Is There Something in the Water?

Every year, more than 3.4 million people die from a water-related disease. Nearly all of these deaths occur in the developing world. 780 million people lack access to clean water, which is equivalent to 3 times the population of the United States. These statistics are extremely alarming especially when clean water and access is not scarce in our home country. As humans, we need water on a daily basis to survive. In the 21st century, it is really hard to believe that clean water and access to it are still not a common thing.  

Water safety is a major concern for people planning to travel abroad. Before traveling, one should research their destination and see if it has potential water safety issues. If the water is somewhat unsafe, travelers will soon find out their body cannot take the water. In an article by Everyday Healthy, it says that the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe all have pretty safe drinking water. 

While abroad, sticking to water from water bottles should work pretty well. The water in the bottle is usually purified and imported from various countries. However, water is used in many other things such as the ice cubes, washing the fruits and vegetables, brushing your teeth and showering. These all contain or have been processed through water in some type of way. The key is to research your travel destination and make sure that water is safe and sanitary. The other option is to make alternatives for obtaining water, so that you don't get dehydrated. 

For spring break this year, I travelled to Cancun, Mexico for a week long trip. I was excited for the clear ocean, beautiful weather and being with my closest friends. However, I did not know what I was in for when I came to find out water was scarce and a hot commodity. US citizens are not used to the water Mexico has and are very prone to getting sick from it. I could not drink the water from the sink nor the shower. The only safe method of water consumption was from bottled water. During the week, I got very dehydrated and my feet and fingers began to swell up. This feeling is extremely painful to the point where I could not even wear sandals! 

How to Beat Mobile Technology Shocks Overseas

When traveling abroad there comes the struggle of communicating with family and friends because phone charges can be overly expensive in foreign countries. Between texting, calling, and social networking, the costs of mobile technology can skyrocket in seconds. 

Using a smartphone overseas is said to be the in the top causes of mobile plan bill shock. This is because uninformed travelers use international roaming with no idea what checking those emails and Facebook are really costing them. International roaming means that while overseas, your phone will use the network of a mobile phone carrier in your destination country. Just loading one webpage is using about 1 megabyte of data and can cost up to 4 dollars. 

The easiest way to avoid high mobile bills is to take advantage of free WiFi wherever you can. Free WiFi can be available in hotels, restaurants, cafes and other free hotspots. Cell phone users are not billed for their data used on WiFi. However, be aware that free WiFi is not common everywhere in foreign countries like it is in America. 

Another mobile phone option that is fairly new and available in the app market is Viber. Viber is an application that can be used on any smartphone or computer. It features FREE calling, texting, picture and location sharing technology with other Viber users. It also instantly integrates your contacts from your phonebook. When my friend was traveling in China this past summer, we communicated over Viber. It was so quick and easy to use and one of the best ways to communicate while using a smartphone!

The key to communicating with family and friends overseas is to find out the communication options of your destination before you go. Being prepared will come in handy when you avoid hundreds of dollars in cell phone bills back in America! 

Banking Abroad!

Currently, $1 in United States currency, when exchanged, would give you 0.73 euros. 

These discrepancies in currency can lead to problems when traveling and it is important to keep track of your bank account.  This can help you catch potential overdrafts or identity thefts, which are common problems that can arise while abroad.  

With the expansion of mobile technology, many major banking branches now have cell-phone applications that allow you to bank on the go!  These are extremely helpful when you are abroad and do not have the convenience of your local bank.  These applications allow you to complete many important banking activities; such as transferring money, tracking purchases and checking your balance. 

Personally, I have fallen victim to the pitfalls of spending abroad.  I love to shop and traveling opens your mind and wallet to many interesting experiences and purchases.  Having your card declined is embarrassing when you are at the mall at home, but it is far worse when you are in Australia and didn't realize that you had over-drafted your account.   These differences in currency amounts through exchange rates can cause you to miscalculate just how much money you have left to spend! 

By downloading these applications to your mobile device, you can save yourself time and hassle and make the most out of your travel! 

https/www.wellsfargocom/mobile/apps

Are you Ready...?

...WELCOME TO READY, SET, ROAM!

Chances are that you’re visiting our website because you are a college-aged student with big dreams of traveling the world! If not, that’s great too and we are so happy you’ve stumbled upon Ready, Set, Roam! We hope you’ll find enjoyment in following our blog and maybe even find us a little entertaining. 

This website will provide personal travel stories and experiences from each of our bloggers. Each week, we will have a different theme related to travel that will allow us to share advice, tips and information we have obtained from traveling around the world. We will also feature a “traveler of the week” every week to highlight other student’s travel experiences, in addition to our own. 

The blog will be updated on a daily basis so please check back as frequently as you wish! We invite your questions, comments and insights regarding travel and hope to be a resource for you as you explore the idea of traveling abroad!

Now, READY, SET, ROAM our website!