1. Don’t forget to bring a working travel document with your signature if it is needed. Additionally, make sure to fill in your passport’s emergency information page before you go! You should always have a color copy of your passport and visa information and you should always keep it with you. By doing this, your passport can be secured in the hotel room safe in your room.
2. Look over all of the data on the consular information sheets. (This includes Travel Alerts and Public Message Announcements, if they apply.) For any country on your travel itinerary. They are available for anyone to use at the travel website of the U.S. State Department. You can register your trip at the same site.
3. Provide family or friends at home with copies of your travel itinerary, passport and visas so that they can reach you in the event of emergency.
4. It is of great importance that you have invested in insurance that meets any emergency medical needs, which might arise (this includes medical evacuation) during the time that you are abroad. If you are bringing medication with you, make sure that you also bring copies of your prescriptions.
5. Wherever you travel, be familiar with the local laws and customs of the country you will be in. Don’t forget to follow the local laws when you are in any foreign country. Some things may be illegal in one country and legal in another. Research it prior to going.
6. Two important reminders when traveling are; not to accept any item from a stranger, and leaving your baggage in a unattended area. Criminal drug runners and burglars might pick you as their mark. Report anything you think is suspicious and remain on your guard.
7. When traveling abroad, don’t use illicit drugs, don’t get drunk, and don’t associate with people who do. For example, a little marijuana possession may be a misdemeanor where you live, but might be a Class I felony in a country you travel to. You don’t want to spend 10 - 20 years in prison abroad. Never even think about doing drugs while in another country.
8. To avoid becoming a target for thieves, don’t wear flashy clothes or expensive jewelry and only carry a small amount of cash and one credit card. Dress in plain jeans and tops.
9. To avoid breaking local laws, always use authorized agents to exchange money. Your best options are currency exchanges and banks. Money changers on the street or in the black market may be illegal.
10. When in a foreign country, do not expose yourself to situations that may get out of hand or where anti-American sentiments may be aired. Unless it is absolutely necessary, stay away from government buildings and embassies. You can provide the embassy with the means by which to contact you via phone or e-mail by registering through the state department’s travel website.
As long as you use common sense, you will have a wonderful trip.
Joyce Lewis is an international traveler and travel researcher. She shares her insight about travel in her blog, Easy Luxury Vacations
Her new ebook, Luxury Cruising How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Fun is a complete guide to planning and taking an affordable cruise vacation.
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