If you are traveling abroad here are the top 10 tips you need to make your trip easier:

1. 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!

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

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

7. Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website . Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.

8. 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.

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

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

from the U.S. Department of State website

Comments(0)

ALWAYS check the U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings page before you travel. You will up to date information and guidance for your trip.

CURRENT TRAVEL WARNINGS

Comments(0)

1. There’s no blanket travel cancellation policy. Policies and contracts of carriage vary from airlines to airline, hotel to hotel, and change all the time. It’s best to check with your airline and hotel directly to find out what their current policies are before you go.

2. The closer you get to your departure date, the harder it is to change your policy.

3. Most hotels give full, or at least partial, refunds.

4. While it’s more complicated with airlines, many carriers do make attempts to accommodate passengers. In the past, many airlines have allowed passengers to change their tickets within a specific time frame in the case of a terrorism attack with “Peace of Mind” policies that allow passengers to rebook tickets free of charge, or receive credit for a future trip. It’s good business, and once one major airline allows changes, many follow suit.

5. Keep in mind that some airlines do not refund tickets purchased through a third-party discounter, or on the Internet through sites like Orbitz. Call the agency or packager you booked through first to see what’s possible.

6. Always make your travel purchases with a credit card. If a hotel or airline closes, you’ll be cover under the Fair Billing Act.

7. Consider buying insurance that covers war and acts of terrorism. If you already have insurance for your trip to London, read the fine print. Often you can cancel the trip and get a full refund.

8. For extra protection, always purchase travel insurance through a third party.

9. For traveling to London or any other international destination, expect to spend at least $200 to change your ticket, but contact the airline before your originally scheduled departure date. Changing tickets after the flight has left is much more complicated.

10. If you do decide to rebook your flight, be sure to find out the rules and regulations. Some airlines require that you make new reservations immediately, while others will allow you to rebook within a year.

Comments(0)

The Website of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions is a very helpful site for key information wherever you are travel abroad. It can give you specific contact information for every country in the world.

In addition it gives you issues and press information as needed for worldwide travel.

In the travel & business section there are tips, warnings and specific business concerns.

Comments(0)

Make 2007 the year for some new thrills and chills. Fodor’s recommends these ideas:

• Go on a Pirate Cruise

• Take a Safari
• Travel through a Costa Rican Wildlife Tour
• Set up a Road Trip
• Scuba Dive in Bonaire
• Are You a City Slicker?
• Australia’s Outback, the Frontier
• Seeing the Northern Lights
• Transylvania Vampire Hunting
• A Trip In To Space

Comments(0)