Need Some Life Advice? Read Details Please..Yes all of it!?

Ok. I'm going to finish highschool soon, and afterward I will move to a different country.


In the next two years I would like to become independent of my family, and move to Spain, where I plan to complete higher education. Afterward I would like to teach English in Japan for a year or so.


What I would like is some advice on what I need to know to become independent. Don't be shy. Start with the smallest things. I'm the youngest in the family, and so far I've not had the chance to do anything on my own. And of course, I know there are plenty of things one needs to know to get out there on their own.


How do I start preparing. I like preparation. I want to start to familiarize myself with things from what documents you need to move to a different country, and how banks work...how do I deal with my finances in Spain...How do I even begin to prepare. I may be naive at the moment, but I am a hardworker, and I am determined.


Help as little or as much as you'd like. Thank YouNeed Some Life Advice? Read Details Please..Yes all of it!?
The absolute first thing you have to do is get your passport and check on visa requirements to Spain.


Becoming independent is not as hard as you think. You need money of course but it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and have figured out that education is a key to haveing a good life. Open a bank account immediately if not sooner. Make sure that the bank that you are trading with has online banking and bill paying. That way you can have access to your money anywhere in the world. Also, before you leave the country set it up with the bank to do international bank transfers. (you will probably have to sign some transfer forms in advance so you don't have to return to access large amounts of cash.)


here is a blurb that I give to people that are first time travelers. Lots of info here that will help you get your mind straight.


Here we go.


Get travel insurance. It is not expensive and can save you in nasty situations. Make sure to inform your Credit card companies that you are going to be out of the country so they don't freeze your accounts when they get a charge from Saigon or where ever you end up. It can be a real pain trying to straighten that out over the international phone.


Carry copies of your passport and visas, your birth certificate, air line tickets and driver鈥檚 license in 3 or 4 different places. If your primary bag gets lost or stolen this will help you get back on track. Don't carry a lot of money with you. ATM's are just about everywhere now, so you can get more cash when you need it. Pack light. Most of the places that you are going have nice inexpensive clothing shops and you will need room to bring them back. Leave your computer at home. There are internet cafes everywhere and they are very inexpensive. Use them. That way you don't have to worry about someone stealing your brick and you don't have to lug it around. Keep your passport, tickets etc in a sturdy pouch that goes around your neck. Never wear it in back. I haven't lost mine in over two years on the road and there have been a couple of attempts. Bring your cell phone. It needs to be the one that is most compatible with the various international systems, a GSM Phone. Make sure it is unlocked so you can use different Sim cards from different countries. In most places, incoming calls are free. So your friends can reach you in an emergency and you can do the same. This works good. Just email the new number to those who need it and you have a safety net. Bring a basic medical kit. Band-Aids, antiseptic and antibiotics. Anti diarrhea meds, aspirin etc. If you get food poisoning to the point that you have a fever go the doctor immediately. (The Hotel usually has one on call) You can die from food poisoning so don't screw around. Wear slip on shoes. It saves time and trouble in airports and all Asian countries. Always let your hotels know when you leave. It鈥檚 best to give them the key, and tell them where you are going. Get a card from the hotel so you can find it again in case of extreme drunkenness or just a lack of directional ability. Also. Read your passport. It can pay to have the various Embassies know when you are in the country. They are not much help but they are a safety net in emergencies. Have I forgotten anything? I am sure I have but this is a good broad list to remember. and... Let the hotels handle booking your tours and local stuff. It costs a little more but it is worth it. Hey, Have fun. You are on vacation! Here are some good Web sites to remember.





Lonely planet.com


Travelfish.com


http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for currency quotes


Google earth for finding where you are.


Oh... get a good travel book. Lonely planet or Rough guides are good and they give you ideas about scams and rip offs in the areas where you are and good maps and directions to hotels and restaurants. Worth the money.





Thats a start for you. Give me an email if you have any thing else that I can help with!