Before You Go...

Check the World Travelers Of America Online Website to see if there are any travel alerts that will effect your trip. 

Make sure you have a signed, valid passport (and visas, if required). Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. 

Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.

If you plan to stay abroad for more than two weeks, upon arrival you should notify by phone or register in person with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.  This will facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you.

To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.

Get travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate.  Check with your local insurance agent who provides insurance coverage for your house, they will often cover your personal belongings while you are on vacation.

Take photographs of everything you are taking on your trip, especially electronic merchandise, camera equipment, etc.  These photos can be used as an inventory if you do need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Get a good guidebook and get to know your destination. Find out about local laws and customs. 

Check what vaccinations you need at least 6 weeks before you go. 

Check to see if you need to take extra health precautions 

Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details – leave copies with family and friends. 

Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds (travellers checks sterling or US dollars.)

Leave a copy of your itinerary and a way of contacting you such as e-mail, with family and friends.

Tell friends and family where you are going and don't hesitate to contact them if trouble flares up. 

Take enough money for your trip.

Check the validity, expiry dates and cash available on your credit or debit card(s). 

Have a return ticket, or enough money to buy one. 

If you have a cell phone, call your service provider and see if the area you are traveling to is covered for service.  If not you may want to have the phone enabled for your trip (this can take up to 14 days) or you might want to rent an international cell phone for your journey.