General Travel Tips:

We’ve compiled a helpful checklist for you to look over before your travels.

Do your research into the Political Climate, Cultural and Economic conditions of the Countries to which you plan on traveling to.

Ask someone who has been to the Country you are planning to visit for any advise they can give you. Maybe a Friend, a Family member or a Travel Agent. You might want to invest in a good Guidebook before you leave.

Draw up a Flexible Itinerary as well as a Flexible Budget and leave a copy with someone at home.

Find out about the weather conditions. Pack appropriate footwear for walking and don’t over pack. Take the Minimum of Clothing.

Photocopy the Identification page in your Passport. Keep a copy separate from the Passport, and leave another copy with someone at home.

Ensure that you have the required Visas and Documentation. Make photocopies of your Visas, and keep them separate from the originals.

Learn a few phrases in the language of the Country or Countries you plan to visit. They will appreciate your effort.

Due to the current Political Climate you should dress appropriately and not make yourself obvious as an American Tourist.

Find out in advance where the American Consulates and Embassies are located in case you need assistance.

Always keep your Passport concealed on your person and not in sight of the Public. Passports are a valuable commodity.

You may want to take a small amout of Local Currency with you. It could come in handy when you first arrive. Look for a National Bank to convert your Money, Their exchange rate usually does not very as much as small Tourist Exchange Outlets you may find along your way.

Last Minute Items:

Pack plenty of Film or Data Cards for your Camera.

Take Extra Batteries for your Camera & other Electronic Devices.

Carry a good Lotion containing appropriate UV protection with you during the day.

A deck of cards or a good book is a nice way to pass the time while you are waiting for your Flight or Train.

Make Contact List of Friends and Family members in case of an emergency or just to send a Post Card to.

A Tipping Guide & General Medical Information

A General Guide to Tipping:

The General Rule: There are no hard-and-fast rules about tipping. It is a Personal Act based on the quality of service you receive and the practices of the Country where you will be traveling. It’s best to consult a good Guidebook or ask the Concierge in your hotel.

The Concierge: A Concierge will expect a tip of about $5.00 to $10.00, not for dispensing advice but for such services as acquiring hard-to-get Theater Tickets or Dinner Reservations. You can offer a gratuity for each day’s services or tip at the end of your stay.

Added Gratuities: You will find that many places in Europe and Asia, will add a 15% service charge to your bill. In this case the gratuity is a standard item on your bill. You may want to study all charges on your bill before giving a tip.

Just Remember: When in doubt, just remember that people working in Hotels, Barbershops, Railway Stations, Airports and other Service Industry positions get tipped roughly what they would get in corresponding situations in the United States.

What Health Information should I Carry?

Take a copy of your complete personal medical history with you. Your doctor should be able to assist you with this. It should include:

Carry Proof of Insurance Coverage. Know how to contact your Insurer, the Insurance Company’s Name, Address, Policy Number and Contact Information. Make sure that your Traveling Companion(s), Travel Agent or someone at home know how to do so as well.

A list of all current medications you are taking, both the Generic Name as well as the Brand Names. This can vary from Country to Country.

A list of all Allergies you have, including any known Food or Drug Allergies.

A list of your Immunizations you have received along with the dates you received them.

A basic description of your past and present Medical Condition. It should include any past Hospitalizations as well as any Current Conditions you may have.

Other Health Hints:

Vacation Insurance Contact Information. ( If you purchased a travel policy )

A copy of your Eyeglass or Contact Prescription. You may want to take along an extra pair of your Eyeglasses.

Purchase a Supplementary Health Insurance Plan that is appropriate for the type of trip that you are taking.

Make sure that you have all the Vaccinations required for the entry into the Country you are traveling to.

Keep all medications that you may require in there Original Containers, and carry a Doctor’s Prescription for any controlled substance you may require.

Carry a Medical Certificate for syringes if you require them for medical purposes.