Traveling Tips

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What type of research should I do before I travel?

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What additional research should I do when planning foreign travel?

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Find out if you will need a passport to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, extend it, if you are close to expiration.
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Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.
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Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.
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Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
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Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates and checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
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Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.
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Build some basic language skills in the local language.
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Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.

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What should I consider when shopping for new luggage?

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What should I pack in my carry-on luggage?

* A passport, for all travel outside the U.S. and identification purposes.
* Wallet
* Driver's License and/or other proper photo identification required for domestic travel.
* Insurance cards for both your medical and automobile insurance
* Credit cards
* Travelers checks
* Coupons
* Airline, Cruise or Train tickets
* Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying
* Travel brochures and maps
* Lots of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping opportunities
* A small amount of local currency for immediate use to hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange, if you're planning foreign travel.

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What is the best way to carry my medications?

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Carry them in your carry-on since it will be less likely to be lost than your checked luggage. Your carry-on will also do less harm to temperature-sensitive medication.
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Carry your medication in their original bottles to help avoid security questions.
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Bring along the generic names of your medications since brand names can vary.
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If you have any questionable drugs or particularly large supplies, you might want to bring a letter from your doctor stating you have a legal right to use these drugs.
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If you are traveling outside the United States, check to see what you can take with you. Something legal here might be illegal elsewhere. It could get dumped, or you could get dumped in jail.

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How can I avoid damaging my film?

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What should I do with my valuables?

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How can I keep my items neat in my luggage?

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How can I avoid wrinkles?

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Don't over pack your bags.
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Travel with clothing that is less likely to wrinkle.
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Roll up T-shirts or underwear and wrap your items around them at a fold line. This will help keep a crease from forming.
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Take the proper size luggage for your trip. Too big a bag will allow your items to move around and make damage and wrinkles more likely.
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Button the buttons on shirts so items will hang properly.
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Use plastic dry cleaner bags between items. Make sure the dry cleaner bags do not have any advertising printed on them. The ink can rub off and end up on your clothes.
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Unpack as soon as possible.
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Hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower to help steam out the wrinkles.

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How can I avoid losses on my trip?

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How can I pack light and still have everything I need?

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Things to Carry on Your Person

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How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?

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Should I use my credit card when I travel?

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Should I use my ATM card while traveling?