Traveling light

Hi I am a digital imaging technician from India. I am out of my house most of the days in a month. I am into post production on site and offsite either editing or taking care of digital negative.

I want to share travel tips to pack lighter when traveling.

The golden rule of thumb only carry things you need and your equipments for work. There would be restriction set by the production or the company to save extra costs.

Here are my tips.

1. Carry only two set of personal luggage.

A backpack/hand luggage  - with travel documents (Passport/Air tickets/ Visa), one pair of clothes, toiletries, pen and a note pad.

Travel bag - which may contain clothes, shoes/slippers and weather appropriate clothes with no spices or illegal articles which may be legal in home country but not in the country you are about to visit.

Finally the equipment. 

Do not forget to carry ATA Carnet with custom clearance document when taking equipments abroad.

ATA Carnet is a standardized form used for taking customizable goods abroad which you are going to bring it back.

2. Currency 

In different country there are different travel agents or companies like Money gram in India I prefer Thomas Cook for currency exchange which is faster than banks which may take days.

Thomas Cook only needs travel tickets and passport to convert your currency.

Its advisable to take Euro for Europe/Dollar in another country which accepts these global currencies. There are countries in Europe who still accept their own currencies like the Kuna in Croatia at the shops so its better to turn on your debit or credit cards to avail local currency from the airport/bank atm or hotel of course the banks will charge additional international transaction fee. Pay in cash as much as possible. Unless you are buying something expensive or you run out of money.

3. Lodging

Its fine if you want to stay at 7 star or 5 star but why not stay with a family or regular 3 star hotels. Here is a big advise always cross check the reviews and call the hotel and reserve the room.

4. Shopping

Its OK to buy souvenirs and bargain. But remember try to help the local economy. Its better to ask the local people and research about things to buy. Its advisable to to check items which are not allowed to bring back to your country or dutiable on arrival. Duty free is just duty free and there are certain limits of quantity and goods restrictions.

5. Its always important to keep the important numbers like phone nos. of your relatives/embassy and passport and other details inside your head.

6. Dress Code
 Some countries may have a dress code do read about it and avoid trouble.

Happy Journey..!