BVF’s 5 Travel SIP Tips

With global concerns mounting over security and safety during the upcoming Olympics, its essential to always have safety on your mind when traveling.  Regardless of your destination, we want you to be safe!! Take a SIP, Safety Is Priority:

1.     Inform your family and friends. Leave a copy of your passport and itinerary with your family and friends. Also be sure to include your flight and train arrival/departure times, cities you will be visiting, hotel names, local phone numbers, etc.

2.     Register your travels. Government agencies such as the @TravelGov STEP program https://step.state.gov/ or @FCOtravel provide online systems for you to register your planned travels. We cannot reiterate the importance of taking the time to do this. For instance, the STEP program allows you to enter all of your information from passport details to contact info. If your passport is lost or stolen, the embassy nearest to the city you are visiting will automatically have your passport details uploaded to their system.

3.     Be aware of your surroundings. Its easy to let your guard down, don’t do it. Especially if you are a solo traveler, avoid venturing out at night to unfamiliar places. If you get lost, go into a public place such as a restaurant and ask for help. You may be in a change of environment but the priority of staying safe shouldn’t change.   

4.     Inspect your room. Use your luggage as a doorstop and check the bathroom, closet, and under the bed to make sure there aren’t any unwanted guests.

5.     Check before you leave. Prior to leaving for your travels, be sure to check for any alerts and warnings from government bureaus. These resources are set up for a reason, to help you take the necessary measures for your safety.

Adventures: New Year's Resolutions for New Travelers

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The beginning of the New Year brings countless possibilities of travel adventures for the year.  All new travelers...it's time to seek new places and enjoy the priceless experiences of traveling. Here are 5 BVF New Year's Resolutions for new travelers. Bon voyage! 

1. Just go. If you've been thinking about traveling, do it! There's no better time than the present to venture out and explore a new city or country. 

2. Mix with the locals. Get a bit of the local currency before arriving as it takes the pressure off finding an ATM the moment you land, and gives you the freedom to sort out transportation and food. Go to a restaurant off the beaten path and strike up conversations with the locals. As with all travels- always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are a solo traveler.  

3. Discover tastes. Be bold and sample different cuisines around you,yes...trying foods you wouldn't normally eat is part of the adventure. Embrace unique flavors available to you. Bon appétite! 

4.  Just a SEC.  Search, Experience, Culture.  This is a BVF fav! Do some research before your travels to prepare for your destination. After you settle in and it's time to venture out-Search and enjoy the environment surrounding you. Experience as much as you can in the city you're visiting. Culture, embrace it and do something that is specific to the city. 

5. Record memories.  Wether you take pen to paper or keep notes in your mobile phone. Make it a goal to capture your special travel memories as a nice keepsake for the future.