Thursday, December 8, 2011

Traveling Overseas? Here Are Some Tips To Consider

By Tiffany Nash


Making some minor preparations before you go overseas will save you time and effort and give you peace of mind.

Here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer.

By registering, the State Department can better assist you in an emergency. Register your travel plans with the State Department. If there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling, this will help them contact you. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.

Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

Copies of itinerary and passport data page should be left. If you want to be contacted in case of an emergency, leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page, and visas with family or friends. Make sure that an extra color copy of your passport and visa is kept in your wallet. Carry the copy wherever you go and secure your passport in the hotel safe.

Don't forget to check your overseas medical insurance coverage. Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. You may want to consider supplemental insurance if it does not.

Try familiarizing yourself with local conditions and laws. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Unlike in your home country, some laws in other countries may be stricter. Before you go, make sure that you learn the laws. Regardless of what country you are visiting; do not get involved in drugs.

Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime. To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. You should also never accept packages from strangers and do not leave unattended luggage in public areas.

The embassy should be contacted if there is an emergency. Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.

Future problems can be prevented with prior planning. It only takes a few minutes to register online, copy your passport, and check the local laws. It may save you minor aggravation or possibly time behind bars.




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