The Great Escape: Planning Your Vacation Adventure
Need a break from the daily grind? A
vacation may be just what you need. Or maybe you have already begun thinking
about where you want to travel in the upcoming summer months. Whatever your
plans, start making them now. Remember passport regulations have changed. Be sure to check to see if you will need one for your destination. Planning ahead can help you get the best deals on
airfares and accommodations. And it gives you time to prepare for a vacation of
a lifetime. Here are some tips to make your trip a fun, safe, and memorable
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Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
If you are traveling abroad, a good first
step is to check out the
State Department's Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets. Warnings are issued when
the State Department determines that Americans should avoid travel to a
particular country. The Consular Information Sheets include information about
the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country, health
conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry
regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties. For health
information on the country you are traveling to, visit the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers' Health web site .
The site includes destination-specific health information on infectious
diseases and vaccinations. You can also find food and water safety tips and a
Traveler Checklist outlining everything from traveling with special needs
children to insect protection and travel medical emergencies.
Traveling with disabilities may present
an extra challenge. Find useful tips and links on traveling with disabilities
at the AARP's web site. This site also offers valuable tips on traveling with grandchildren and
highlights interesting travel spots. |
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 Travel Troubles
Let's face it, sometimes your travel
experience may not be smooth sailing. Luckily, there are plenty of places to
turn if your last trip was not exactly your dream vacation. The
Department of Transportation's
(DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Division web site features the
Air Travel Consumer Report, which focuses on common consumer complaints.
You can also find a toll-free number to voice your concerns about airline
problems and links to DOT travel-related publications.
Find out your rights as an air-traveler
on the web site for the
American Society of Travel Agents. The site offers the Air Travelers Bill of
Rights in addition to tips on how to avoid travel scams. Use its resource
section to find more information and tips on what to pack, where to go and the
weather at your vacation destination. |
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Baggage Tips for Flying
Thinking of taking to the friendly skies for
your next vacation? Nothing can be more troubling when you are on
a trip than worrying about your luggage. Here are some tips on keeping
your personal property safe.
- Pack light and tight - use a few pieces of
luggage packed tightly (without forcing luggage to close).
- Carry travel documents, medication, jewelry,
traveler's checks and other valuables in hand-carried luggage.
- Check with airline for specific baggage guidelines.
- Unlock all bags, or use a TSA accepted lock; also remove old destination
and I.D. tags before you check baggage.
- Put I.D. on both the inside and outside of
luggage.
- Coats, umbrellas, reading material, small
purses, and items to assist with disabilities are generally not
counted as carry-on items.
- Backpacks, laptops, large purses, and briefcases
might be counted as carry-on on crowded flights.
- Place liquid toiletries in small bottles
and don't fill to the top (contents expand under pressure), then
place in heavy sealed plastic bags in case of leaks.
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 Other
Resources
This is just a brief overview. For
more information on travel check out these resources from FCIC and
on the World Wide Web:
Publications
Available for Viewing from FCIC:
Publications
Available for Ordering from FCIC:
Web Sites*:
*If you click
on these links, you are leaving FCIC's web site. Please bookmark
us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible
for the content of these web sites.
April 2000
Revised: December 2005 |
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For more information on
other popular consumer issues check out FCIC's
Consumer Focus Archive. |
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