08/12/2007

News / Important information for all travelers

For the next few months, I'm going to start all of my columns with "Have you checked the expiration date on your passport recently?"
If you're planning to travel outside the United States, you will need a minimum of six months left on your passport from the return date of your trip. Because of everyone needing a passport by January (for travel by air or sea outside the United States, including Canada and Mexico), it's taking longer to get a new passport or renew passports. The waiting time is now 14 to 16 weeks, unless you expedite the paperwork for an additional fee.

Since the travel season has begun in earnest (spring break through the end of summer), I thought I might go over some valuable tips that will make travel easier:

Once again, make sure you have a signed, valid passport. Give yourself plenty of time to apply for a visa, if required. Fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

Familiarize yourself with laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

If you have health concerns, take a copy of your medical records and prescriptions.

Do not leave luggage unattended in public areas. When you check your luggage, make sure the three-letter code on your luggage tag matches the three-letter code on your airline ticket. If the codes are different, don't hesitate to mention it to the airline employee checking you in - it may save you a piece of lost luggage and some inconvenience. Also, obtain a claim check for each piece of luggage you check.

If you plan to stay abroad for an extended length of time (more than a month), you should notify the U.S. Embassy in the country you are visiting by phone or register in person. This will facilitate communication in case of emergencies or if someone contacts the embassy looking for you.

To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear expensive jewelry (or expensive-looking jewelry) and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. When you go to London, Paris or Moscow, you will not need your Nordstrom credit card, library card or driver's license. If you're driving in these cities, you will need an international driver's license (you can get one at AAA). If you're traveling with your spouse, make sure to take two different types of credit cards - if one card is lost or stolen, you still have another one to use. If you are carrying multiple credit cards, make sure to keep them in separate places. Prior to leaving on your trip, let your credit card companies know where and when you will be traveling. Notify your credit card company immediately if your card is lost and check your statement to make sure all the charges belong to you.

If there is a safe in your hotel room, leave your passport (carry a copy with you), airline tickets and excess cash you won't need immediately in the hotel.

Keep your hotel and car keys on you, preferably in an interior pocket away from probing hands.

To avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art, antiques or any valuables. Be wary of con artists - "students" trying to sell you art by well-known local artists is a favorite pastime in Beijing. Also, be alert to gypsies or children coming up to you asking for money, as they can be a distraction while others take advantage of you.

Carry a copy of your travel insurance information. If you are the victim of theft, remember to report it to the local police. The insurance company will require a copy of the police report before settling your claim. The same is true if you need to see a doctor due to illness. Make sure you get a copy of the diagnosis and a receipt for services. All this needs to be turned into the insurance company. Speaking of insurance, you might want to make a list of clothes you're taking on a trip. If your luggage gets lost, you at least know exactly what was in your suitcase.

There is no magic formula to avoid lost luggage. However, after traveling for more than 40 years, I maintain that brightly colored luggage gets lost less frequently than black luggage. It's also easier to spot.

There has never been a "scientific study" on the subject; however, I think brightly colored luggage stands out and gets more than a cursory glance from luggage handlers. Remember to pack all travel documents, medicines, extra glasses, etc., in your carry-on, just in case your luggage doesn't make it to the same airport you do.

Hopefully, this information will prove helpful in making your vacation hassle free. Have a good trip.


Redlands resident Ilene Cox owns Redlands Travel Service.

By ILENE COX
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_6603707



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