Travel Tools
Travel Kit
- Jeweler's Screwdrivers
- Large zip-lock bags
- Safety Pins
- Sharpie Marker
- Child's scissors
- Universal Sink Stopper
- Small Carabiner
- Plastic Zip Ties
- LED Key Light
- 1-inch Surgical Tape
- Foam Earplugs
- USB Flash Memory Fob
- Prepaid Calling Card
What to do when...
Your phone goes swimming
- Quickly take the battery out
- Remove the SIMM Card
- let the phone air dry
- For more ideas
Before your Laptop is Lost or Stolen
- Make sure laptop secured with a password
- Back up regularly to a USB flash drive
- Subscribe to Lojack for Laptops
Airport Troubles
Delayed / Canceled Flights
- Call the airline customer service while you are waiting in line.
They may be able to help you before you reach the ticket counter.
- Buy a one-day pass at the frequent-flier lounge. And relax while you wait.
Missing Baggage
- Call the airline customer service while you are waiting in line.
Stay in line and fill out the claim form no matter what. Be sure to get a copy of the form.
Oversold Flights
- Negotiate! You can get a full refund if you don't like their offer. You are also entitled to as
much as $400 if the airline can't get you another flight or a the substitute flight arrives more than
two hours later than your original flight.
Trip Planning
Organize your Documents
- Make sure your passport is up to date. Check visa requirements for the countries you
plan to visit. Take out travel insurance.
Book Flights and Accommodations
- Shop around because prices will vary. Make sure prices include all taxes and surcharges.
Get Vaccinations
- Find out you vaccinations are required where you are traveling. Make an appointment
with you doctor to get all the vaccines you need.
Take care of business at home
- Find someone to check on your home, water you plants, etc. Stop you mail and newspapers.
Create a To-Do List
- Make a list of the things you plan to do
- Find out about any special events at your destination and book in advance.
Make a Packing List
- Research what you will need at your destination for the activities you are planning to do.
Start early to assemble everything you need, so you will be ready when the time comes.
Finances
- Decide how you will pay for things, credit card, travelers checks, or cash.
Stay in touch
- Take a list of names and phone numbers of contacts you might need.
- Let friends and family know of your plans.
- Get an email address with Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail to stay in touch.
Packing Tips
Separate up your valuables
- Don't carry all your cash, travelers checks and credit cards in a single place.
Small Containers
- Small nalgene or plastic bottles are great to pack small items. The better choice are
clear and waterproof bottles.
Plastic Bags
- Plastic bags are great for small loose items. Because you can see through them, it
will be easy to find what you are looking for. Zip lock bags are great for packing containers
with liquids in them such as shampoo. If they leak, the mess will be contained in the bag. Garbage
bags are great for putting dirty clothes in.
Clothes
- Pack only what you need! If you are going on an extended trip, plan to wash your clothes along
the way.
Separate Your Cloths
- If not traveling along, put some of your clothes in your spouse or friend's bag. If your bag is
lost, you will still have some of your own clothes to ware.
Suitcase
- Use a divider to organize you suitcase. If your suitcase
doesn't have dividers you can make one
from cardboard or other lightweight material.
Gifts
- Don't pre-wrap gifts. If the need to be inspected they might have to be
unwrapped.
Flashlights
- Take the batteries out of your flashlight or invert them. This will save your batteries
if the switch is turned on accidentally.
Shoes
- Stuff you shoes with small items to make the most of the limited space in your suitcase. Put your
shoes in plastic bags to dirt and shoe polish, etc, out of your suitcase.
Carry On Bags
- Keep your medications and important papers in you carry-on. Keep a change of clothes in case your luggage
is lost.
Roll Your Own
- By rolling your clothes they will pack into small spaces and stay neater than laying them flat
in your bag.
Electronics
- Using electronic devices can interfere with the cockpit navigation and communication
equipment.
Restricted devices during take off and landing
- Calculators
- Laptops
- Handheld games
- Shavers
- Portable CD Players and iPods
Restricted devices while on the airplane
- Cell Phones
- Televisions
- AM/FM Radios
- Remote controled toys
Travel Safety
Passports
- Make sure your passport will not expire at least 6 months before your planned trip.
- If you lose your passport, visit travel.state.gov to
report your passport lost or stolen.
Taxicab Tips
- Before you get in the taxi, find out the best route to your hotel or destination.
- Take a licensed Taxi. Taking a private car or gypsy cab is asking for trouble.
- Before you get in the taxi, look inside. If it looks unsafe or unclean, pass on this one and wait for another.
- Check the ID of the driver with the driver of the taxi. If it is not the same, it is best to get out and wait for another taxi.
- Make sure you can communicate with the driver. Make sure the driver knows how to get to your destination.
- Keep you luggage in the cab with you. If you have a disagreement with the driver, your luggage can't be held hostage.
- Keep your cell phone out and visible. This lets the driver know you have a way to call for help if necessary.
- If you don't like the way the driver is driving, don't yell or shout. This can make the situation worse. Instead
tell the driver you are getting sick in might throw up in the cab.
- Be polite, but don't give the driver any useful information, such as your name, if you are alone or who you work for.
- If you have a problem with the driver, stay calm, try to get the driver's name and ID number so you can report the driver
to the authorities.
Before you Go
- Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information, warnings and Foreign
Entry Requirements.
- Visit travelregistration.state.gov to register your trip. This enable
the US State Department to assist you in case of trouble while you are traveling.
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries you will be visiting.
- Leave a copy of your passport and itinerary with family or friend in case of emergency.
- Consider a medical evacuation insurance policy and general travel insurance to protect you from loss
while travelling.
When you arrive
- Register at the local US Embassy or Consulate.
