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International Field Engineer Travel Tips?
ShamelessHero writes "I was recently hired as a Field Engineer, deploying servers, workstations and peripherals to sites around the globe. I try and travel light, but try as I might, the Emergency Repair Kit has ruined three sets of luggage so far. I know there are Slashdotters here who travel internationally and through some treacherous environs. What are the best travel tips you've come up with? Recommendations for durable, light yet large luggage are much appreciated."
More likely, in his case, hand lotion.
While it may cost a little more, having your tools shipped will save wear and tear on the luggage, and the way airlines are charging extra based on weight of luggage, you will be better off not dealing with that potential snarl at the airport.
Since airline regs mandate that your tools go in the checked baggage, you will have a better chance of actually having your tools arrive at the same time you do if you ship them.
I'm a happy pessimist. I expect and prepare for the worst, when it doesn't happen I am pleasantly surprised.
Get a pelican case, waterproof and near indestructible for tools and equipment.
Get another for your stuff.
They come with removable foam, and you can customize spots for each tool.
Some other tips-
Carry some cash somewhere on your person other then your wallet. Carry more then one type of credit or debit card. (machine ate one of mine in china when I arrived in China. It was NOT a good day)
Printout maps to all the hotels you are staying at-its handy to show cab drivers that don't speak english.
Carry some basic things like a small travel toothbrush, and hand napkins on your person. If the plane you are about to board has the luggage loading door torn off-you will appreciate this as you spend the night somewhere with no luggage.
Deodorant is your friend-yeah they don't sweat in the 110 degree 90% humidity heat. If you were born in Minnesota, odds are you do.
Don't assume things. Some fun examples-
Going out to eat Pussy, in China refers to the district you are going to have dinner in NOT the activity.
When Chinese are saying "nigga" they are NOT referring to any color of your skin, its not related.
When asked if you want a "Chinese girlfriend" they are asking about a hooker, not if you want to meet nice Chinese women to get a girlfriend. Try to avoid conversations where at the end of it they assume you are gay. God that was funny later. Not so much at the time.
Buy tools and shavers that take both 110 and 220.
Bring adapter plugs.
Hotel networks are often horrifically infected with spyware etc-keep a firewall up, and up to date anti-virus.
If you don't think you can eat those chicken feet, or bugs without throwing up-decline.
If you CAN eat horrific things, and the locals are messing with you to make you look foolish-suggest a better place to eat, and take them somewhere where they turn green. Evil...but funny.