Unless you’re hitchhiking, in today’s travel scene you are good with a debit card … end of story. Or is it?

Of course not. Travel - especially to international destinations, particularly those in the more economically developed countries - requires careful budgeting and money management, and there isn’t always an ATM around every corner like in many parts of Europe. Just like covering passport and visa issues, learning phrases in the local language, or taking care of your health while traveling, being sure you have a clear picture of how money matters work in your destination country is important. No two countries are exactly the same in this respect, and they can bring surprises.

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When we travel, we have the opportunity to experience other cultures in so many ways. We can meet the locals and learn from them about their culture and language, take in the scenery and wildlife, experience the food … the chances for our hearts being transformed are endless. And of course, music! Traditional music everywhere we look across human cultures, and few places are as synonymous with rich musical heritage of song and dance than Africa. The continent of Africa is home to a vast array of devotional, classical, folk and popular musical traditions which come together to create vibrant music festivals, a perfect add-on to your trip with Global Basecamps. There are many of these festivals that take place throughout the year in the countries we serve, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Morocco.

Authentically connecting with the local people in the countries we visit is a central part of why many of us travel. At Global Basecamps, we emphasize the importance of “know before you go” in regard to the economic, environmental, and especially social, aspects of our destination countries. Learning about these topics greatly helps us better know how to build relationships with both the traditional and more modernized citizens.

Staying healthy while traveling can be a challenge. Any of us who have had some kind of illness or injury befall us while out adventuring can attest to it being an unpleasant experience. Ultimately - in travel and in daily life - our health is our responsibility, and we are wise to be mindful in balancing risks and precautions. Come along as we explore health principles that will serve us well, on the road and even at home.

The following will keep our health (which is the foundation of travel health) habits on track for a life of freedom and enjoyment, in our daily life and while out traveling:

When preparing for your next ecotourism vacation it’s good to consider the country’s cultural norms and social etiquette. This is important so we can maintain a good, positive and sustainable tourist-host relationship. As we have mentioned in our previous Know Before You Go blogs, a great way to do this is by taking just a little time before your travels to learn about your host country’s culture, social norms, and codes of conduct. A little effort goes a long way and the locals will recognize your efforts, as it  demonstrates you respect and curiosity about their home and ways of life.