Travel Tips For Runners
- Always pack your running gear in your carry-on luggage - that means the shoes you'll run the race in, your racing shorts, racing shirt/singlet and I would suggest two different pairs of socks. In addition, if the race is run in colder climates, be sure to include appropriate gear in your carry-on.
- For overnight flights, book a window seat. Be sure to check the airline's seat plans, first though. You may be able to get a bulkhead seat with more leg room. Or if you're not careful you could be sitting behind a wall, with no room to stretch your legs.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. If you're travelling to destinations where water quality may be an issue, buy bottled water after the security check and bring it with you.
- If possible, get up and walk around or stretch during the flight.
- Get an electronic airline ticket. If you lose it, there is no replacement fee. If you lose a printed ticket, it may cost as much as $100 for a replacement.
- Purchase travel insurance. It's an inexpensive form of peace of mind.
- Don't buy foreign currency in the United States. More often than not, you can get a much better rate in the destination country, at a bank or airport ATM which are very common in most countries. However, if you use a credit card for purchases, speak with your credit card company before traveling to determine what, if any, conversion fees they will charge you. The charges vary by the type of currency.
- Always keep your passport current and be sure that it expires no sooner than three months after your return date. Make a copy and put it in your wallet or toiletries kit in case you should lose the original. Leave a copy at home with a friend or relative. For U.S. travelers on extended trips, it�s not a bad idea to register your trip with the U.S. State Department. In the event that something happens in the destination country, it will allow you to receive help much more quickly.
- Bring a small toiletry kit, with an extra travel sized bottle of shampoo to use for washing your running gear in cold water in a bathroom sink. Due to various travel regulations many companies have begun producing travel sized everything (e.g., tooth paste,sunscreen, mouth wash, shampoo, hair spray, etc.). Be sure to buy them before going on the trip.
- Get the proper electric current adapter and conversion kit for the country you are visiting. If you forget to do so before you leave, you will pay a premium at either your home airport or destination airport. You can find the adapter kits at any AAA and many large retail outlets (e.g., Target).
- Do your homework on the destination country. Learn about native customs (e.g., shaking hands, eating etiquette) and attempt to speak the native language. This will endear you to your hosts and make your experience much more enjoyable.
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