International travel has a few extra rules to follow. To insure a quality travel

experience and to avoid trouble, know these tips.

Always bring your ATM

card with you. You will be charged a transaction fee by your bank each time you

withdraw cash from an ATM machine, but this is your best bet. Just remember to

withdraw a few larger amounts as opposed to daily, smaller amounts to avoid

numerous bank charges. Most banks charge $1.50 - $5.00 per transaction. Also,

depending on the kind of ATM card you have, you may be able to use it in

restaurants/stores if the place of business accepts Visa or Mastercard.

When used as a credit card, it will automatically come out of your

checking account. In this case, you won't be charged the bank's normal

transaction fee. You must remember that many small villages do not have ATM

machines, so plan accordingly. Never go to the exchange store fronts on the

street or you will be charged a hefty fee. Also, you should bring the name and

phone number (the direct line) of your banker just in case you need funds made

available while abroad.

Credit cards are another good option since you

will get that current day's exchange rate when you receive your bill upon your

return home. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops.

It is a good idea to bring two different types (Visa or MasterCard and American

Express) in case one is not accepted. Keep in mind that most credit card

companies charge an additional fee for using credit cards internationally which

is usually between 2-3% so check with your credit card company prior to your

departure.

Bring more film than you think you will need since film is

usually more expensive overseas. Always check the expiration of any film bought

overseas.

Bring your passport and make sure it hasn't expired. Before

departure, make a copy of your passport and airline tickets and keep in a

separate place.

In Italy, you can also change money in the Italian Post

Office. They often have better exchange rates and are open Saturday mornings.

I do not advise bringing traveler's checks. I have found that many

restaurants and stores do not accept them because of currency fluctuation but

you can exchange them at hotel front desks and banks.

Always bring

comfortable, "already-broken in" footwear. Don't make the mistake of bringing

brand new shoes! Never bring high heels - they will certainly get stuck in the

cobblestones in the small villages. Remember, many of these European villages

are very hilly with rocky textures.

Before I pack, I make a habit of

checking the weather forecast of the country to which I will be traveling. Also,

I bring a light jacket and a small umbrella.

For those die hard

shoppers, always bring an extra, collapsible suitcase for those precious

purchases. You don't want to break your new possessions by placing smashing them

into your packed suitcase.

Expanding on the previous note, if you wish

to purchase art/home decor while away, always bring the measurements of that

area of your home (i.e. table measurements for tablecloths, bed measurements for

linens, etc.)

Don't forget your laptop hardware, chargers (for cell

phone, digital camera, etc.) and converters (hairdryer, electric shaver, etc.).

If you don't have a cell phone, remember to bring your home telephone

company's Access Codes to be sure you get the best rate in calling home. (Each

country has a different access code so call your phone company).

If you

want to check your email while away and don't have a laptop, remember to bring

your email access website information (i.e. www.mail2web.com - you will need

your username and password). I always bring my Blackberry to Europe since the

service provider has international access. Also, bring your address book - you

may want to send postcards!

Laundry services are very expensive overseas

so if you want to pack lightly, bring some Woolite to rinse out clothes in the

sink. Also, make sure you bring an extra pair of sunglasses.

To avoid

over packing, check with your hotel to see if they have a hairdryer and an

iron/ironing board.

Always pack a swimsuit - even if it's winter, you'll

never know if there might be a heated pool or Jacuzzi!

Use village names

as landmarks as opposed to route numbers. By taking these precautions and

preparations, you can spend your international vacation enjoying yourself and

the surroundings without worrying about the little things.

About The Author Jo-Ann Gaidosz is the founder of Active Gourmet Holidays, LLC,(http://www.activegourmetholidays.com) which specializes in European Wine Tours, Italian Culinary Tours, French Culinary Tours, Cooking Classes in Italy, and Italian Cooking Schools.