Power of Attorney

There's an old saying. "If anything can possibly go wrong, it will." So no matter how well you plan, you're going to have some unexpected situations. Don't even try to prepare for everything. Just anticipate that when something does go wrong, you'll deal with it then. But what happens if you're on the other side of the world and there’s a problem at home? That is where your power of attorney (POA) comes in. For any legal matter which requires your personal approval, you should have this backup remedy just in case. A POA is someone who can fill out your tax returns, make bank transactions, pay credit card bills, or even decide on medical matters if you become unconscious. You will have to choose someone you trust and who is mature enough to handle this responsibility with the utmost care (such as a parent or best friend). POA forms are easy to get; any stationary store will have them, and they will need to be notarized with you and your POA in attendance. Your bank will probably have such a person on staff. If you are giving up your home, then you may not have a mailing address. You may want to use your POA's mailing address, or rent a Post Office box near your POA.

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Valuables

Don't bring anything you wouldn't want to loose, like expensive jewelry or irreplaceable family heirlooms.

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Photo Copies

Leave with your POA a copy of your passport, a recent picture of you, a list of all your credit and phone cards, a copy of your traveler's check receipts, airline tickets, and other important documents that you will bring with you on your trip.

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Your Usual Way of Doing Things

If you tend to manage everything, you'll have to learn to accept that outside of highly developed countries, things can run a little slower and often times less reliably. Remember to give yourself plenty of time and simply enjoy the process.

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Impractical Things

Use common sense. First on the list is platform or high-heeled shoes. Wearing them is only asking for trouble, especially if you've got your pack on. A sprained ankle will take weeks to heal. Clothes that are too revealing or T-shirts with offensive messages should also be left behind. As stated before, select loose, comfortable clothes which blend-in within the environment you are at. Of course, guns, recreational drugs, and pornography are forbidden items in most counties. And your pets. Leave them at home.

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Fear

Bring your common sense with you when you travel, but leave your fear/trepidation behind. Fear (of things and people new, different or unknown) will not only prevent you from fully enjoying the places you visit, but can also put you in danger or aggravate an already dangerous situation. When a person is fearful, he or she does not act calmly and rationally, but instead reacts, usually with anger. Common sense, along with tolerance and a sense of humor, will serve you much better, keep you safer and happier.