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| Before You Go ~ Invaluable Tips from the Experts |
Millions of U.S. citizens travel abroad each year and use their U.S.
passports. When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor
that you will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, things
don't always go as planned. Here are some steps recommended by the
U.S. State Department to help minimize unpleasant experiences abroad:
WHAT TO BRING
Safety begins when you pack. To avoid being a target, dress
conservatively. A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark
you as a tourist. As much as possible, avoid the appearance of
affluence.
Always try to travel light. If you do, you can move more quickly and
will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less
tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and
plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit
cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to
carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several
places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid
handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets which are easy targets for
thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn
across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to
carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines
you need in your carry-on luggage.
To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in
their original, labeled containers. Bring a copy of your prescriptions
and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or
contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your
need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of
carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or
consulate of that country first.
Bring travelers checks and one or two major credit cards instead of
cash.
Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your
passport information page to make replacement of your passport easier
in the event it is lost or stolen.
Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of
each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual
observation of your identity or nationality and if possible, lock
your luggage.
Consider getting a telephone calling card. It is a convenient way of
keeping in touch. If you have one, verify that you can use it from
your overseas location(s). Access numbers to U.S. operators are
published in many international newspapers. Find out your access
number before you go.
WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND
Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:
~ Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry
~ Irreplaceable family objects
~ All unnecessary credit cards
Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case
they need to contact you in an emergency.
A FEW THINGS TO BRING AND LEAVE BEHIND
Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline
tickets, drivers license and the credit cards that you plan to
bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or
friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you
carry your valuables.
Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers checks with a
friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate
place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list. |
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