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Before going abroad:
·
Obtain
Background Notes for the countries you will be visiting. These
are short, factual pamphlets containing information on each
country's geography, culture, history, economy, government and
political situation;
·
Be aware of your
country's Travel Advice. Your travel insurance company may
refuse to pay for losses sustained from civil unrest, terroism or
even sickness should you disregard the travel advisories of your
government:
o
U.S. State Department Travel Advisory;
o
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice;
o
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advisory;
o
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Reports;
o
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Tips and
Risks;
·
Get
Consular Information Sheets, from the U.S. State Department, for
each country on your itinerary. These cover information about the
country's crime and security conditions, areas of instability,
travel warnings and other pertinent information;
·
Make sure you have a
valid, signed passport and any
visas necessary for the countries on your itinerary. For
information on U.S. Passports, for both U.S. citizens and foreign
citizens traveling to the U.S.,
click here. For visas for foreign citizens traveling to the
U.S.,
click here. For information concerning
visa requirements of foreign governments;
·
Get an idea of the
laws of the countries you will be visiting. Remember, the criminal
laws of most countries differ substantially from your own. For
example, the laws of most European Community countries are based
upon the Napoleonic Code, while those of the United States, Canada,
Australia and New Zealand are derived from the English Common Law.
Even so, personal rights are likely to be interpreted differently in
each of these countries as are the laws of the road. For more
specific information on foreign laws,
click here and for information on French road laws, and
Continental road laws in general, click here;
·
Do not rely on your your Social
Security, your National Health Insurance or your regular private
insurance to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while
abroad. These plans may cover nothing or only a portion of the
costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy.
Also, some credit cards offer limited health and travel insurance as
well as some car insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides
adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also,
tell your travel agent, a friend or relative at home, and your
traveling companion, how to contact your insurer.
Should you fall sick, or be injured, make sure you are treated at a
qualified
hospital or by a medical practitioner approved by your insurer, and
make sure you get a detailed invoice from them before you leave the
country. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or
prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not
accept copies or faxes.
Canceling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before
canceling a trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel
agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel
is the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Check into travel insurance;
it may save you a bundle;
·
Make two or more
photocopies of the both the identification page of your passport and
of your visas [see
U.S. passport photo checklist]. Leave one copy at home, with
family or friends. Place another copy in your baggage and give one
copy to each person you are traveling with. Having a copy will make
it easier to get a replacement;
·
Obtain immunizations
and certificates required, or suggested, for all the countries on
your itinerary [see
Health Information for International Travel 2005-2006];
·
Carry 2 identical,
passport quality photographs with you. You will need them in
order to replace a lost or stolen passport;
·
Leave your itinerary
and proof of citizenship with friends or family so they can contact
you in an emergency;
·
Do not leave your
baggage unattended in public places;
·
Do not carry packages
given to you by strangers;
·
Check in with your
government's
Consulate in each country where you will be spending at least a
week. This can be done by phone;
·
Do not wear expensive
jewelry, conspicuous clothing or carry excessive amounts of cash or
unnecessary credit cards. These are things that may make you the
target of a crime;
·
Do everything you can
to avoid violating
local laws. This includes changing your money only in local
banks and at authorized money changing establishments;
·
Do not visit unknown
or isolated areas without first obtaining reliable information about
them;
·
Contact your embassy
should you be involved in an auto accident or other legal problem.
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