With so many exciting things to see and do when travelling the world, managing your money can be a huge challenge. Justin from On The Rocks Party Halls blogs about if you are not careful, you might even run out of money before you even get to the middle of the journey. And, that could be very humiliating. In the following chapters, we discuss some of the best ways on how to manage your money when travelling the world.

Sometimes, the reason many people spend so much when travelling is because of doing things in a hurry without checking the stakes. Even if you are just exchanging money for local currencies, take time to first find out what different outlets are offering. Buying items or exchanging money in a rush without shopping around could see you lose so much in a short period of time.

Thus, it is always advisable that you first shop around to determine the prevailing exchange rates.

Cash

Although most countries across the world today use electronic payment systems, there are many places whereby cash is usually more cost effective. You can still use US dollars to buy goods and services in most countries but, local currency is more convenient. However, just carry small amounts of cash that you will need for a limited period of time.

Travelers’ Cheque

Travelers’ cheques are safe and can also help you manage your money well when travelling overseas. The cheques can be cashed at banks and currency exchange establishments across the world. Another benefit of travelers’ cheques is that you can cancel them and order replacements in case they are lost or spoilt.

Prepaid Travel Debit Cards

These are considered the modern versions of travelers’ cheques. However, they are little costly than cheques. All you need to do is buy the card and load some money onto it then swipe it just like credit or debit cards when making payments. Travel debit cards are not linked to the user’s bank account, which makes them quite safe.

When travelling the world, it is usually advisable to have a multi-dimensional approach to money management. Debit cards are the best for withdrawing cash while credit cards are recommended for making payment for goods and services along the way. Travelers’ cheques and prepaid cards should mainly be reserved for backup.

Putting together an ideal travel plan and seeing it through is not an easy task. However, these are procedures that you have to go through if you wish to travel. Below are steps to assist you in accomplishing your travel goals without so much effort.

Clearly Outline Your Specific Travel Goals

The first step to achieving your travel goals is finding them. Based on the kind of experience that you desire in travelling, it is important to carefully list the things that will drive you closer to that adventure. When outlining your travel goals, you must have a clear idea of the travel destination, attractions, activities and your budget. Make sure you identify the particular goals that will deliver the desired experience.

Work on Limiting the Challenges

Even when you think you are ready to travel, there are certain fears that might still linger in your mind. And, holding on to these fears can really make it hard to achieve the set goals. So, take time to evaluate any likely challenges and deal with them outright. For instance, if you are worried that traveling is expensive, find ways to cut costs and save more for travel. On the other hand, if you are skeptical about solo travel, get a travel companion.

Visualize the Fun

Some may call it obsession but, playing mind pictures of how exciting the trip will be is one way to generate the desire for it. Making time to obsess over your travel goals will give you the drive to work hard towards achieving them. And, there are many ways to create the desire including, talking to people who have visited the destination, watching movies or documentaries about the destination and reading travel guidebooks.

The road to accomplishing travel goals is paved with various uncertainties. But, navigating it can be quite easy if you keep to the guidelines discussed above. With better planning and determination, you will be able to enjoy great adventures around the world. Check out this site, for good travel deals, its one of my fav’s.

North Korea is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Considering the kind of life they live, or the conditions the tourists are subjected to, it is hard to understand what democracy has to do with that communist state. It borders China and Russia to the North and South Korea to the south. There is a demilitarised zone between the South and North Korea, which is a no man’s land, but more about that later.

Recently, President Donald Trump arranged a meeting with the North Korean leader, the first of its kind between the two countries. After that handshake, it is expected that North Korea will open up to the rest of the world and eases travel restrictions, but as things stand now, travelling to North Korea is a complicated experience, to put it mildly.

Before 2010, it was impossible for Israeli, American, British and Japanese citizens to travel to North Korea. Since then, it is not impossible, but only difficult. However, if you are a missionary, it’s still impossible.

If you overcome the complex and ever-changing regulations and manage to get to North Korea now, take note of the following:

Security

Be ready for around the clock surveillance. Tourism in North Korea is unusual. The real fascination or tourism attraction is the restrictions. First, your presence is unwanted, and the treatment you get is enough assurance they don’t want you to visit there again unless you are the stubborn type. Upon entering, your passport is taken and kept for you.

As a tourist, your most important duty is not to enjoy your tour, but to be obedient to the state. Do not poke your nose where you are not authorized to tour, or the security might kill you

The security personnel will closely monitor your every step and perhaps your facial expressions too. Your phone calls (if your phone wasn’t confiscated and kept for you), personal possessions, hotel room and everything else will be scrutinized and re-scrutinized. There is access to international TV channels in big hotels but it’s strictly for foreigners, and the access can be banned anytime the government feels.

For your (discomfort, at least three tour guides from the state-run Korean International Travel Company will be with you everywhere as you move around. And it is not by your choice; you just cannot be let alone in North Korea. While this heavy security escort is a guarantee robbers cannot attack you or be a victim of any other serious crime, sometimes you would wish you be less safe but free to enjoy solo travel.

Respect the Past And Present Leaders

If you see any monument or statue of Kim Jong-Il and Kim Il-Sung, kindly bow and give praises. Remember to have flowers to place at the pillars of any North Korean leader gently.

Health

Since even your meals will be carefully examined, you will not be free to eat in the streets from where you are likely to be a victim of cholera, TB, typhoid or rabies outbreaks that are frequent and serious. Foot and mouth diseases are also common. Sometimes a wind blowing from China and Mongolia carries yellow dust that causes throat irritations.

You are not supposed to leave your booked hotel without the tour guide and no public transport for a foreigner even if accompanied by tour guides. You must never try to find out how the local citizens live their lives. You only speak to the official tour guides and shop in the approved stores or markets designated for foreigners. Sometimes you may be allowed to take pictures with your camera if you ask for permission, but at no time should you take photographs depicting scenes of poverty or anything negative about North Korea.

If you breach any of these simple rules, you may be heavily punished and also put your guide’s life at risk. If at any time you feel the rules are too much, you can terminate your visit and return to your country of origin.

However, if you wish to proceed with your tour, these are some of the sites to visit in North Korea:

The Demilitarized Zone

Considering that the relationship between the South and North Korea is improving, this neutral zone separating the two warring neighbors may soon be declared open. The Demilitarized Zone, from 1953, has for decades remained a symbol of the never-ending conflict between the two neighbors. The real war ended in 1953, but since no agreement or ceasefire was announced, they technically remain at war until now and the border between them is a no-go zone for both.

Surprisingly, the Demilitarized Zone attracts a multitude of visitors from around the globe. Since there is no serious human activity taking place at this neutral site, it is one place you can find the most endangered species of animals and fish.

Tower of the Juche Idea

This impressive tower was made to celebrate Il Sung’s 70th birthday. At its base is a 30-meter high statue of three people with upheld arms. Each person holds a particular tool: a sickle, hammer or a writer’s brush. These tools are the emblem that together represents the Workers’ Party of Korea. There is an elevator for accessing the top of the tower to the viewing platform, from where you can see Pyongyang, the lovely capital city.

Ryugyong Hotel

This rocket-shaped skyscraper is the tallest building in North Korea. It has 105 floors and has a 40 meter wide rotating cone on top. Its on and off construction began in 1987, stopped in 1992 for lack of funds following the fall of the Soviet Union, resumed in 2008, paused in 2011, and ever since it still keeps starting and stopping until it has now been named the tallest unfinished building in the world, the reason for which it is now a tourist attraction.

Conclusion

With these insights, enjoy your trip.