Traveling abroad should be a wonderful experience. Fortunately, following a few simple tips prior to your departure will ensure a pleasant experience. Obviously, while some things are more important than others, following all of these tips will provide the smoothest vacation encounter. High Priority Travel Tips For International Trips Prior To Departure Check international requirements for entrance into the country you will be visiting. Acquire a signed and valid passport or update the one you have if necessary. A passport identifies the nationality of the passport holder and is internationally recognized as a valid document. Foreign countries require a valid passport for entrance. A passport can be obtained through the U.S. Department of State. Complete the emergency information page that is inside the passport. Make a copy of your identification page inside your passport. This will come in handy in the event that your passport is stolen or lost. In fact, make a copy to leave at home with your itinerary. Acquire a valid visa of necessary. Review the Consular Information sheet for each country that you plan to visit. Review any public announcements and warnings that have been issued on any of the countries that you plan to visit. Remember that the laws of the United States do not apply in other countries. Research what the laws and regulations of the countries that you will be visiting are. Remember to leave your itinerary with a trusted member of your family. Include names and phone numbers of the places where you will be staying. Acquire traveler's checks for the trip. They are more secure than cash. If you plan to use foreign currency, acquire it while still in the United States. Register with the United States Embassy or consulate that is closest to your destination prior to your departure. Receive any vaccinations that are necessary for entrance into the country that you are visiting. Plan the trip.Priority Travel Tips For International Trips Prior To Departure Check the expiration date on your credit cards to make sure they will be valid during the trip. Notify your credit card company that you will be away on travel and to expect unusual charges on your account. Research the area in which you will be traveling to become more familiar with it. Obtain a foreign language travel dictionary to help with any language barrier. Complete any necessary dental work prior to the trip to avoid possible complications. Check the limits on your ATM and debit card. Check the expiration date of your driver's license to make sure that it will remain valid while you are driving. Confirm your travel plans. Prepay any important bills that will arrive while you are away. Refill any prescriptions that you will need to take with you. Copy down the serial numbers to expensive items such as camcorders, cameras, and other electronic equipment.Travel Tips For International Trips Prior To Departure Check the weather for the area in which you will be traveling so that you can pack appropriately. Try on any clothes that you haven't worn recently, but plan on wearing. Make sure that they fit. Acquire a phone card to avoid costly charges on your cell phone in the event that you need to make a call. Check out your camera for working batteries, film, or memory cards. Purchase what you need. Break in any shoes that will be making the journey with you. Sore feet do not do well with sightseeing. Label all pieces of your luggage on the inside and on the outside.Travel Tips Once You Arrive Never leave your luggage or other possessions unattended. Secure them if possible. Be wary of strangers. Avoid drawing attention to yourself. Do not wear flashy clothes or jewelry. Do not carry a large sum of money with you when sightseeing. When in doubt about anything legal, contact an authorized official of the country. If you do get into trouble, contact the United States Embassy. Stay alert at all times. Refuse offers of a cab ride that does not appear to be a legitimate cab service. Be wary of individuals looking over your shoulder in an attempt to get your phone card or credit card numbers. Be wary of people working in pairs to distract you and run off with some of your possessions.The most important things that any traveler can do are: research, plan, prepare, and practice. Research the documents you need for the trip. Plan the trip itself and the timeline you will follow to accomplish all of the preparation for the trip. Prepare all of the things that you will be taking with you, that is, label, photocopy, purchase, etc. Finally, practice all of the tips that you have been given. Practice vigilance in alertness and be aware of your surroundings. Now, you are ready to enjoy that trip! Copyright 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd |
