Top Ten Tips for Travelers
U.S. State Department

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visa, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.  

3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

4. Make sure you have insurance, which will cover your emergency medical needs, while you are overseas.

5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!

6.  Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.

7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.

8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.

9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques in order to avoid violating local laws.

10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.

Other Important Details

You should leave photocopies of all your important documents in the US with your parents or someone else you trust. You should also give them or someone you trust the Power of Attorney to handle your finances (such as tax returns, bills, money transfers) on your behalf. This will also make replacement easier if these documents are lost or stolen. If something should happen to you, your parents may need these items as references:

1. Passport

2. All credit cards. Make sure the names, numbers, and expiration dates are visible.

3. Driver's license & student ID.

4. All traveler check numbers.

5. Several signed checks and deposit slips.

6. Medical insurance information.

Builders Abroad 100 College St  Winfield, KS  Sheila Krug, Director Phone: (620) 229-6368 Email: skrug@sckans.edu Campus Phone: (620) 229-6367

This page was last updated on Thursday, September 01, 2005

This page has been accessed   times since December 22, 2001