7 Simple Third World Travel Tips

1). Pack light: Most of the “this MIGHT come in handy” items, are probably things you will prefer to do without.  Limit yourself to necessities and you can save yourself the hassle of wanting to throw everything away three days into your venture.    

2). Stick to bottled water: Montezuma still seeks his revenge through the unfiltered waters of third world springs and rivers.  

3). Keep your cool: There are undoubtedly a lot of things that can go wrong when you travel, but realizing that everything really is going to work out can free you from much unnecessary worry and panic.  Relax bro!

4). You live in a world filled with travel books and maps: Buy them.  

5). Pinch a penny: Buses are cheaper than taxis and ‘street food’ is much less costly than a restaurant (and often better tasting).  If you do not mind roommates, a hostel will be less expensive than a hotel.  And remember to visit the local market – their prices put Walmart to shame.

6). WIFI is your best friend: Foreign travel can easily bring on outrageous phone bills, but coffee shops, restaurants and hotels are here to ease your financial pain.  Enjoy your Americano while you answer emails, post your next goofy status, and use WIFI for texting and phone calls (there are apps for both).

7). In the mind of a thief: When traveling in 3^rd world countries, be aware that many people will naturally associate first world visitors as having much more disposable income than themselves, and some may even feel so inclined to rudely take said money – but, there are some tricks to avoiding these situations:

A)      Carry your money on at least TWO separate areas of your person (shoe, pocket, etc.).  The common thief is too afraid to sit still and watch you search every pocket for your hidden pennies, and so keep all of your small bills separate from the large ones and when the thief comes collecting – toss him your singles.  He will most likely leave before he counts what you handed him.    

B)      Showing off your ‘bling’ is not going to do you any favors.  If you can avoid strutting your fancy watches, earrings and designer clothes, the temptation for others to steal from you will greatly diminish. 

C)      Loaning a phone to a new ‘friend’ is not highly recommended.  (Trust me…)