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Hi All,
How are you all? Before you get on board you must learn about the places you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in those areas. Consult your library, a travel agent, an airline agent, airline, or the tourist bureaus of the specific countries you plan to visit. Keep track as well of what is reported in the news about any recent events in those countries you plan to visit.
The Department of State issues travel advisories cautioning American citizens about travel to specific countries or areas. If you are traveling in an area where there may be some concern about existing conditions, contact the nearest passport agency, your travel agent, or airline, or call to learn of any problems.
TRAVEL BROCHURES
Travel is very personal. Once you decide on the trip you want, study all the material contained in travel brochures. It's fun to read trip itineraries and to enjoy all the beautiful photographs, but it's also important to carefully read the details and general information. What about the climate? Off-season rates may be a bargain, but the weather may not be so good. Decide which you prefer most--ideal weather or off-season bargains. The brochure should explain what is and what isn't included. You'll usually find this information on the back page of a travel brochure.
PACKAGE TOURS
If you are taking a package tour, find out if there is a tour director on your tour; if so, does he/she stay with you from start to finish? Is he/she employed specially by your company? If so, such a person will have your interests at heart and will try to please you. It's the tour director's job to see that you are well cared for. Find out if the tour has been "checked out." How much does the tour operator really know about your accommodations? Has someone from the tour company or travel agency been there recently? Things can change drastically, and comforts may be promises, not facts.
Ask yourself, and then ask the tour company, what some words really mean. An "air-cooled" sightseeing bus may mean you can open the windows and let the air flow through. "Average temperature 70 degrees" may mean it's 90 in the summer and 50 in the winter. Phrases like "you may want to cruise this glorious isle" or "perhaps take in the glamorous nightlife" may mean these are additional travel treats for which you must pay extra. If in doubt, ask to speak to a traveler who has already taken the tour.
Check the cancellation and refund policy. Know exactly what happens if you change your mind. Cancellation penalties vary, and some are more severe than others.
PASSPORTS
Make sure your passport is current. Some countries will not permit you to enter or give you a visa if your passport's remaining validity is less than 6 months. If you don't have a passport, get one way earlier than your departure date. You'll need proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate), proof of identity (a driver's license), two recent two-inch by two-inch photographs of a good likeness, and a completed official passport form. Although fees have gone up, passports are now valid for 10 years. If your town doesn't have a State Department Passport Agency, get your passport application from the federal or state courthouse or from the post office. Allow at least two to four weeks for processing. After you receive your passport be sure to sign it and fill in the personal notification data page. Your previous passport will be returned to you with your new passport.
If your passport is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the nearest embassy or consulate and to local police. If you can provide a photocopy to the consular officer it will help in issuance of a new passport. Your passport is a valuable document and should be carefully safeguarded.
VISAS
Some countries require visas. A visa is an endorsement made in and on a passport allowing entry into the country you're visiting, testifying that your passport was examined and found in order. It permits you to visit that country for a specified purpose and usually for a limited time; for example, a 3-month tourist visa. Apply directly to the embassies or consulates of the country you plan to visit. Passport agencies cannot help you obtain visas.
You can obtain a copy of Foreign Visa Requirements from the Consumer Information Center, Dept. 438T, Pueblo, CO 81009. It lists the entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to most foreign countries and where to apply for visas and tourist cards. You will need to fill out an application form and give your passport to an official of each foreign embassy or consulate. Some visas require a fee. The process may take several weeks for each visa, so apply well in advance.
TOURIST CARD
If the country you plan to visit requires a tourist card, you can obtain one from that country's embassy or consulate, from an airline serving the country, or at the port of entry. For some tourist cards, a fee is required. Check entry requirements while you are planning your trip.
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
Some countries require only proof of U.S. citizenship to enter and depart the country. Check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for exact requirements before departure.
WHAT TO TAKE?
* Leave at home all unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry, or irreplaceable family objects. Don't pack too much or your bag will be too heavy to manage. Read the Travel Health articles posted on this website, for what to take for your health needs.
* Make photocopies of your airline ticket, passport identification page, driver's license, and the credit cards you take with you. Leave one set at home and keep another with you in a place separate from these valuables. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your traveler's checks at home; take another with you, separate from the checks themselves and, as you cash in the checks, keep a tally of which ones remain unredeemed.
* Have your affairs at home in order: Leave an up-to-date will, insurance documents, and a power of attorney with your family, so you can feel secure about traveling and are prepared for any emergency that may occur while you are away. Before departing, provide your family or friends with a copy of your proposed itinerary and keep them informed of your travel plans should they change or in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
* Carry with you appropriate photo identification and the name of a family member or friend to contact in case of an emergency.
* Find out whether you own insurance which will cover you for loss or theft abroad in case of accident or illness.
LUGGAGE
Limit your baggage and make sure it is lightweight as there may be times when you might have to carry it yourself. Be sure your baggage is clearly labeled. Remove old destination labels and paste your name, address, and tour group (if appropriate) in a prominent place on the outside and inside of each piece of luggage. The outside tag should show only your name and tour group; print your address on the reverse (concealed) side. Enclose a copy of your itinerary in each bag. Keep your luggage locked even when left empty in your room. Someone could use your luggage to cart off your belongings.
PACKING
Pack and repack articles in the same order each time. During short stays, you can then reach into your bags and find what you want without unpacking everything. Coordinate your wardrobe around a single color; this will automatically eliminate many items of clothing. Don't pack too much. Lay out everything you'll need for the trip. Now pack half the items and return the balance to your closet. You'll still probably take lots of things you'll never get to use! If you are still not convinced, pack everything and walk around with your bags for a few minutes. If they feel too heavy, take out the unnecessary items.
Use every spare inch of the luggage space. Stuff hosiery into your shoes. Roll up sweaters and underwear to fit into the corners. Place heavy items on the bottom. Button shirts and dresses and fold close to the waist and seams. Don't pack liquids in glass containers; transfer them to plastic ones. Don't take anything fragile or perishable--carry them if you must. Carry medicines in your hand baggage.
A PACKING CHECK LIST
* A pair of comfortable walking shoes with nonskid soles.
* Electric (with converter-adapter) or battery operated appliances.
* A small flashlight, extra batteries, and nightlight.
* Bottle opener, corkscrew.
* A knife for room snacks. Don't carry the knife on your person.
* Face cloth.
* Extra set of luggage keys (not kept with your regular keys).
* Plenty of film (it's cheaper at home).
* A spare set of batteries for your camera.
* Travel alarm clock.
* Sewing kit.
* Moist towelettes in packages for quick freshening up en route.
* Nail polish remover pads not bottles.
* Plastic or string bags for shopping and dirty clothes.
* Diary or logbook to record your trip.
* Address Book for home and new addresses.
* Language dictionary and phrase book.
* Medicine kit, medical records, and prescriptions
PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
You may be tempted to take three or four lenses, tripods, several camera bodies--don't unless you are a serious photographer. You'll only regret being encumbered. If you carry valuable equipment of foreign manufacture, make sure you register it with the U.S. customs before leaving so that you are not charged duty on it when you return. Take plenty of film and extra camera batteries. If you don't have a film shield bag, don't let your film go through the X-ray machine at airports; hand it to the guard for manual inspection.
DRIVER'S LICENSES
Most countries will accept an international driver's license. You can obtain one before you depart at your local office of an automobile agency.
Best Regards........
How are you all? Before you get on board you must learn about the places you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in those areas. Consult your library, a travel agent, an airline agent, airline, or the tourist bureaus of the specific countries you plan to visit. Keep track as well of what is reported in the news about any recent events in those countries you plan to visit.
The Department of State issues travel advisories cautioning American citizens about travel to specific countries or areas. If you are traveling in an area where there may be some concern about existing conditions, contact the nearest passport agency, your travel agent, or airline, or call to learn of any problems.
TRAVEL BROCHURES
Travel is very personal. Once you decide on the trip you want, study all the material contained in travel brochures. It's fun to read trip itineraries and to enjoy all the beautiful photographs, but it's also important to carefully read the details and general information. What about the climate? Off-season rates may be a bargain, but the weather may not be so good. Decide which you prefer most--ideal weather or off-season bargains. The brochure should explain what is and what isn't included. You'll usually find this information on the back page of a travel brochure.
PACKAGE TOURS
If you are taking a package tour, find out if there is a tour director on your tour; if so, does he/she stay with you from start to finish? Is he/she employed specially by your company? If so, such a person will have your interests at heart and will try to please you. It's the tour director's job to see that you are well cared for. Find out if the tour has been "checked out." How much does the tour operator really know about your accommodations? Has someone from the tour company or travel agency been there recently? Things can change drastically, and comforts may be promises, not facts.
Ask yourself, and then ask the tour company, what some words really mean. An "air-cooled" sightseeing bus may mean you can open the windows and let the air flow through. "Average temperature 70 degrees" may mean it's 90 in the summer and 50 in the winter. Phrases like "you may want to cruise this glorious isle" or "perhaps take in the glamorous nightlife" may mean these are additional travel treats for which you must pay extra. If in doubt, ask to speak to a traveler who has already taken the tour.
Check the cancellation and refund policy. Know exactly what happens if you change your mind. Cancellation penalties vary, and some are more severe than others.
PASSPORTS
Make sure your passport is current. Some countries will not permit you to enter or give you a visa if your passport's remaining validity is less than 6 months. If you don't have a passport, get one way earlier than your departure date. You'll need proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate), proof of identity (a driver's license), two recent two-inch by two-inch photographs of a good likeness, and a completed official passport form. Although fees have gone up, passports are now valid for 10 years. If your town doesn't have a State Department Passport Agency, get your passport application from the federal or state courthouse or from the post office. Allow at least two to four weeks for processing. After you receive your passport be sure to sign it and fill in the personal notification data page. Your previous passport will be returned to you with your new passport.
If your passport is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the nearest embassy or consulate and to local police. If you can provide a photocopy to the consular officer it will help in issuance of a new passport. Your passport is a valuable document and should be carefully safeguarded.
VISAS
Some countries require visas. A visa is an endorsement made in and on a passport allowing entry into the country you're visiting, testifying that your passport was examined and found in order. It permits you to visit that country for a specified purpose and usually for a limited time; for example, a 3-month tourist visa. Apply directly to the embassies or consulates of the country you plan to visit. Passport agencies cannot help you obtain visas.
You can obtain a copy of Foreign Visa Requirements from the Consumer Information Center, Dept. 438T, Pueblo, CO 81009. It lists the entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to most foreign countries and where to apply for visas and tourist cards. You will need to fill out an application form and give your passport to an official of each foreign embassy or consulate. Some visas require a fee. The process may take several weeks for each visa, so apply well in advance.
TOURIST CARD
If the country you plan to visit requires a tourist card, you can obtain one from that country's embassy or consulate, from an airline serving the country, or at the port of entry. For some tourist cards, a fee is required. Check entry requirements while you are planning your trip.
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
Some countries require only proof of U.S. citizenship to enter and depart the country. Check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for exact requirements before departure.
WHAT TO TAKE?
* Leave at home all unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry, or irreplaceable family objects. Don't pack too much or your bag will be too heavy to manage. Read the Travel Health articles posted on this website, for what to take for your health needs.
* Make photocopies of your airline ticket, passport identification page, driver's license, and the credit cards you take with you. Leave one set at home and keep another with you in a place separate from these valuables. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your traveler's checks at home; take another with you, separate from the checks themselves and, as you cash in the checks, keep a tally of which ones remain unredeemed.
* Have your affairs at home in order: Leave an up-to-date will, insurance documents, and a power of attorney with your family, so you can feel secure about traveling and are prepared for any emergency that may occur while you are away. Before departing, provide your family or friends with a copy of your proposed itinerary and keep them informed of your travel plans should they change or in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
* Carry with you appropriate photo identification and the name of a family member or friend to contact in case of an emergency.
* Find out whether you own insurance which will cover you for loss or theft abroad in case of accident or illness.
LUGGAGE
Limit your baggage and make sure it is lightweight as there may be times when you might have to carry it yourself. Be sure your baggage is clearly labeled. Remove old destination labels and paste your name, address, and tour group (if appropriate) in a prominent place on the outside and inside of each piece of luggage. The outside tag should show only your name and tour group; print your address on the reverse (concealed) side. Enclose a copy of your itinerary in each bag. Keep your luggage locked even when left empty in your room. Someone could use your luggage to cart off your belongings.
PACKING
Pack and repack articles in the same order each time. During short stays, you can then reach into your bags and find what you want without unpacking everything. Coordinate your wardrobe around a single color; this will automatically eliminate many items of clothing. Don't pack too much. Lay out everything you'll need for the trip. Now pack half the items and return the balance to your closet. You'll still probably take lots of things you'll never get to use! If you are still not convinced, pack everything and walk around with your bags for a few minutes. If they feel too heavy, take out the unnecessary items.
Use every spare inch of the luggage space. Stuff hosiery into your shoes. Roll up sweaters and underwear to fit into the corners. Place heavy items on the bottom. Button shirts and dresses and fold close to the waist and seams. Don't pack liquids in glass containers; transfer them to plastic ones. Don't take anything fragile or perishable--carry them if you must. Carry medicines in your hand baggage.
A PACKING CHECK LIST
* A pair of comfortable walking shoes with nonskid soles.
* Electric (with converter-adapter) or battery operated appliances.
* A small flashlight, extra batteries, and nightlight.
* Bottle opener, corkscrew.
* A knife for room snacks. Don't carry the knife on your person.
* Face cloth.
* Extra set of luggage keys (not kept with your regular keys).
* Plenty of film (it's cheaper at home).
* A spare set of batteries for your camera.
* Travel alarm clock.
* Sewing kit.
* Moist towelettes in packages for quick freshening up en route.
* Nail polish remover pads not bottles.
* Plastic or string bags for shopping and dirty clothes.
* Diary or logbook to record your trip.
* Address Book for home and new addresses.
* Language dictionary and phrase book.
* Medicine kit, medical records, and prescriptions
PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
You may be tempted to take three or four lenses, tripods, several camera bodies--don't unless you are a serious photographer. You'll only regret being encumbered. If you carry valuable equipment of foreign manufacture, make sure you register it with the U.S. customs before leaving so that you are not charged duty on it when you return. Take plenty of film and extra camera batteries. If you don't have a film shield bag, don't let your film go through the X-ray machine at airports; hand it to the guard for manual inspection.
DRIVER'S LICENSES
Most countries will accept an international driver's license. You can obtain one before you depart at your local office of an automobile agency.
Best Regards........