help keep you in touch with people still in the States if an emergency pops up at home. Buying equivalents to GoPhones once you arrive at your destination is also a good option.

9. Be wary of tourist traps! When looking for a place to eat, it is sometimes better to go off the beaten path than to eat right by the tourist-heavy spots. This is usually cheaper and gives you better food. Always scope out a restaurant before giving them your money. Also, be aware of pickpockets targeting tourists. Oftentimes pickpockets work in teams. While one distracts you, another will reach in your bag. Backpacks and open purses are prime targets. It is a good idea to get multiple debit or credit cards before traveling overseas, so you have a backup card in a different location if something like this does happen (or if a machine eats your card!). However, it is less stressful to avoid this situation in the first place. To do so, buy an anti-theft bag to store your belongings. Also, don't get distracted by anybody! (Common questions include asking if you speak English and trying to get you to sign a petition.)

10. Have fun! If you get nervous about going places you haven't seen, explore the city on Google Maps. Sometimes you can even do things such view the layout of a train station via a YouTube video. Try to get a chip-and-PIN card so making purchases is easier, and take larger sums of cash out of ATMs at a time so you don't get charged an excessive number of fees. Researching little things like this can make your life easier and will make your trip more enjoyable when you are over there! Don't forget, it's not every day you get to travel overseas. Once you get there, relax, have fun and explore the city!

If you have traveled abroad before, we'd love to hear your best tips in the comment section below. Happy traveling!