Pre-Travel Preparations

• Take a dictionary and notes phrase book. It can be useful.
  
  
• Use a durable ID card inside of your luggage to help return it if lost while travelling. Over 90% of lost luggage stays lost because the airline, cruiseship or whatever staff can't identify the owners in order to return it.
  
  
• When you first start to plan for your trip, check the expiration date of your passport and, if necessary, send it in for renewal. You can renew a US passport by mail 1 year before it expires and 2 years after it expires. Check for any advance-application visas for countries you are planning to visit. Usually, you have to send your passport in with the visa application. I have seen people turned away at the airport check-in desk with expired or soon-to-expire passports. Many countries will not let you enter if your passport is within a few months of the expiry date.
  
  
• When going by plane, always find out the number of the terminal that you will be flying out of. Large airports such as LAX have many terminals, and the larger airlines are in more than one terminal. In some cases, like Dallas, those terminals are a half-mile apart. Got your running shoes on?
  
  
• I find it inadvisable to use the padlocks supplied with suitcases. I usually buy one a little more sturdy. Keep the key(s) in your carry-on luggage.
  
  
• Hole-punch all of your information for your trip (and make copies of anything you'll need), organize it by what you'll need chronologically, and place it in a slim, bright, lightweight soft-side plastic binder. It's very easy to find in your carry bag, and you can easily flip through to find your itinerary, the address of the hotel you're going to, the phone number of the person you're supposed to hook up with, etc.
  
  
• Instead of only photocopying all your important documents and carrying them with you, scan everything and e-mail the scans to your e-mail account as attachments. Use a free e-mail account such as hotmail.com so you can access your documents from anywhere in the world.
  
  
• Rent a GSM (Global System for Mobiles) wireless phone before you leave the United States. US phones do not work in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. For as little as $8 a day, you can have one phone, with one number, that will work in over 92 countries worldwide. These are great for the business traveller, families leaving the kids at home, or anyone who just wants to stay in touch.
  
  
• If you will be renting a vacation condo or house, call ahead to see what housekeeping supplies they provide. Many resorts and condo companies do NOT provide the basics. You can order a vacation kit ahead of time that has everything you need for a week (dishwasher detergent, soap, toilet tissue, paper towels, etc.), in it plus some coffee, cookies, and popcorn. The kits cost $15 (including shipping and applicable tax).
  
  
• Being able to speak just a few words of a foreign language can help you get more from your holiday or business trip, yet learning a language takes too long and you can never find what you want quickly enough in a phrase book. Instead, why not
  
• Keep a cosmetic bag packed to go. If something is running low, leave a note in it to replenish the supplies upon your return. Also, on an index card list everything you need for a trip, and keep it handy for each trip. That way, you won't find yourself stranded in Podunk without underwear. You don't have to put clothes in plastic dry cleaner bags, just place the bags between clothes to save on wrinkles.
  
  
• Go to a copy machine, take everything out of your wallet, put it on the copy machine, and copy it (front and back) twice. Leave one set home and store the second in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is ever stolen, you will know exactly what you have lost and will have all the telephone numbers to call to cancel credit cards and the credit card numbers, etc. at your fingertips.
  
  
• If you are driving to your destination, pack a carepack days ahead of time, so you will not have to worry about it at the last minute. Include things such as heat packs that you shake to heat up so if you get tired or in case of an emergency, you just shake, wait till they heat, and pop them in your shoes, clothes, pockets, or just under a blanket. They will keep you toasty. Also, include a blanket, jug of water, socks, sweatshirt, flashlight, matches, crackers, and other boxed items, flares, a can opener, canned food, toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste, magazines, Tylenol, and whatever you think you might need. Also, it is important to pack a few extra pills or any type of medication you or your children might be taking at the time just to be safe.
  
  
• When planning to write friends back home from another city or abroad, create mailing labels on your computer. Not only do they come in handy on the trip - but for holidays as well. This saves space for an address book. Also, use an extra check register for keeping up with your travel purchases. Start with a budget and charge (or spend) down to a zero balance. This keeps track of purchases as well as questions asked by customs.
  
  
• Before leaving on a trip, make sure that you give all travel information not only to the people or place you'll be staying at, but also several close family and friends where you live. If anything should happen while traveling, multiple people know where you are and have a better chance of getting a hold of you and others who might need to reach you.
  
  
• When going away, make sure you cancel all newspapers, pay bills before you go, and get someone to look after your house - give them the spare key, and ask them to clear your mail. Also, if possible, park a car in your driveway if you are taking your car with you.
  
  
• With all of the media attention concerning airport crime and luggage theft, I realized that your worst enemy is having a plain, non-descript suitcase or carry-on bag. This may not be a tip for everyone, but if you like being a little avante-garde and/or you have creative inclinations, you may want to try it. I purchased a soft-side set of new luggage ... plain, black, and very, very inconspicuous. I decided to go ahead and utilize my creative talents and some craft paint, and have decorated the luggage with various ivy, climbing flowers, etc. You could do this either free-hand or with stencils. This is something you're creating that's uniquely you, makes it very easy to spot when you claim your luggage, and best of all it's a deterrent to thieves - as they would have a terrible time making off with such a conspicuous looking bag! Again, this is a personal decision, but I think if it's tastefully done it can make plain old luggage into something beautiful and safe!
  
  
• I like to pre-address labels for those people to whom I plan to send a postcard. Then I don't have to spend time addressing at my destination, where there are so many more interesting things to do.
  
  
• When travelling abroad by plane always take a pen with you. During the journey you will need to fill in customs formulations before landing - and if you don't have one you will have to wait until someone else or the airhostess lends you a pen.
  
  
• Before travelling abroad I print up a quantity - about 6 - credit card size cards which I laminate. These cards will carry information on important telephone numbers, insurance policy numbers, flight numbers, travellers' cheque numbers, etc. These cards can then be placed in wallets, baggage, and clothing. Should I run into difficulty I then have the necessary info in a variety of places - and being credit card size they will not take up masses of space.
  
  
• When taking a purse or wallet, only take two credit cards and Driver's ID and only necessary business cards. Leave ALL other credit cards at home and always write down the credit card numbers you're taking with you and place them elsewhere in your luggage in case your purse or wallet is stolen. Also write down important phone numbers of people to contact in case of any emergency (doctor, dentist, pharmacist, credit card companies, etc.) and put them elsewhere in your luggage. They can be a life saver!
  
  
• Before travelling photocopy passport, credit cards, driver's license, vaccination certificates, even airline tickets and travellers' cheques. Keep the copies with a friend at home who has a fax machine. I had all my documents stolen on the last day of a trip to North Africa and had my secretary fax my passport copy to the Embassy - who were able to issue me with a full replacement passport in 24 hours, instead of 7 days! You can always travel with a second set of photocopies -but pack them separately from your passport etc.!
  
  
• If you're planning a longer stay overseas it might be a good idea to get a cash card from a bank. Once overseas you can withdraw money from your account periodically. You won't have to carry lots of money around, and you'll also save on the exchange rates that change all the time.
  
  
• Before you go on your trip, be sure to find out a little bit about your destination. Not the usual tourist attractions, but transportation and things like that. Try and talk to some of the locals (the internet is good) about dress standards, off-the-track places to visit, etc. It is amazing the number of American tourists who come to Sydney thinking it's all kangaroos and Opera Houses, only to hit the CBD and be surrounded by Prada-wearing power-mongering executives.
  
  
• Sew or iron on some Velcro to the pockets of your swimming shorts - and your loose change, keys etc. stay safe while you swim. Can also be used in trousers to stop pickpockets.
  
  
• If you're going to a popular tourist attraction, buy your film at home! It usually costs a lot less than say, Disneyland, or Washington, D.C. or any other big vacation spot.
  
  
• If you take trips that require any special wardrobe or equipment, keep it all in a duffle bag so that when the time comes, it is already packed and ready to go. For example, I have a ski bag that includes ski sweaters, hat & gloves, ski socks, thermals, goggles, etc. It saves a lot of mornings of buying equipment at the mountain at inflated prices.
  
  
• Several days before leaving, make up a checklist of everything you need to take. Start with morning things (medications, shower necessities, etc.) and mentally go through and write down everything you will need for a day. Don't forget things like a clock, camera, laundry soap, etc. You can keep this list on your computer and pull it up whenever you need it.
  
  
• If You Are From the United States: If you aren't changing all your Dollars to the currency you need overseas before you leave, make sure you have the new American bills with you. Many overseas banks will no longer accept the old $100s or $20s due to conterfeiting.
  
  
• Always carry lots of quarters and dimes. A used film canister works very well. You never know when you will need to catch the bus or train or make a pay phone phonecall.
  
  
• On most trips we collect business cards, receipts, and other small pieces of paper. I take a UPS International Manifest envelope which is really a ZIP LOCK bag with adhesive on the back and glue it inside a file folder (You could always use a one gallon Zip Lock bag and attached it to the folder). This way all of the papers remain secure, in one place, that I can easily find upon return. In addition, the folder holds larger items such as maps, menus, larger photos, etc. that we may collect. Once home, the receipts are removed, and all other materials remain in the folder, labeled and filed for future reference. This also helps me assist others going to the same area. I merely retrieve the folder with all of our maps, menus, hotels, etc.
  
  
• Paint your bags with big, bright designs - much easier to identify and less likely to be duplicated than a ribbon or elastic band; also, less likely to be stolen because you look like a cheap, bohemian artist or something. If your bag rips, sew it up, and then patch it with duct tape. The duct tape is waterproof, and makes your bag still more identifiable and less likely to be robbed. If you can't afford a new bag, how can you have anything of value in it, right?
  
  
• Make sure your will and personal papers are all in order. If something were to happen to you while traveling, it's good for your family and heirs to know where your will is, where your insurance papers are kept, where the safe deposit box keys are, etc.
  
  
• Eat yogurt two weeks before you leave - this builds up a "friendly" bacteria in your system and you can then tolerate more things. Drink bottled water and no ice. (Better hotels have their own ice making that uses purified water). In third world countries only eat cooked food or fruit that can be peeled (bananas or oranges) - raw food (salads, etc.) may not have been cleaned properly.
  
  
• A great tip for tent campers! Cooking is always hard for the tent camper. An easy solution is a griddle. It's all you need to cook your bacon, eggs, burgers, hotdogs, toast, pancakes, hot sandwiches - and a lot more! It's small and easy to pack. Get rid of your bulky propane portable stove.
  
  
• Create a list of all your travellers' check numbers. Keep this entirely separate from the actual documents so that if they are lost/stolen you will have immediate reference to the correct information.
  
  
• Be sure all of your shots are up to date, and have extra medication in case you are delayed on your return home.
  
  
• Here is a site that sells foreign currency online. You pay with a credit card, and they deliver the cash by registered mail. I've always been a believer in buying foreign currency before a trip - I hate to waste my precious travel time searching for a bank, waiting in line, etc. - so buying currency over the web sounded like an even easier way to go. Sending cash by registered mail may sound a little odd, but it's on the level - my cash was delivered in 3 days with no problems. They seem to offer just about every currency in the world, and it's the ultimate in convenience.
  
  
• Americans - when you are coming to Canada, have your money converted to Canadian dollars in the USA - you get a better deal!
  
  
• It's really fun to travel with a Polaroid camera every now and again. When I meet folks I'd like to thank for their kindness or service I give them a photo. Despite all my good intentions I've found that I can't always get around to making prints and sending them back. Handing the photo over immediately feels great! This is also a good idea for folks who like to take pictures of locals. It's a great trade: you get your shot with your fancy 35 mm and they get a Polaroid in return. It's an extra expense and one more thing to lug around but seeing the smiles on people's faces as they watch their shot develop in front of their eyes makes it all worth it. Be sure to keep the photo away from the reach of kids while it's developing though; I've had shots nearly destroyed by the enthusiasm of little hands snatching it from one another to have a look.
  
  
• Tip for Overseas Travelers: When traveling to a country that requires a VISA (i.e., China), look carefully at the effective dates; countries outside the US use the date format day/month/year. This is especially critical early in the year. If you show up in the wrong month you may not be allowed to enter the country.
  
  
• Always carry wet naps in your bags, and tissue paper. A long cord is useful for a clothesline if you need to wash something and hang it overnight to dry.
  
  
• Have a photocopy made of your passport ID page and airline tickets before you embark on your trip. Keep them somewhere other than with the passport and tickets. You should probably photocopy your credit cards also. If you lose either, the photocopy will expedite getting replacements.
  
  
• Bring lots of single dollar bills for tips during endless airport transfers, hotels, and courtesy busses.
  
  
• Determine departure taxes and put the necessary funds in an envelope with your airline tickets to avoid the last minute hassle of getting the correct amount ready. If you arrive in Vancouver, Canada at 11:50 p.m. and change planes to leave at 12:20 a.m. (30 minute stopover), you have to pay a departure tax - so it isn't only in third world countries.
  
  
• Photocopy the pages of travel books relevant to the area you are visiting rather than take entire books, to cut down on weight.
  
  
• Photocopy all your travel arrangements and leave them with a friend or relative so that they can reach you at any point along your journey in case of an emergency.
  
  
• If you plan to send postcards, bring pre-addressed labels; much lighter than an address book.
  
  
• Before leaving home photocopy all your credit cards, ID, and travel documents and leave a copy with your housesitter or someone reliable.

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