Planning Tips for Exotic Summer Travel

Exotic locations expose adventurers to unbelievable natural beauty, diverse cultures and mysterious new places. Whether your idea of exotic is deep in a Thai jungle, floating the Amazon, the French countryside or the beaches of the Mediterranean, there are plenty of ways to get away with minimal hassle.

Pick Where to Go

What do you like and why do you want to travel? Most people travel with one of the below ideas in mind.

• Landmarks
• Exotic cultures
• Big city energy
• Historic old-world
• Relaxation
• Nature, wildlife and adventure
• Beach, mountain, country or desert scenery

Plan What to Do

Once you know where you want to go, think about what you want to do. It's important to not view a plan as a rigid, hour-to-hour itinerary to follow. View your itinerary as more of a scavenger hunt than events on a schedule. One of the great things about travel is the ability to just go with it, discover new places and leave tomorrow somewhat unknown. Research the area to find some 'must do's.' Lonely Planet's guide series gives great insight into local attractions and attitudes.

You Might Need a Visa

Russia and most European countries only require a passport. But most Asian and African countries require all travelers or workers to have a visa. Most, but not all, South American countries only require visas for extended stays or those who plan to work.

Get Vaccines

Some vaccines take weeks to take effect and require multiple shots, so take care of these months before you plan to leave. Tell your doctor where you plan to travel and he or she will know what bases to cover to ensure immunity from particular illnesses and diseases.

Ask about:

• Diphteria
• Tetanus
• FSME
• Hepatitis
• Cholera
• Malaria

Buy Travel Insurance

Most travelers do not want to be reminded of all the "what if's' of international travel. But smart travelers acknowledge the possibility of disaster and purchase trip insurance to ensure help if something goes wrong. Whether it's lost luggage or a hurricane, travel insurance will be a godsend in the case of an unfortunate event.

Book Cheap Flights

The most expensive flights are on commercial airlines and sites like Expedia and Orbitz. Shop online on budget airlines. Popular, reputable foreign airlines and sites include:

• Fly.de
• Air Berlin
• Easyjet
• Ryanair
• Transavia
• Air Asia

Note that many budget airlines fly through smaller airports. It's like flying to Los Angeles but landing in Long Beach or Burbank. These flights are cheaper but require more ground transportation. Luckily most of Europe is connected by bus, tube or train.

Book Hotels

Try booking the first and last hotel of your adventure. Know where hotels are in different destinations, but allow yourself the freedom to explore. Do keep in mind, however, when local holidays are. You will have a hard time finding accommodations during the peak summer holidays in Europe, for example.

Have the Right Cell Phone

In America, phones use GSM and CDMA. GSM or Global System for Mobile communications phones will work abroad in nearly all countries. AT&T and T Mobile are the only GSM US carriers. Verizon Wireless and Sprint are CDMA, or Code Division Multiple Access, and have limited access globally. If you have a CDMA phone, you can rent a GSM phone from your carrier. You will be charged an international activation fee. International minutes

The Right Money

Many American banks have partnerships with international banks, waiving some fees associated with international transactions. Check with your bank before you leave. Also, consider switching out some cash currency before you go. You can often get the best exchange rates by simply withdrawing cash from local ATMs.

Bring a Map

If you are renting a car abroad, the maps you get from the agency won't help much in urban centers. A handheld GPS map can be a big help. The Garmin Vista HCx is a great option.