Before you go

• Don't publicize your travel plans -- limit knowledge to those who need to know.
• Ensure that your passport, if needed, is good for at least three or four months.
• Make sure visa(s) are appropriate and current for place and type of travel.
• Take only the credit cards and personal identification that you will actually need.
• Carry a driver's license from your state of residence with a photograph.
• Make a copy of your credit cards, traveler check numbers, and the telephone numbers needed to report a theft. Keep the copy in a location separate from the documents.
• If possible, carry any required prescriptions in the original containers. Consider carrying them on the plane instead of leaving them in your checked bags.
• Carry a list of blood type, allergies, or any special medical conditions. Medical alert bracelets are a good idea.
• Hand carry any sensitive or proprietary information. Leave all expensive and unneeded personal or professional property at home.
• Check with your medical insurance carrier about coverage away from your home and work. Know coverage protection for out-of-country travel.
• Avoid a demanding schedule upon your arrival if you have traveled across many time zones. Give yourself a chance to adjust to new surroundings.

Other Foreign Travel Considerations:

• Many foreign airports do not allow butane lighters or hair dryers to be taken on board. Consider leaving them at home.
• For foreign travel, some airports charge hefty "take off" charges payable only in local currency and only when you are preparing to leave the country. Be prepared!
• Most foreign airports are very serious about security. Be prepared to be questioned and always answer customs' questions honestly.
• Do not exchange much currency before you enter your destination country. Exchange rates in hotels are typically not very good. If you can, land in your destination country with $50 or so of their currency for immediate expenses (bathrooms, taxis, porter charges, etc.).
• Check your destination country's holidays. Usually public transportation, gas stations, and grocery stores are not open on holidays.
• In most foreign countries, stores - including gas and grocery - close by 5:00 p.m. Be prepared for the lack of "convenience stores".

Before you take off

• Make sure someone near your residence knows where to contact you in emergencies or is authorized to make critical decisions regarding your residence.
• Make copies of your passport photo page; put a copy in your carry-on and leave a copy at home.
• Check with your personal insurance carrier to see what coverage you may have on luggage and contents.
• Make sure your luggage is tagged inside and out, but don't use your position or affiliation.
• Check in early to avoid the last minute rush.
• DO NOT transport items for other people.
• NEVER leave your bags unattended -- anywhere! Portable computers are particularly susceptible to theft, even at airport security checkpoints.
• Do not exchange items between bags while waiting for customs or security screening.
• At a transportation terminal, do not get involved in any disturbance.
• Dress casually when traveling to avoid attention; avoid showy jewelry.
• Locks on luggage are not secure; consider using a strip of nylon filament tape around your suitcase. Never place extreme valuables in your checked luggage.
• Go directly to the gate or secure area after checking your luggage, and avoid waiting rooms or shopping areas outside secure areas.
• Be alert at security checkpoints. Don't place belongings on conveyor until you can keep an eye on items being screened.
• Do not place weapons or disabling chemical sprays in your bags.
• At many international airports, security and customs personnel will ask you questions about your luggage. Know what you're carrying and be able to describe any electronics.
• Whenever possible, arrange to be met at your destination.

At your hotel

• Make your own hotel reservations, whenever possible, consistent with university policy.
• If traveling abroad in areas of concern, consider making reservations using your university address, without identifying the university. Use your personal credit card.
• Be aware that credit card information may be compromised at hotels, car rentals, or restaurants.
• In some foreign countries, your passport may be held by a hotel for copying or for review by the police; retrieve it at the earliest possible time.
• In a hotel, try to secure a room between floors two and seven. Some fire departments may not have the capability to rescue above the seventh floor.
• Always check for the nearest fire stairwells, hoses, and emergency telephones when checking in to a hotel.
• Avoid hanging the "Please Clean Room" tag on your door. It is an obvious signal that you are not in.
• Before allowing entry of hotel maintenance or other supposed hotel staff, verify with the front desk.
• Do not leave sensitive information or documents in your hotel room. Hand carry and personally protect your documents, as well as laptop computers and other valuables.
• Arrive as near the hotel entrance as possible and, if after dark, in a well-lit area.
• Do not linger or wander unnecessarily in parking lots, garages, or public spaces near hotels.
• Stay with your luggage until it is brought into the lobby or placed in your taxi.
• Many foreign hotels consider the basement to be Floor #1 and the ground floor is Floor #2. Remember this in emergencies.

At your hotel, in case of fire

• Locate the nearest stairwell to your room.
• Locate the nearest house telephone to be used in an emergency.
• Remain calm and do not panic.
• Call the front desk and make sure they are aware of the fire and its exact location.
• Check your door by placing the palm of your hand on the door or the knob. If either feels hot, do not open the door.
• Do not use an elevator if there is a fire.
• If you cannot leave your room or the stairwells are unsafe, notify the front desk that you are in your room.
• Fill the tub and sink with water. Soak towels and blankets as necessary to block vents and openings around doors to keep smoke and fumes out. A wet towel swung around the room will help clear it of smoke.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
• Stay low but alert to any signs of rescue from the street or the halls. Let firefighters know where you are by waving a towel or sheet out of the window.

On the street

• Invest in a good map of the city you are visiting. Note significant points on the map such as your hotel, the U. S. Embassy, and a local police station.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look up and down the street before exiting a building.
• Learn how to place a local telephone call and how to use coin telephones. Make sure you have extra tokens or coins for telephones.
• Ask the bellman, concierge, and front desk personnel regarding safe -- and not-so-safe -- areas around the city to jog, dine, or sightsee. Be aware of local traffic regulations and driving habits. Joggers have been seriously injured by failing to understand traffic conditions.
• When you go out for recreation, be sure you carry identification and who to notify in an emergency (especially while cycling, roller blading, jogging, or walking).
• Keep your passport with you at all times. Only relinquish it to the hotel if required by law when registering, or if required to identify yourself to local authorities.
• Keep in mind that purse snatchers and briefcase thieves often work hotel bars and restaurants. Keep your purse or briefcase in view or in hand.
• Be alert to scams involving an unknown person spilling a drink or food on your clothing; an accomplice may be preparing to steal your wallet, purse, or briefcase.
• If you drive, make sure your driver's license is valid and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and patterns.
• If you drive, make sure you have valid insurance and emergency notification information.
• ATM cards work in most western European countries, but not in many eastern European, African, or some Asian countries. If you attempt to use the card in a country that does not accept it, the machine will not give it back.

Wherever you are

• Always be aware of the location of your closest exit.
• Always be alert for distractions that may be staged by pickpocketers, luggage thieves, or purse snatchers.
• Consider wearing a money belt or other secure storage device; waist pouches are not advised because potential thieves will know the location of your valuables.
• Keep briefcases and purses in view or in hand when using telephones. If you're using a credit card, block the views of the key pad when entering the number.
• Be cautious when entering public restrooms.
• Carefully inspect any gifts received in a foreign country before packing for your return.

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