Welcome to the Marwan Farouk blog. Marwan Farouk is a retired surgeon and a traveler. 

A good traveler is a prepared traveler. If there is one thing you learn from traveling countless times, that is to be prepared--at all times. Trips often do not go as planned, so it is good to have backup just in case you find yourself in such a situation.You will never know what could happen while you are on the road! Are you prepared for anything that can happen during your trip? If not, I compiled seven tips that can turn you from a newbie to a pro: 

• Pack multi-purpose gear that can adjust with different conditions. This comes in handy, too, if you want to pack light. Examples are pants that zip off into shorts or walking shoes that you can use for an evening out.
• Bring with you a small first aid kit. Be sure to include a list of emergency contacts in there as well.
• Always have an umbrella because you can never be 100% sure about the weather.
• Make sure you learn basic phrases when you are heading to a destination where English is not the first language. This will make interactions easier and can even come in handy should you need to bargain for goods.
• Do not forget to bring emergency cash with you. You might also want to get a backup credit card.
• Remember to have extra copies of all your documents in case you lose the originals or get robbed.
• Buy travel insurance. Again, you will never know what can happen in a trip!

Although we hope that you have wonderful and stress-free trips all the time, it is always good to be prepared just in case. Keep all these tips in mind every time you travel!Feel free to share your own favorite travel tips in the comments at the end!