TIPS FOR TRAVELING

OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Most of the following may not apply to the large tourist areas of the Caribbean and or Mexico; however, if you are traveling to places beyond the resort areas, please take note!

 

HEALTH

 

Is it safe to drink the water?

This depends on your destination.  Most places in Canada, Europe, and other developed countries treat their tap water, making it as safe as it is here in the United States.  If in doubt about any place, don’t take risks.  If you are in a place with kitchen facilities, boil your water for at least one minute.  That will kill bacterias, viruses, and parasites.  Bottled water is the next best alternative, but check the seal when purchasing.  If there are any signs that the seal has been broken, do not trust it!

 

What about prescription medicines?

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does allow liquid prescription medicines as well as some over-the-counter liquid medications if they are necessary for your medical condition.  You must declare these to the TSA officer, and you should take them out of your carry-on to show this officer.  Keep each prescription in its original prescription bottle or container.  More information is available at www.tsa.gov.  Click on the tab that says “For travelers”.

 

What inoculations, if any, will I need?

This varies from country to country, so the best bet is to check it out at the Center for Disease Control.  Their web site is www.cdc.gov/travel.  It’s a wealth of information for this and other topics.

 

Do I really need insurance?

Your health plan will generally not cover you while you are out of the country.  You should evaluate the risks of the proposed trip and your general health.  Travel insurance covers not only you in the case of illness, but also covers you if a family member were to take ill or even die.  Many insurances also cover you in the event there is turmoil in the area you are planning to visit.  Some will cover you for pre-existing conditions, but most often that policy must be purchased shortly after your first deposit.  If you are planning an adventure vacation where there is even the slightest possibility that you could be injured, travel insurance can cover the cost of medical evacuation.  Insurance will also cover lost baggage and travel delays.  There are many types of policies and you should talk to your travel agent about which is best for you

 

What if I have a medical emergency while I am away?

Carry a list of your medicines as well as your blood type, allergies, medical conditions, and any special requirements.  Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet if you have recurring problems.

 

SAFETY

 

What about safety when I am abroad?

It is highly recommended that you register your itinerary and emergency contacts with the State Department before traveling.  You can do this at http://travelregistration.state.gov.  You will need to give them your passport number and expiration date.  One important note: your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months after your return.  If you should find yourself a victim of crime, contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy.  They will help you file a crime report, contact your family, and even put you in touch with an English-speaking lawyer.  Be sure you have all of this information before leaving home.

 

What if my passport is lost or stolen?

Before you leave, make copies of your passport and your itinerary.  Leave these with friends, family, and/or your travel agent, and carry one with you in a place separate from the original.  Report the loss immediately to the nearest Consulate or Embassy, then either give them your copy of the passport or have the copy of your passport faxed to them.  This will expedite the process of getting a new one.

 

Is identity theft a problem?

Many unscrupulous people are looking for ways to enter the United States illegally.  Guard your passport by keeping it in a neck safe, under your clothing.  Don’t put your home address on your luggage – just your name and contact number.  Keep your airline ticket stubs in a safe place so that they can be thrown away when you return home.  The stub could show a thief the dates you will be away from home.

 

LUGGAGE

 

What are the restrictions of size and weight?

This is changing almost daily, so it is best to check the airline’s website before you begin packing.  Generally, within the United States, you can take only one piece of luggage per person, plus a carry-on.  The checked bag must weigh fifty pounds or under.  You then must measure the length, the width, and the height of the bag and add these measurements.  This total must be 61 inches or less.  You will be charged for extra bags, extra weight, or larger sizes.  Most airlines have added a fee to check in any bag, but this does not apply to international flights.

 

What if my bags do not reach my destination?

There are some preliminary things you can do to improve your chances of getting your luggage.

1)      Remove all old tags from previous trips.  Leaving them on could cause confusion.

2)      Put your name and cell-phone number on both the outside and inside of the bag.  A copy of your itinerary inside the bag will also aid in getting the bag to you at your destination.

3)      Photograph each bag and take a copy with you.  It aids in finding it if lost.

4)      Make a list of the contents of each bag.  Include brand names, sizes, etc.

5)      Put a unique marker, ribbon, etc. on your bag for quick identification.  Many bags look alike.  Check to be sure that the checked luggage tag corresponds with the one on your bag.

6)      Allow at least two hours between connecting flights

7)      The telephone number for Bag Track is 800-826-1300

8)      Before you leave the airport, fill out a lost baggage form available from the airline.  If the airline declares the luggage lost, you will have to file a claim for reimbursement.  (Travel insurance will also help here!)  The airlines will usually put a cap of $3000 per traveler.

 

How can I be certain that no one has opened my bags?

We recommend that you purchase TSA-approved locks.  The security officers have a master key that will open these locks.  A green dot, on the front of the lock, will turn red if someone has opened your bag.  TSA officials are required to put a note in any piece of luggage that has been opened.  These locks can be bought at many stores that sell luggage.  Locally, they can be purchased at Boscovs, Walmart, Radio Shack, Target, and other such places. 

 

What can I put in my carry-on and in my checked bags?

This is well explained at the TSA website: www.tsa.gov.  Remember that the benchmark for liquids is three ounces.  This means that the container must be three ounces or less.  You cannot put three ounces of liquid in a four-ounce container or it will be thrown away.  All liquids must be put in a quart-size zip top bag.  Take this out of your carry-on and check it through separately.  Common sense will pretty much dictate what goes in your checked bag, but the above website has a complete list.