FOREIGN TRAVEL, VACATION, AND TOUR CHECKLIST

Documents    Health    Emergency    Convenience    Packing Tips

DOCUMENTS

If a passport is not required you will need proof of citizenship.  A birth certificate with a raised seal is best.  A valid photo ID is required that matches the passengers name.

Current passport valid for 60 days after return.

Visa when required.  Should apply for at least 60 days ahead of time, 30 days if using a visa service.

Record of shots required to depart from infected foreign country to get back into the United States.

EXTRA COPIES OF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE MADE AND CARRIED SEPARATE FROM THE ORIGINALS. (Just first two pages of passport).

If traveling alone a family member at home should consider having a passport in case an emergency requires them to travel immediately.

Carry only the minimum number of credit cards necessary and have a copy of the numbers separate from your billfold or purse plus the numbers to call for cancellation and replacement in the area you will be visiting.  Many prefer using ATM cards.  (Be sure your card is accepted in the country you visit).

Insurance (Optional)

a. Trip cancellation.

b. Health and accident (reimbursement not payment).

c. Baggage.

 If you are renting a car you will need a current driver's license and a valid credit card (the new bank debit cards usually do not  work on most car rentals).

When in Europe check for VAT (Value Added Tax) in each country.  Americans are exempt from this tax.  Collect Tax Back and/or Cash Back forms each time you make a sizeable purchase.  Before leaving the country either go to the Tax Back booth to get tax refund or credit to your credit card.  The line at the airports can be quite long at times.  If you are in a hurry, get them stamped at the airport customs office and drop them in the slot at the Tax Back booth.  You will receive a check or a credit to your credit card about sixty days later.  Different countries have different VAT rates and minimum qualify for VAT refunds.

HEALTH    top

EMERGENCY    top

• Duct or strapping tape

• Small pocket knife

• Matchbook sewing kit with safety pins

• Extra pair of glasses

• Extra pair of shoelaces

• Compact rain poncho

DO NOT PACK VALUABLES IN LUGGAGE THAT IS GOING TO BE CHECKED.  LUGGAGE SECURED WITH A LUGGAGE STRAP WILL DETER LOOTING IN TRANSIT

CONVENIENCE    top

• Can opener/bottle opener/corkscrew/Swiss army type knife.

• Extra batteries for watches, cameras, etc.

• Insect repellant

• Voltage converter

• A hand steamer works better than a travel iron

• Film in foreign countries is expensive, take all that you will need

• If you plan to bring back a lot of souvenirs and/or gifts, pack an empty carry-on bag.

• Fanny pack

• Moist towelettes

• Many foreign hotels do not furnish wash cloths

PACKING TIPS    top

1. Leave clothes in dry cleaners plastic bags, will help prevent wrinkles.

2. Roll up t-shirts in plastic wrap.

3. Put ladies shoes inside men's for more space and/or socks inside shoes.

4. If traveling with another person, pack half of their clothes in your bag and the other half in their bag.  If one bag is lost you both have at least half your clothes.

5. Leave your name, address and a copy of your itinerary in your suitcase, in case of loss.

6. Carry an extra fold-up bag in suitcase to pack items you purchase.

7. For easier identification at baggage claim, tie a colored ribbon on your suitcase.

8. Make a copy of you passport or birth certificate and keep in a separate location.

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