General Travel and Vacations

How To Get Most From Your Vacation

When you have a dream holiday to look forward to, you'll find that making your travel preparations is a wonderful part of the anticipation. To help you pack just the right things for your trip, we would like to offer some useful travel tips. We hope you find the following ideas helpful!

Packing

When it comes to packing, it's best to bring versatile, "sensible clothes" that work well together and may be layered for additional warmth if needed. In your carry-on bag, pack your passport, travel documents, travelers' checks, money, camera, and other valuables, as well as comfort items like eye drops, slipper socks, and a change of clothes.

Shopping

One of the great joys of travel is buying fascinating souvenirs along the way. In many countries, bargaining is the rule! To accommodate your purchases, bring along a mesh or light nylon bag you can fold and carry in a purse or jacket pocket until needed.

Local or National Holidays and Events

Many cities and countries have either national or local holidays or special events which may or may not cause some inconveniences during your visit. Often the events are either religious or cultural. We recommend that you call the local chamber of commerce or tourism office, embassy, or consulate to see if there are any holidays during your stay.

Currency

If you are traveling outside the U.S., you'll have to exchange your money. The best way to do this is to bring traveler checks in small denominations $10 or $20 - so you can exchange only what you need. There's nothing worse than having lots of foreign cash left over that you end up exchanging at the airport or pier-side at very unfavorable exchange rates. In some places (Latin America, and most Caribbean Islands, for example) U.S. currency is accepted: bring small bills to avoid having to receive change in foreign currency. If you bring credit cards bring, only those you anticipate using. Major credit cards are accepted in most countries throughout the world.

Medicines

Stock up on prescription medications before you leave. Bring enough for the entire trip, plus a reserve - just in case. All medications should be clearly marked. And you should keep them in your carry-on bag in case your checked through baggage gets lost or delayed.

Electricity

The U.S. may set the world standard for some things, but electricity isn't one of them. Many countries in Europe and Latin America use 220-volts. If you bring along an electric shaver, hair dryer, or other appliance, bring a voltage converter.

Here is a list of things you should bring on your trip: extra eyeglasses, sunglasses, travel alarm clock, camera & extra film, artificial sweetener, washcloth, shower cap, toiletries in "sample size" containers, plastic bags for laundry & damp towels, travel sewing kit, moist towelettes, sunscreen, swim wear, and binoculars.

Here is a list of some things you should not bring on your trip: knives, weapons, tweezers, scissors, razors, box cutters, aerosol cans, flammable liquids, fireworks, household items, industrial products, glass bottles, illegal narcotics or substances, valuable jewelry, and uncomfortable shoes.