linksandtips

General International Travel Tips

1. Passports - check to see that it will not expire until 6 months after your trip. For all passport and other travel
     issues, go to: www.travel.state.gov.

2. Passenger information forms - If requred by your cruiseline or tour company, mail or submit on line.

3. Baggage restrictions and early check in. Check with your airline (phone or website) to see their policies. Also
     confirm your flight 24 hours ahead of departure. Make sure your luggage is clearly identified and pack any
     valuables and medications in your carry-on bag

4. Take along:
     Comfortable walking shoes
     Extra pair of eyeglasses (or prescription)
     Prescription medication bottles
     Passports and copies of your passport info pages (also have copies of your credit cards carried separately)
     Credit card customer service phone number
     Travel insurance emergency phone number
     Washcloth in a ziploc bag if you want one (some hotels don't provide)
     Immodium
     Address book & phone numbers

5. Know your medical insurance coverage outside the U.S. - Check on coverage of ultra-expensive medical
     evacuation or repartration of remains. Protection of your vacation investment is an essential part of your travel
     planning to avoide the possibility of huge expenses, and to travel with peace of mind. See Travel Insurance

6. Use a credit card ATM to get local currency - know your credit card network (probably PLUS or CIRRUS),
     your credit card PIN # because it will be necessary to make ATM cash withdrawals. Take a couple of major "paid-
     down" credit cards. Always have some local currency. NOTE: Let your credit card company know you are traveling
     out of the county!

7. Be sensitive to the local culture - you are the foreigner and a guest in their country.

8. Make sure your cell-phone will work overseas - if it does, find out what the per minute charge is. Also know
     your email address and password

Lost Luggage

1. Lost Luggage report - don't leave the airport without filling one out, and include a copy of your itinerary.

2. Report your lost or delayed luggage to your cruise or tour management.

3. Pack some extra clothing items in your carry on bag in case your luggage is lost. (your travel insurance will help
     you get new clothes)

Travel Scams

1. Beware of close crowds and unusual public distractions. Many thefts involve someone asking you for help (i.e.
     directions, etc.) Beware of engaging in unexpected conversations, especially from anyone flashing a badge.

Before You Leave On Vacation

1. Read up on your destinatons

2. Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member at home

3. Pay your bills and stop your mail and newspaper

U. S. Government Travel Sites

www.travel.state.gov. - passports, visas, much more helpful and accurate info.
www.tsa.gov. - baggage, carry-on restrictions, security issues, etc.

Rick Steeves Travel Tips

www.ricksteves.com/plan - There is a huge amount of information here. Rick's specialty is Europe, but most of these practical tips apply anywhere.

Airline Flight Tracking

www.flightstats.com - Airport information and visual flight tracking
www.swisstrains.ch - Not an airline tracking site, but it's amazing! See every train in the Swiss Rail System in real time!

Christian Travel

www.christianhospitality.com - HOME TO HOME specializes in providing a directory network that enables members to freely open their homes with Christian hospitality to other traveling members and to receive the same free hospitality when they choose to travel. A full-year membership is less than the cost of one night's stay in a hotel room.

www.ccca.org - Christian camps and conferences