Written by Romona Weston
You have waited months for this – excitement is in the air as you anticipate leaving home for your trip. As a long-time traveler, I know that are many things to do and all the small details of packing and planning can be daunting. Here are a few guidelines that I have personally found that will help your preparation go more smoothly.
Guideline 1: Travel Documents
- Passport, with an expiry date 6 months after your return home
- Visa, if applicable. Some countries allow you to get the visa on arrival at the airport. However, some require that you send your passport, application, payment, and return envelope (priority post) to a central consul, which will take a week or more.
- Copy of your passport separate from the actual passport
- Copy of your passport given to your emergency contact
- Record of any shots required, if applicable (see guideline 2)
- Copy of your itinerary
- Travel insurance papers
Guideline 2: Health Requirements
Check with a travel clinic if you need shots for the area in question. They will provide you with a passport- document. If you do not have a travel clinic nearby, your doctor will give you the shots; be sure you get something in writing afterwards. Very rarely is one asked for confirmation, but immigration officials have the right to ask, especially if you are coming from a high-risk area.
Any medications should be taken in the original container. Eyeglass prescriptions are a good idea.
Guideline 3: Carry-on
A small backpack is best, used as a daypack on arrival. There should be room for a jacket (rainproof), travel papers, travel journal, medications, camera, batteries, charger, adapter, converter, a small travel alarm clock, a small Maglite flashlight/headlight (so as not to disturb your spouse/roommate when getting up for bathroom breaks or to see what time it is), empty water bottle, hat with brim front and back, sunglasses, and any items you would need if your luggage gets lost (1 pair of undergarments, etc). Also bring eye shades, inflatable pillow, ear plugs, and dark socks to act as slippers while on the plane.
Liquids – 3 oz/100 ml or less, not more than 1quart/1 liter altogether, in a sealable bag.
Guideline 4: On Your Person
- Some kind of a security pouch (around the neck/waist/ankle) to hold passport, credit cards, bank card, extra money – try to land with foreign currency.
- Fanny pack, worn with the pouch in front. Ladies – leave the purses at home. The pack holds money for the day, comb, pens, gum, etc. A small notebook is handy.
- Good footwear
Guideline 5: Luggage
Nobody needs the great big piece of the usual three-piece luggage set. (Many older hotels in Europe, Asia and South America do not have elevators.) The smallest suitcase would work, but now that many airlines are charging to check the 2nd piece of luggage for domestic flights, it’s probably better to take the mid...
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