Put your telephone number and name of your destination on both the inside and outside of your luggage. Then, if you and your bag are separated or lost, they can quickly find them.
Always pack as little as possible. Take what you will need, not what you think you will need. Keep in mind that suitcases are heavy and you may have to carry your own.
Keep a photocopy of your passport data page separate from your money and travelers checks. Even if you lose your money and ID, you can still prove your identity to the authorities. It’s also a great idea to take along photo copies of your traveler’s checks serial numbers, as well as your credit card numbers so you can quickly alert the authorities in the event the original items are stolen.
Beware of foreign country’s customs and laws. You don’t want to be caught spitting out your chewing gum in Singapore: it’s a criminal offense. Be sure to check the State Department’s traveler advisories.
If you’re planning a Caribbean cruise from June through November you should know that you will be cruising during hurricane season. Price is one reason to travel then; typically your best deals are during the fall months from late August to mid December.
Buy insurance, whether through the cruise line or an independent provider, and make sure that the policy covers disruption in case of weather-related events. If the cruise is actually canceled, you will get a refund. However, it’s very rare for the cruise lines to cancel a cruise.
Drink only bottled water and use it even when brushing your teeth. Eat only cooked food and avoid leftovers. Avoid areas where mosquitoes tend to be active. Make sure you are protected against local illnesses. Take a change of clothing and sample-size toiletries in your carry-on bag.
While in any country where you can’t read the language, and you are using your charge card to get the best currency rate, write on the charge slip right away the amount, items, date, and place of purchase so you can read it when the statement comes at the end of the month.
Things are going to be different in each new place you visit. Relax and go with the flow. If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. If you take prescription medicine, bring more than you expect to use and include the refill prescription, just in case.
Before you leave for an overseas trip, let your credit card companies know where you will be and when. Leave your itinerary with friends or relatives so they can contact you if there’s an emergency back home.
Check the batteries in your cameras before your trip. It may be difficult to find exactly the right replacement battery at your destination.
When traveling to a destination where you expect to do a lot of shopping, pack a collapsible suitcase or duffel bag in your checked luggage, or place a medium suitcase inside a larger one.
Pickpockets gravitate toward busy public areas where tourists congregate: bus stops, train stations, airline terminals and popular tourism sites. Be aware of the people around you, and make sure all possessions are stowed safely.
Transportation security rules can change. Use common sense, avoid carrying items that look like weapons, make sure everything in your carry-on can be searched, and check current official guidance before departure.
