As I've traveled this summer, I've been asked a lot of questions regarding the more practical issues of a trip abroad, and I've tended to answer them on an individual basis. But, at this point I've decided to answer some of the more overarching questions in a public forum so that everyone can benefit from others' wise questions! So, here goes...

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1) Is travel insurance important? If so, what does it cover, and where can I get it?

First and foremost, travel insurance is incredibly important! I'd even go so far as to use the word “essential,” and that's saying a lot. I've been abroad 4 times in the last 2 years or so, and I never before had travel insurance, which meant that every time I paid a visit to the doctor or got prescriptions the money came from my own pocket. Trust me on this one: that stuff can hurt the checkbook, and I know you want to use that money on other stuff like train tickets or a couple nights in a hostel.

This summer I've had both the ISIC card insurance (which is pretty good, if not a bit basic, and carried by a lot of young travelers) and STA Travel Insurance. Let me just say a brief word about one of my experiences this summer and you'll see why insurance is so essential...

It was a lovely warm week in Central China, and I had the incredible job of working with Giant Pandas. But, about midway through my time in China, I began to develop a bit of a sore throat. Soon enough, the “cold” I thought I had was getting noticeably worse, as my head was pounding, a deep cough was developing, and my throat hurt so badly I had trouble swallowing. By the time I arrived in Thailand a week or so later, I was in such pain I had to make a hospital visit during my first day in the country. Aside from the fact that a hospital visit was rather interesting since I don't speak Thai and the alphabet is totally different, my check-up went swimmingly because of the STA Travel Insurance. I showed the hospital workers my info, got checked out, was diagnosed with acute tonsillitis, and was given 4 hardcore prescription drugs. If I hadn't gone to the hospital that day, I would have had an absolutely miserable time on my trek (which began the following day); but, with the insurance, I didn't hesitate to get medical attention, and I'll be reimbursed for all medical costs once I file the receipts and claim. Amazing. And just in case you were wondering, the prescriptions helped the tonsillitis clear up within days!

So, travel insurance for the next trip? Check. Moving on....

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2) You mentioned the ISIC card. I've heard a lot about it, but I'm not sure I understand the benefits. Could you fill me in?

Absolutely! The ISIC card is a card for student travelers, and aside from providing basic travel insurance it offers fantastic deals around the world. Whether you're getting a discount at a museum or on dinner, a percentage off entry into a show or adventure activity, you'll get great benefits.

In addition to that, you should know that ISIC cardholders get up to 10% off Macs! Ever imagined yourself toting one of those svelte little machines with the fruit logo and great programming? Dream no longer! Get your ISIC, then revel in the benefits.

Check out the Apple page for benefits...
"Apple":http://apple.com/education
But make sure you've got your ISIC on hand before making a purchase!
"ISIC Card":http://myisic.com

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3) Can't travel alone be complex? And, what do you suggest regarding budget transport versus the more expensive flights/trains/etc?

Yes, ladies and gentlemen – travel alone can be complex. As with anything in life, you run into little debacles here and there, but they end up making the best stories! You must simply make sure you're as organized as is humanly possible, then most things will go your way...and when they don't, it's not the end of the world.

One way to make the travel more comfortable is to pick transport operators that you know and trust, or about which you've heard good things from fellow travelers. I've flown with Air New Zealand and other Star Alliance partners this summer and felt very spoiled. From the fantastic range of entertainment on the personal TV screen to the great food and free wine, I've been very lucky to be traveling with them! Another one of my favorite airlines has been Bangkok Air, an airline whose fleet has awesome planes painted with tropical scenes and whose crew serves tropical fruit aboard. Delight! But anyway, just know that if you're traveling with someone tried and true, you'll be comfortable and things will tend to run a bit more smoothly. If you choose to travel with budget airlines and companies (something I've done a million times that can be a great dollar saver), be prepared for complex travel, airports outside of the city, and a lot less comfort. If you're willing to go that way, rock out – just know what you're getting into, and you'll be fine.

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4) I know I'll want to get in touch with people back home...but isn't it expensive? And what if I don't want to use phonecards or payphones all the time?

Fantastic question! I'd say that if you're going to be abroad for a while (more than, say, a few weeks) the best way to go about staying in contact is with an international cell phone. Both times I studied abroad, I used a cell phone with a SIM card for that region. Finding cheap phones is pretty easy, but shopping around for the best minutes plan can be a challenge (and a pain). And if you decide to travel on a long weekend or break, you have to be aware that your phone will rack up huge charges each time you use it outside of your network (even if you are receiving calls or texts instead of initiating them).

This summer I used a tri-band cell phone and credit from a company called eKit, meaning my cell connected to the main network of each location through which I traveled. And to make things easier, I got hooked up with eKit directly through STA Travel, so it was terrific one-stop shopping. I had a set number of dollars in my account, and there were set rates for making and receiving calls and texts from each country. In that way, I was able to budget and anticipate phone costs instead of trying to afford them as they came along! Remember my “Financing Your Adventures Abroad” blog? And do you remember the importance of budgeting in order to save money for those things you really want to experience? Good. I thought you might. Anyway, looking at my total calling to date on my eKit cell phone, I saved over 60% on using either Verizon or AT&T, totaling over $500 savings. That could get me to Europe and back just in cell phone savings alone!

Now, who out there is saying: “Cell phone? Nah. I'll just use phone cards as I go”? For some of you, that may be a totally viable option. But, for those of you whose parents will want to get a hold of you from time to time (and can add to your balance online for you if you're good at convincing them they should stay in contact), you absolutely should consider a cell phone. That way, when you're out with friends, or if it's late in your host family's place, or when you're on the road (etc, etc), you don't have to worry about having a balance on your phone card, then finding a free phone or phone booth to call the fam. And for those of you who like social interaction (any at all, really), you should probably have a cell phone. Whether you like going out on the town or just going to a cafe for some conversation, you'll need a way to get a hold of that new foreign friend (particularly if you tend to get a little lost, as I do)!

And remember: internet's grand, and it's awesome for keeping in contact. But nothing can replace the feeling you get when you talk to your mom/dad/best friend/nana/significant other from the other side of the world. There's nothing like catching up with a loved one, and the distance feels a whole lot smaller when you connect over the telephone rather than through an e-mail.

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5) And finally, have you been making the movies by yourself along the way? If so, what programs are you using?

Why, yes – yes I have! Now, anyone from home would tell you that I'm a bit technologically impaired and deal with computers more like my grandmother does than like a college kid would. Some just aren't up with the times (or maybe that's just me). But, this summer I've been using a hot little Macbook, and I feel on top of the tech world! Not only can I navigate the programs with ease, but I can also make my movies without anyone else's help. That's saying something. For any of you thinking you'd like to learn to make films, take it from me: iMovie is the way to go. I was by no means skilled in the art of movie-making before this summer, but I now have quite a grasp on the matter because of the user-friendliness of my laptop's programs. It's a huge disappointment that I have to give this machine back to STA Travel when I'm finished. Or maybe I'll just say someone stole it along the way somewhere...

Anyway, take it from me – iMovie is a gem. If you liked my podcasts, you'll like the program. And remember that tip about how ISIC + Apple = fabulous discounts! I may just end up with a Macbook this year after all...

Interested? Check out the links under question 2!