• Hotel business cards: You’ll most likely be spending time in a hotel, at least at first till you can find a more permanent place. Grab a business card from the front desk so if you ever get lost, you’ll have the name and address of the hotel in the local language.

• The six-month passport rule: The expiration date on your passport is deceiving. In the U.S., you can use your passport up to the date listed inside the cover. However, many other countries have been known to deny travelers entry if the passport expires in under six months. That’s because they want to ensure you have a valid passport to get back to the United States in case of travel snafus and unexpected issues. You should always renew your passport nine months before the actual expiration date.

• Credit cards: The best exchange rates are usually within your credit card. That being said, many credit cards will add foreign transaction fees of up to three percent. Do your research on credit cards that don’t have this fee before heading on your trip.

• Fraud alerts. Let your credit card company’s fraud department know the country you’ll be visiting and when. This will prevent them from thinking your card was stolen.

• Credit card chips: In the U.S., credit cards use magnetic strips on the back of the card or chips on the front. In Europe, cards have a chip embedded in them and this is largely the way transactions are conducted, along with a PIN. If your cards don’t already have this technology, seek out ones that do or upgrade your existing card.

• Medicine: Always carry an eye mask and earplugs in your medicine bag, along with pain relievers, antacids, prescriptions, contact lenses and solution, etc. You may not come across a 24-hour pharmacy overseas like you see on every other block in the U.S. Fill your prescriptions before you go.

• Travel alerts: Check the State Department’s travel warnings and alerts, and always print out the address and contact information of the local embassy.

• Charges and Adapters: When going overseas it’s crucial to have the right adapter for your devices. An USB universal power adapter can make your life easier, because you won’t have to figure out power outlets, wattage, and will allow you to charge multiples devices simultaneously. When it comes to charges it’s advisable to pack more than one to be on the safe side, according to our friends at One Bag Travel.

• Data roaming: To avoid international data roaming, go to settings and ensure it is disabled. Sign up for an international calling and data plan if you’ll be abroad for a while.

• Language learning: This one you have to prepare for before you go. Sign up for language lessons with BRIC Learning Systems to connect with tutors in their native countries. You’ll also find this invaluable when learning all about the culture!

Since boarding a plane to Europe when she was 17, Gershowitz has visited over 90 countries and “gained friends and lovers and made a radical career change,” according to her website.

In this week’s Travel Smart, FOX43’s Trenice Bishop spoke to Gershowitz about how to find the “hidden secrets” of travel destinations. She said that travel is all about being open to new things and new experiences. 

Her number one travel tip is simply to talk to people. 

“Be friendly, smile at people, ask them questions, show that you’re interested,” she said.

Second, she said to plan a trip around something you love.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s sports, arts, or if it’s food,” Gershowitz said. “But whatever it is, go and do that and talk to the people who are around you because you’ll mostly find locals and they know the really great places to go, and what to do, and the kinds of places to see.”

Third, she said to pick up a paper and look for local events.

“Look for the festivals, rather than the places,” she said. “That’s where the people will be. They’ll tell you whether the places in the guidebooks are worth going to.”

Finally, she said to enjoy the journey and expect the unexpected. 

Karen Gershowitz is the author of Travel Mania – Stories of Wanderlust, a vivid story of how one woman found her strength, power, and passion.

“Imagine if the politicians that are in power right now had this climate change education when they were in school. That can impact all their decisions they make right now taking into account the whole problem.“

This is event is geared towards visitors of all ages but if you happen to be traveling with a tot, here are some tips from a local mom on how best to prepare for and execute your adventure.

Seattle Southside mom, Meilee, bundled up her four year old and hit the road and this is what she learned:

The drive is easy freeway driving for approx. 90 minutes each way (from Seattle Southside). For lightest traffic plan on arriving at the fields early in the day on the weekends or travel during non-rush hours mid-week.
Stop at the Tulip Festival Administration office 311 W. Kincaid St. Mount Vernon, WA 98273 for free maps, advice on where to start/stop your excursion and special event info.
With maps and “Tulip Route” signage the fields are easy to find.
Wear practical shoes. There aren’t sidewalks in the fields; be prepared for dusty to muddy conditions. My daughter wore her pink polka dot rain boots for fashion and the practicality purposes.
Walking paths are made out of firmly packed gravel or dirt. Check weather forecasts to get an idea on stroller friendly conditions.
There are multiple tulip farms to see and each is immense. For families with young children I recommend pacing yourself and expect to visit one farm maybe two. We spent two hours at one field, had dinner then drove back. It was a long five hour outing for a four year old but days later she’s still talking about the “bee-you-tee-ful flowers” and I’m still admiring a collection of charming photos.
The RoozenGaarde field has food vendors. (fair food cuisine and prices) There’s a grassy area with a few tables and room to have a picnic.
Bring cash. Some vendors accept cash and plastic – others take cash only.
There are plenty of facilities (porta-potties) at the farms. For families with babies or young toddlers, bring a blanket in the diaper bag because I didn’t see any changing areas.
No pets allowed in the tulip fields. Leave Fluffy or Fido at home.
*Bonus tip – make sure your camera has plenty of battery life you’ll have a “bazillion” photo opportunities.