TRAVELING FAR, FAR AWAY...
Tips for first time international travelers:

A far away destination can be an incredible experience. You will be exposed to different cultures, climates and ways of life. You get to see the world in a whole new way and meet exciting people in their home environment. However, traveling those long distances can take its toll. Here are a few key pointers to help you make the most of your destination.

DOCUMENTATION

Each country has different entry requirements. Some allow you to stay for 90 days while others limit it to one week. Ensure that you have understood the requirements and get started on your documentation as soon as possible. Things can get lost in the mail and workers do go on vacation. Give yourself as much time as you can- your nerves will thank you.

PASSPORT SAVVY

Make sure your passport is current, accurate, and has not expired. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports. To apply for a new passport or to renew a passport, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Safeguard your passport in an inconspicuous, inaccessible place , and keep a copy of the critical pages with your passport number in a separate place. If you lose your passport, visit the nearest consulate of your native country as soon as possible for a replacement.

VISA SAVVY

A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country. A visa does not guarantee entry, that decision remains the right of the immigration officials of the country concerned. The immigration laws of most countries do not have provision for appeal. Some countries ask visitors to present return tickets and evidence of funds sufficient to cover the intended stay. Others have mandatory currency exchange regulations on entry. Check to see if you require a Visa for the country outside the US which you are visiting, most Visas can now be obtained on the internet with a 24-28 hour turnaround response time. If you are planning a holiday visit or a short business trip, you will need to apply for either a Visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). An ETA will let you spend up to three months in another country.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

It is essential to check Current Travel Warnings when planning a trip abroad. Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. Go to http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings_current.html for more information.

IMMUNIZATIONS
If you are planning to travel outside of the United States, especially to the developing areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America, a consultation with a Travel Medicine Specialist is advised to obtain a physical and appropriate immunization shots required to enter that country. Just as each country has different entry requirements, they may also have different immunization suggestions. This may also depend where you travel within a given country. Also, if you are planning on backpacking into the great unknown it is definitely a good idea to get the right shots. True, they can be expensive but most of them last a long time. Get it done the first time you go and you just might be ready for any other future travels you may have on your agenda.

VIRUS CHECKS

Some airports outside the US may screen arriving passengers for virus' such as SARS, this is normally done via a noninvasive thermal scan.

BAGGAGE

If you are traveling on multiple airlines, check the baggage allowances on each airline to avoid excess baggage fees.

TRAVEL VOLTAGE CONVERTERS

There are travelers that cannot live without their shavers, straighteners or blow dryers. Buy your adaptor before you go. Chances of you finding one at your destination will be slim. I mean really, why would they have an adaptor for their own country? And if you do happen to find one you just know the price is going to be way beyond average.

CURRENCY/CREDIT CARDS

Check if the currency is different that the US dollar, and make sure you exchange some currency if it is as soon as possible. Check to see what credit cards your destination accepts, some countries do not accept American Express or the Discover card. Check your credit card company to see if they have surcharges when traveling outside the US. Several major credit card companies are charging 2 percent fees on purchases made outside the United States on top of the 1 percent currency exchange fees long levied by Visa and MasterCard. You might be able to travel in the USA or Canada with your ATM card but when you travel far away those 3 letters just might not mean a whole lot. It is essential that you have a credit card on hand, if only to have for emergency purposes. Make sure you also check around to get the most bang for your exchange. Airports are notorious for charging extra fees so it is best to go to a bank or a business that specializes in currency exchange.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Leave all medicine in its original, labeled container to avoid problems with customs officials. Do not try to save luggage space by combining medications into a single container. It is mandatory that the name on the prescription matches the name on your passport or other ID.

SAFETY TIPS WHEN TRAVELING TO UNDER-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES:

	Try to only carry around about $30.00 cash and 1 credit card with you, keep the rest in a safe place.
	Wear subdued clothing, no bright colors. Try to blend in and not appear so "touristy".
	Leave your big jewelry at home or keep it in a safe place.
	Do on online crime search on your destination when planning your trip. Also check travel advisories or warnings before you go.