TRAVEL TIPS

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Find out about disease outbreaks from the Centers for Disease Control and how to protect yourself when traveling outside the U.S. If you're taking a cruise, review the CDC's sanitation reports.

Check the health conditions, security information, and the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you're visiting through the State Department's Consular Information Sheets.

If you take prescription medication, have your prescription refilled and take an extra supply in the original containers with you. Carry all vital medicines in your carry-on luggage. If you need to carry drugs or hypodermic needles through customs, ask your doctor to write a letter explaining your condition.

Carry a list of blood type, allergies, or any special medical conditions. Medical alert bracelets are a good idea.

Check with your medical insurance carrier about coverage away from your home and work. Be familiar with coverage protection for out-of-country travel.

YOUR FINANCIAL SAFETY
Take only the credit cards and personal identification you'll need. Carry a driver's license from your state of residence with a photograph and/or a copy of the first two informational pages of your passport, and keep them in a secure location. These can help identify you if your passport is lost or stolen.

Make a copy of your credit card and travelers check numbers and the telephone numbers needed to report a theft. Keep the copy in a location separate from the documents.

To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothes and expensive jewelry, and don't carry excessive amounts of cash.

Carry only the amount of cash you need. For information about international currency values and conversions, visit www.casto.com.

Beware of Hidden Card Fees. Using your credit card while traveling overseas may get you the best exchange rate. But watch which credit card you use while traveling. Some credit cards charge unaware travelers up to 7 percent for transactions overseas. Read more in Charles Leocha's column at www.ticked.com/leocha/2003/card.htm.

TRAVELING SAFELY
Be aware of what is happening in the countries you’ll be visiting. Check the U.S. Department of State’s Web site at www.state.gov for:

Travel Warnings: issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country.

Public Announcements: a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers.

Consular Information Sheets: available for every country of the world, they include such information as location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime, safety and security information, and drug penalties.

At the Airport: Airport security regulations have changed. Review the Ten Tips for Travel Under the New Security Rules at http://www.airsafe.com

Don't leave your luggage unattended and don't accept packages from strangers. While waiting for customers or security screenings, don't exchange items between bags.

Make sure your luggage is tagged properly so it will reach its final destination. For a list of current airport codes, visit http://www.flyaow.com.

Locks on luggage aren't secure, so don't pack valuables in your checked luggage. Consider using a strip of nylon filament tape around your suitcase in case the lock breaks.

Be alert at security checkpoints. Don't place your belongings on the conveyor until you can keep an eye on items being screened.

At many international airports, security and customer service staff will ask you questions about your luggage. Know what you are carrying and be able to describe any electronics.

To help combat jet lag, drink lots of water and juice during your flight. Some authorities recommend drinking a cup for every hour of the flight.

At Your Hotel: Try to get a room between floors two and seven. Some fire departments may not have the capability to rescue above the seventh floor. Always check for the nearest fire stairwell, hoses, and emergency telephones when checking into a hotel.

In case of fire, check your door by placing the palm of your hand on the door or the knob. If either feels hot, don't open the door. Instead, notify the front desk that you're in your room and fill the tub and sink with water.

Avoid hanging the Please Clean Room tag on your door.

While Sightseeing: Get a good map of the city you're visiting and note the location of your hotel, the U.S. Embassy, and a local police station.

Look up and down the street before exiting a building. Be aware of your surroundings.

Learn how to place a local telephone call and how to use coin telephones. Make sure you have extra tokens or coins for phones.

Be aware of local traffic regulations and driving habits.

Keep your passport with you at all times. Give it to the hotel staff only if required by law when registering.

Keep your purse in view or in hand when at a restaurant or using a phone.

Be alert to scams involving an unknown person spilling a drink or food on your clothes. An accomplice may be preparing to steal your wallet or purse.