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Home > Consumer Focus Archive > Planning a Trip Abroad
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Consumer Focus: Planning a Trip Abroad |
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Planning a Trip Abroad
 Under today’s travel constraints, you won’t get very far without a current passport, so you’ll need to know how to obtain the first one, or renew an old one if yours is out of date. If you haven’t traveled since early 2006, changes in transportation airline safety regulations make it particularly important to refresh yourself on what to pack, and what to leave behind. Prepare for emergencies by making a checklist of papers to take with you. Know which papers to copy and leave in an organized file with a close friend or family member, in case they, or you, need to reference them while you’re gone. Advanced preparations made, and armed with the latest on-line travel information, as the plane leaves the tarmac, you’ll be ready to for a great trip.
Posted: May 1, 2006
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 Passport Information On-Line: First Time, or Renewal?
The U.S. Department of State provides clear, concise information for both first time passport applicants and those renewing old passports on-line. Anyone applying for the first time; whose passport was lost, stolen, or damaged; whose passport was issued
more than 15 years ago; those with a name change but without a legal document that formally changes the name; all must apply in person for a passport. This includes infants, and minor children aged 14 and below.
If your passport is undamaged and you received it within the last 15 years and if you were at least 16 years of age when it was last issued and if you still have the same name in which it was last issued (or you can document the legal name change), you can download the application form, and apply by mail for a passport renewal.
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 Safety-Conscious Packing
According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, “Safety begins when you pack.” Be sure to look on-line at the Transportation Security Administration’s revised list of permitted items. If you follow these tips before you take off and as you travel, you’ll be more comfortable. Here’s what’s recommended:
- Travel light. You’ll be less fatigued, and have less to attend or lose to thieves.
- For faster security checks, try to wear clothing without metal buckles, snaps or hidden metal, such as in underwire bras, as they can set off sensitive screening equipment, and cause embarrassing delays.
- Shoes that are easy to get on and off, have thin soles, and contain no metal cause the fewest problems during security checks.
- On long flights, consider wearing compression socks, available from most drug stores; or walk around on the flight to improve circulation if you’ve experienced leg fatigue or have varicose veins.
- In transit, use concealed pouches or money belts; wear a purse with straps that can be worn across the chest. Stash important papers among inside jacket and coat pockets.
- If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair.
- Tape complete contact information to the inside of all luggage; use covered luggage tags for outside identification. If you lock the luggage, use TSA accessible locks.
And remember, wherever you go, a wardrobe that is too casual or too flashy may scream “tourist” in another country. Travel modestly, and leave your “bling” at home. When you
reach a destination where you’ll be staying for a few days, ask to stash your passport, credit cards, and extra cash securely in the hotel safe.
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 Papers to Take With You
In addition to your own copy of each of the papers listed below, consider converting your cash to traveler’s checks. Make a list of the serial numbers, and as you cash each check, cross off its number from the list. Carry the list in a separate spot from your other valuables.
- Carry an extra set of passport photos and identifying numbers for each member of your party.
- Take a telephone calling card, and be sure to verify the access number to U.S. operators from the countries you will visit before you go.
- Carry travelers checks and only one or two major credit cards instead of cash; Don’t take your Social Security Card, library cards, voter registration, or grocery store cards that add bulk, but won’t be needed.
- Check with your health provider regarding on insurance coverage.
- Carry a copy of your health insurance identity card and a blank form.
- Carry a doctor’s letter attesting to any pre-existing medical conditions. Also have your doctor verify the need for any prescription medication if it contains narcotics; it may be considered illegal in another country.
- Take all medicines in their original bottles, and pack copies of all your prescriptions as well as the generic names for the drugs.
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 Papers to Leave Behind
Ask a family member or friend to keep an extra copy of the travel documents listed above and:
- your itinerary, including phone numbers, so you may be reached from home;
- legal documents such as power of attorney; an updated will, including provision for guardianship for any minor children;
- insurance documents, including coverage for loss or theft abroad;
- a copy of your passport identification page, driver’s license, airline tickets, and the two main credit cards.
NOTE: Since the 1-800 number on the credit cards will be useless abroad, notify each company of the places you’ll be traveling. Just in case, ask how to report a stolen card from outside the U.S.
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 Anticipating Emergencies
The State Department recommends you register your trip with the embassies in the countries you’ll be visiting, especially if you’re planning to stay two weeks or longer. While you’re at it, go on-line and print out the continuously updated Consular Information Sheets on each country, and region. When you open the page, you’ll note the sidebar on the left provides a list of links regarding regional health and safety issues, and how to cope with a crisis, death, or emergency in a foreign country. You might consider buying a short-term travelers’ insurance policy that includes evacuation in case of a serious accident or illness. Remember, too, that Medicare does not pay for hospitalization outside the U.S.
Forethought, good planning, and up-to-date information can combine with a pleasant itinerary to reduce stress in an unpredictable world.
Happy Travels! |
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Other Resources
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