Plan your trip
Facts about world travel
Baseline practical facts: plugs, water, tipping, connectivity and time zones.
Facts about world travel
Baseline practical facts: plugs, water, tipping, connectivity and time zones.
The guidance below is deliberately practical. It is the short list of things that change the outcome of a trip, rather than a general overview you could find anywhere. Read it once while planning and again the week before you travel.
What to know
The points that make the most difference, in rough order of importance.
- Plug types vary; a universal adapter covers most
- Tap water safety differs sharply by country
- Tipping norms range from zero to twenty per cent
- eSIMs are usually cheaper than roaming
Quick reference
- Plan thisThree to six weeks out for most trips
- Book aheadAnything capacity-limited or permit-based
- Verify locallyRules and prices change; confirm on arrival
- Budget impactVaries by region and season
Related guides
Other guides in the same section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to know about facts about world travel?
Plug types vary; a universal adapter covers most.
How far ahead should I plan this?
For most trips, research this three to six weeks before you travel, and sooner if anything involved has limited capacity or requires a permit.
Does this differ by country?
Yes. Rules, costs and norms vary, so treat this as a general framework and confirm the specifics for your destination before booking.