In our more than 27 years in the travel industry my wife and I have learned a lot about traveling. Based on this experience we think these tips will help make your trip easier.
Before you step on that airplane please think about the following.
Passport/Visa - If you are
traveling internationally and have not already
done so, you must obtain a U.S. passport. Application forms are available at most local
post offices or local/Federal government offices. Processing time usually takes about
three weeks. Once you receive your passport photocopy the front page and carry it with two
passport pictures in a separate place from your passport. This will make reissue by the
local U.S. consulate easier if the passport is lost or stolen. Also, leave a
copy at home with a loved one just in case. Visa requirements vary by
country so you should check with your Travel Professional for further information.
Clothing and other personal items - You
do not have to take your family's entire wardrobe with you. Business attire is only
necessary if you are working but remember that appropriate attire for everyday wear
tends to be more formal in many countries other than in the United States. Shorts and loud
sports shirts won't do. If you are taking an infant, stretchies are convenient. Also include undershirts, socks, a
cap, bibs, and sleeping sacks (especially if it's cold). A supply of diapers is a
necessity. Plan on using at least 7 to 10 each day. The price of U.S.-made disposable diapers is
high in most other countries. Baby wipes are useful, but they are not plentiful overseas
so bring your own. You will have better luck locating Vaseline, Desitin, and baby
powder. For older children make sure you take things to entertain them on long
airplane flights or car trips - a DVD player with plenty of movies, an Ipod or a walkman with lots of tapes or CD's (Remember - you can
buy these in the countries you are visiting as a souvenir), electronic games, books, and
their favorite Barbie, G.I. Joe or other playthings. We had our two girls pack and
then wear their own backpacks. They soon learned the more "stuff" they put in
the heavier the load so they began using more care in their packing.
Medications -
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling to some of
Earth’s most remote and wild regions or even to the next state, lost medications
can be difficult to replace. Here are a few smart tips on traveling with your
medication (courtesy of MedJet Assist - ask for details about their emergency
evacuation insurance coverage).
 | Take medications in your carry-on luggage. The extreme conditions in the compartments where checked luggage is stored could damage your medication. |
| Bring medications with you in their original containers so that airport security personnel know that what you're carrying are prescription pills from your doctor. |
| Keep a list of medications that’s current in a purse or wallet in the event of an emergency. |
Camera - A camera is an absolute
necessity!! to preserve the memories of the trip. If you use a video camera take at least
one extra battery. Most of the newer charging units have internal converters, but you will
need the proper type of adapter plug. Film and blank video cassettes are available in most
countries if you need them. Don't forget that many countries, especially in Europe, use the PAL video
format which is not usually compatible with our VHS format. To avoid problems with your
duty-free allowances when you return home register the camera with the U.S. Customs before
you leave.
Money - Whether you will be staying for
just a few days or for many months, you will need to have adequate funds. It is
risky to take large amounts of cash with you. Before departing contact your
credit card company. Explain that you will be traveling and ask for a modest increase in your credit
limit. If you are planning to take traveler's checks, the most often recognized and easily
exchanged are either American Express or Thomas Cook. Keep a list of serial numbers in a
separate place.
Other necessities - If you'll be
traveling with an infant, a "huggy-pack" to carry the baby in front of you will
come in handy. It leaves your hands free and is great for sightseeing. For a toddler or
preschooler, a fold-up canvas stroller is invaluable. You can use it to carry things
when the child wants to walk. You can also "gate-check" it at the boarding
counter so it can be used at each of your intermediate stops enroute. Ask the
airline representative for details. This usually does not count as part of your
normal baggage allowance.
Your airline reservations should be made as soon as you have decided on your departure and return dates. The cost of a round-trip airline ticket is dependent upon a
number of factors including the departure date, advance booking requirements, days of the
week you are traveling, and the estimated duration of your stay. Some airfares are
bundled into the cruise air/sea packages or air-inclusive tour packages you are booking
and may have special requirements. Your Travel Professional will be able to tell you
about this.
Due to tariff rules infants under the age of two will require a ticket for most
international flights even though they are not entitled to a seat. The
cost is approximately 10 percent of the adult fare plus the various taxes. On
domestic flights within the United States infants travel for free. Each child age 2 to 11 years also requires a ticket.
There are few domestic child fares remaining so they would pay the same as an adult. Airfares
to most international destinations allow a child's discount so their ticket costs approximately
two-thirds of the adult fare plus the various taxes.
You will enhance your trip and your understanding of the culture if you read, read, read before you go. Start by locating information at your local library and through your Travel Agent. Ask for pamphlets or other general information from the country's embassy or consulate. Also inquire about the addresses for government tourist offices and trade organizations. They can provide you with maps and specific country and city information. Ask for lodging, sightseeing. and other important details. There is also a wealth of information available on the internet. In addition, learn some of the native language. Don't worry if your pronunciation is not exactly right because it will become better with practice. Take language classes, listen to tapes in your home or car, or read a book.
After you've landed and collected your luggage. follow your fellow passengers to Customs and Immigration. Don't panic!
Immigration - Once you arrive at your
destination, you will present your passport and Tourist Card (if it's required). The
officials will check you against their list of "undesirables," ensure you have
the necessary visas, stamp the passport with your entry approval, and return it to you.
Hang on to the Tourist Card if it is issued. You will return it when you exit the
country.
Customs - In many countries the Customs
inspectors have two lines: The green "nothing to declare" line and the red
"something to declare" line. Normally you should use the green line. Either way
the officials may inspect your luggage, but normally they won't. Be certain you do not
exceed any of the incoming allowances for cash or other controlled-entry items. When
returning to the United States, U.S. Customs will ask questions such as why you were
gone, what you bought, and whether you brought back vegetables, meats, or anything
else illegal.
Ask about tours through your Travel Professional or a local tour operator. Go shopping! Find out about the handicrafts for which the country is known. Go shopping! Use a driver or strike out on your own to the local flea market or shopping district. Go shopping! You never know what interesting things you might find and want to bring home. If you are a member of a service club such as Rotary International attend the local chapter's meetings. The members will be willing to help you in any way they can and the interchange of cultures is important to the cause of world peace. When we were in Santiago Chile , I regularly went to the Rotary Club de Providencia's weekly meeting. From the friendships we made we were invited to a Christmas party and to a member's home for dinner. Overall it widens your horizons and helps you to feel more at home.
You first notice it when you arrive at your destination and walk out of Customs and Immigration. You can't put your finger on it, but the feeling is there. It's more than just a language difference, a clothing difference, or a difference in the physical features of the people. It's a different culture, a different set of values. You are a guest in someone else's homeland and you must conduct yourself in accordance with their rules. If you have done your homework, you will know about the customs that are different than our own. For example, in Central or South America the word "Manana" does not necessarily mean tomorrow - it just means not today. If you know this in advance and accept it, then you should not get upset when things are not done according to the U.S. timetable.
Don't let these cultural differences get the best of you. If you are uncomfortable, just think that many of the local people would feel the same way in our country too. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Almost everyone will be glad to help, and you never know what interesting friendships you might strike up.
As your trip comes to a close, try to relax as you think about and relive your memories. But first you must reconfirm your air flights at least 72 hours prior to departure or the air carrier may cancel the reservations. Request bulkhead seats from the gate agent for extra comfort. Then, once you're through the country's exit formalities, enjoy the flight home knowing your trip was a success because you did your planning for it in advance.
Timothy D. Swanson, CTC is an adoptive parent of 2 daughters from Chile and Paraguay and president of Federal Travel & Cruises; 3170 North Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 USA.
Information and Fare Quotes: (954)942-8666
Reservations and Ticketing: Toll-Free:
(888) 551-8666
Fax: (954)942-4047
Address: Federal Travel & Cruises, 3170 North
Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL, 33064 USA
E-mail: familytravel@federaltravel.com
