Travel Accessories

Your Health

• Talk to your travel agent about any shots or health

  precautions. Anything required?

• If shots are required, plan in advance with your

  physician. This should enable you to avoid any side effects as you travel.

• If medication is required, carry 2 sets, one in your

  luggage, and one with you.

• Also keep prescription labels with you for replacement.
• Some travel time should be devoted for Rest and

  relaxation. A travel pillow and/ or eye mask is very helpful.

• Before and all through your journey drink plenty of

  water and get a lot of rest. To readjust to the time zones, take short naps. This is the

  best help.

• Check out the US State Department home page to see the

  latest updates on the country you are visiting, to be up to date on the health and

  political bulletins, and for other important travel information.

Etiquette

• Be aware of language use, dining etiquette along with

  appropriate dress and other customs associated with where you are in the world. This will

  contribute greatly to the success of your trip.

Money, Documents, Passports

• Copies of passports, visas, and any other important

  documents should be made in case of loss or theft.

• Some foreign currency should be purchased ahead of

  traveling abroad for ground transportation and tipping. You can stop by your local bank to exchange up a small amount of foreign currency before you travel abroad.

• Click here to go to check the current foreign exchange rate for your travel destination.

Packing

• Pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious

  space and causes clothes to wrinkle.

• Use a divider shelf to separate accessories,

  irregularly shaped items, and shoes from your garments.

• You may also want to stuff your shoes with underwear

  or socks so they won't be crushed during your travels.

• Suits, dresses, shirts, and blouses should be packed

  in a plastic dry cleaner bags to limit wrinkling.

• Roll pajamas, nightgowns, sweaters, and other casual

  wear to fill small spaces when possible, BUT don't cram your suitcase full. If you

  have to force your luggage to close, remove a few items to prevent broken hinges or

  zippers along the way.

• Try the "interweaving method" of

  packing for your next trip. Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants around the

  suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides. Then fold shorter items such as jackets,

  shirts and blouses around the longer garments so that the clothes cushion each other.

  Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will help prevent

  wrinkling.

• Pack each item one at a time in a clockwise

  direction. When you have filled the bottom of the suitcase, begin the next layer

  packing each item in a counter clockwise direction. In this way, you will form one

  complete package of your clothes, eliminating wrinkles and securing all of your contents.

• Always carry your travel documents, medication,

  jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other valuables in your hand luggage. These items

  should NEVER be packed in luggage you plan to check.

• To avoid travel delays when you depart check with the Transportation Security Administration to verify that the items you are carrying on the plane are allowed onto the aircraft. You'll find a complete list of prohibited items on TSA website.

Security

• Lock your luggage to avoid accidental opening due

  to rough handling or cabin pressure, and carry the keys in your hand luggage.

• Remove old claim checks to avoid confusing

  baggage handlers about your current destination.

• Identify your luggage both inside and outside

  with your name, address and telephone number, and make sure the outside tag is securely

  fastened to your luggage.

• Airport security has changed dramatically since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. To ensure you get through security check points and to avoid travel delays, be sure to check the Transportation Security Administration's Tips for Travelers and Consumers before you fly.