Entities to Contact Before Traveling Out of The Country

World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.who.int/en/ or Center for Disease Control (CDC) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ to understand health issues, alerts and vaccination requirements for the countries you may visit

US Department of State Travel site http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html for the countries you may visit to determine  location of the U.S. embassy or consulate, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.

United States Customs http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/duty_free.xml for information on the duty-free allowance for items being brought back to the United States.

Items Not To Pack In your Luggage

• Eye Glasses and or Contacts (be sure to have a prescription from your eye doctor to replace them if lost or broken while you travel)
• Cameras
• Wallets
• Credit Cards
• Cell Phones
• Money
• Jewelry
• Passport
• Laptop Computer
• Fragile or Very Valuable Items
• Your Medication (be sure to have enough for the whole trip and take copies of prescriptions in case you loose the medication)

Packing and Luggage Handling Tips for Luggage

Check with the airline/transportation carrier you are using to determine baggage policies around number of bag permitted, their size, weight and any associated cost

Use our Packing List to ensure you are taking everything you need.  We recommend you travel light and you my want to review our Travel Clothes/Accessories page in order to get ideas on how to cut back on everyday items you may need; e.g. quick dry clothes so you can easily wash out and rewear.

Ensure your bags are tagged with your name, address and contact information.  We suggest using a colorful tie or tag since many bags look alike

Do not let your bags out of your sight

Consider using Transportation Security Administration (TSA) locks so that only appropriate personnel will be able to open you bags for inspection in the countries that adhere to this security system*

Even if you do not use these locks, take locks with you so that you can keep you luggage locked at your destination when you are not in the room.  You want to be sure to keep you luggage safe as items may be stolen or items may be put in your luggage without your knowledge.

* TSA screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While their technology allows them to electronically screen bags, there are times when they need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks will not have to be cut. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA.  ALL OTHER LOCKS will be cut by TSA if they need to get into your bags.

Things to Do Before you Leave Home

• Send you itinerary to a loved one or friend so they can contact you should any unforeseen items arise
• Stop Mail Delivery
• Stop Paper Delivery
• Unplug any items that are not needed (computers, chargers, TV, stereo, etc.) to reduce electric bill and to ensure power surges will not damage items
• Set thermostat to lower (winter) or higher (summer) temperature to reduce electric bill
• Put valuables in safe or safety deposit box
• Notify your credit card companies of your planned travel so their fraud detection software will not kick in and cause your credit card to be refused
• Check flight timing and gate information
• Water plants
• Take list of contacts including names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.  Remember to include those individual to whom you want to send postcards or e-mails during the trip and anyone else you might need to contact.

If you have any questions or feedback about this information, feel free to e-mail us at  info@travelexploring