Travel Tips

Before You Leave

• Children in Japanese Springtime

  Obtain/renew your passport
• Update your medical records and fill medical prescriptions and keep a copy of the prescriptions with you
• Begin early compiling of your reading resources/guidebooks for your selected destination
• Begin building your budget
• Consider inflatable neck pillow and earplugs for the flight
• Take converters if needed for local current
• Pack carefully and lightly. Use large ziploc bags to organize
• Make a copy of your passport to leave at home and to take with you, bring a copy of traveler's check numbers and leave a copy at home with your contact person
• Most countries will have ATM machines Make a copy of your credit card information and contact number
• Leave your travel itinerary copy at home with contact info.
• Bring email addresses needed. CyberCafes are available
• Don't bring a lot of cash, but do bring bills in $1.00and $10-20 amounts for tips and emergency money if you run out of local currency
• Have an envelope for your receipts while abroad and use for different currencies if needed

• Tulips in Holland

  Mark all luggage and carry-ons/cameras well and keep travel documents together for airport check-ins
• Bring along insurance documentation
• Pack reasonably and lightly and make a list of your belongings and equipment
• Have a small tote bag for the plane and for daily travel
• Use a mid sized bag with wheels. Avoid overweight
• Any carry-ons should be legal size for storage
• Have a marker, ribbon, or easy ID for your luggage
• Consider sanitary towelettes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat,hairdryer, film, batteries, notebook, pens, plastic bags,mini sewing kit, fanny pack, comfortable walking shoes and clothing, alarmclock
• Always carry the hotel card with you for address and number, secure your valuables while traveling
• Check with physician if in doubt about health and travel fitness
• Before leaving home, arrange for mail, papers, pets, plants, computers, electricity, contact information, copies of travel itineraries and information to leave behind, banking, bill payments, timed lights, alarm system, up to date homeowner's policy, water heater, remove all trash, spare key, thermostat, check faucets, contact family and friends.

Have a wonderful trip!