International Travel Tips

Before You Go

	Check your passport to assure it is not expired or expiring while traveling. Your travel consultant will advise you of any entry requirements of your destination countries.
	We suggest that you make two photocopies of your airline itinerary, passport ID, driver’s license and any credit cards you plan to take. Leave a copy of each with a family member or at your office in case of any emergency situations. Keep the other copies with you in a safe place. Should you lose your passport, these copies will be helpful to facilitate replacement.
	Check your health insurance to make sure you are covered for medical emergencies while traveling. Your travel consultant will inform you if immunizations or vaccinations are needed so you can see your doctor prior to travel. Packing a first-aid kit is always a good idea, too.
	Label all baggage inside and out with your name and a number where you can be reached. Placing your business card in the luggage tag holder is safer than using your home address.

Avoid Jet Lag

	The most important measures an individual can take to avoid jet lag are:
	Allow plenty of time to sleep and rest at your new location in order to compensate for reduced sleep quality and make the adjustment period easier.
	Adopt local time and routines upon arrival. For a stay of only one or two days, however, consider trying to maintain your home schedule.
	Take walks outdoors on the first days after arrival to be exposed to morning or afternoon sunlight. This may help “reset” your “biological clock” to function in the new environment.
	Consult your physician about the possible brief use of a short-acting sleep medication that may help you sleep while you adjust to the new environment. Such medications should not be used in conjunction with alcoholic beverages or other drugs which may induce drowsiness such as antihistamines. In addition, they should not be used on the plane, but to improve sleep at bedtime upon arrival.

Safety Tips

	Be a Tourist Without Looking Like One - Dress conservatively and don’t wear expensive-looking jewelry. A flashy or too casual wardrobe can mark you as a tourist.
	Be a Safe Packer - Travel light! You can move more quickly and may have a free hand so you are less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
	How To Deter a Pickpocket - Conceal passports, cash, credit cards, etc., in several places. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets. Be extra careful in crowded places.
	Don’t Miss the Sights - If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Place them and any medications in your carry-on bag.
	Avoid Trouble at Customs - Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Take copies of prescriptions and the generic names for drugs. If medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug.
	Be Passport Smart - Pack an extra set of passport photos with a photocopy of your passport information for replacement purposes in the event it is lost or stolen. Don’t forget to take your passport!
	Be Money Wise - Credit, debit & ATM cards are preferred over traveler’s checks and usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees. They are also safer than carrying cash.
	Some Things You Can Leave Behind - Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone in case of an emergency. Also photocopies of your passport ID, driver’s license and credit cards that you plan to take.
	Need Assistance? - If staying more than two weeks in one place, register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate through the State Department’s website.
	Do Your Homework - Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can navigate around or get help. Research the country ahead of time to have a better understanding of what to expect and where emergency help is available.

Make your international reservation process simple by having the following information ready for the consultant:

	Dates of travel
	Destination Are you flexible on the departure city?
	Do you have any stopover cities?
	Do you want quotes on coach and/or business class seats?
	Do you have a preferred airline?
	Departure/arrival time preferences
	Is your schedule flexible in order to reduce fares?
	Are you driven by price or convenience?
	Will you be using frequent flyer miles to upgrade?