
Helpful
Checklist for International Travel
You may be aware of some helpful
hints when it comes to traveling, but are you familiar with the tips and tricks
of traveling internationally??? Chances are, you’re
not.
That’s why Wings Travel has put together the following
checklist
that our agents use to keep you
safe and informed.
We thought we would share these
tips and tricks with you.
Before You Depart
- Be
Sure You Know about the Destination’s Laws and Customs —
The country’s official website can be a great source for current
information. Purchase a good
guidebook. Review and respect the
local laws and custom.
- Confirm
the Validity of Your Passport —
Passports
should be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return flight. Some
countries will not allow you to enter if it isn’t. Also carry another form of photo ID, as
well as a copy of your passport.
- Verify
if You Need a Visa —
Contact
the destination country’s embassy, or visit their website, to determine if a
tourist or business visa is needed to enter the country.
- Check
to See if You Will Need Vaccinations —
Verify
if any vaccinations are required, and be sure to visit the doctor or clinic
at least 6 weeks before departure.
- Confirm
Medication(s) —
If
taking prescription drugs, make sure to take the prescription with you in case
you need a replacement or a refill.
Always pack medication in your carry-on luggage. Have a prescription for your glasses as
well, in the event they break, or take a spare pair.
- Make
Sure You Have Adequate Funds —
Take at
least two forms of payment, i.e., traveler’s checks and a credit card. Record the serial numbers of the
traveler’s checks, and keep separate from the checks.
- Have
Adequate Travel Insurance
—Be sure
your policy provides coverage for medical treatment and return home (inclusive
of interruptions, i.e., volcanic, etc.). Additional coverage may be required to
cover dangerous activities, i.e., scuba diving, skiing.
If you extend your stay, remember to extend the insurance coverage as
well.
- Driving
in a Foreign Country and Auto Insurance —
Make
sure your driver’s license is current and valid for the country you are
visiting. If you are renting a car, be sure to have proper collision and theft
insurance and breakdown coverage.
- Make
Certain that Family and Friends are Advised of Your Travel
Plans
—It is
very important that people are able to make contact with you in the event of an
emergency. Leave your flight
itinerary and details of where you can be contacted during your travels. Be sure to take all of your relevant
contact numbers with you.
- Copies
of Important Documents —
Make
copies of your passport (including pages with any relevant visas), traveler’s
checks and credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, travel insurance
details, any other important travel documents, as well as emergency contact
numbers for your country of origin and destination(s). Leave one copy with a family
member or a reliable friend (not traveling with you) and take one copy with
you. Be sure they pack these copies
separately from your passport, and traveler’s checks.
Just Prior To
Departure
- Carry Only as Much Money as You Will Need Each Day
— Keep
extra funds, tickets and documents in the hotel safe, and keep money and
important papers in separate places.
- Eat
and Drink Judiciously —
Ascertain
if the local tap water is safe to drink. If not, drink only bottled water, plus
avoid having ice in drinks. Only
eat food that has been freshly cooked to avoid contamination
- Know
the Rules of the Road —
On the
spot fines are common in a number of foreigh countries. (no exceptions for
foreigners)
- Always
Protect from Mosquitoes—In many
parts of the world, it is important to be protected from mosquitoes, i.e., use
insect repellents, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and sleep under a
mosquito net.
- Take
Necessary Security Precautions —
Only
carry a minimum amount of cash each day and do not bring valuables when
sightseeing. Avoid unlit streets at night.
- Don’t
Associate with Illegal Drugs —
You
should never carry any items through customs for other people or leave your
luggage unattended. Several foreign countries have the death penalty for
involvement with illegal drugs
- Contact
Your Credit Card companies and Cell Phone Provider Before You
Leave –
Your credit card company will note your
dates of travel, and will ask what countries you are visiting so that your
charges will not be decline while traveling outside the U.S. Many cell phone plans can be
adjusted temporarily for international usage.
- Don’t
Associate with Illegal Drugs —
You
should never carry any items through customs for other people or leave your
luggage unattended. Several foreign countries have the death penalty for
involvement with illegal drugs.
If Things Go Horribly
Wrong…….
If
you or your travel companion is Arrested or Taken into Custody -
Immediately
contact your home country’s embassy or consulate office.
Most
Embassy/Consular Officials Will:
- Issue
emergency passports.
- Visit,
if you or they have been put in prison.
- Put you
in touch with local lawyers, interpreters and doctors.
- Contact
relatives or friends if you need emergency money or tickets.
- Notify
next of kin, in the event of an accident or a death, and advise on proper
procedures to be followed.
Most
Embassy and Consular Officials Will Not:
§
Give
legal advice.
§
Pay
hotel, medical, legal or any other bills.
§
Replace
lost airline tickets.
§
Secure
release from prison.
§
Intervene
in court cases.
§
Get
better treatment in a hospital or prison.
Important
– Use a travel provider that offers you 24/7 Worldwide Rescue
Emergency Services
Wings
Travel provides all of our travelers with country specific phone contacts to use
in any emergency situations outside of our business hours. You always have a Wings agent to contact
for help if you need us.

