PASSPORTS: Apply as early as possible! The application process can take up to six weeks in some cases. Call your local Post Office to find out where the nearest Post Office is for processing passport applications. Bring the following items to that “authorized” U.S. Post Office to begin the passport application process:

1. A certified copy of your birth certificate
2. A valid form of identification, such as a drivers license
3. Two 2”x2” color passport photos
4. Application Fee

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: Please do this! Make Xerox copies of the following before you leave: Information/Picture Page of your Passport, airline tickets, front and back of your ATM and/or credit cards, doctor’s authorization or prescription form for prescription drugs, eyeglass/contact prescription, prepaid telephone cards, travelers checks, ISIC card and drivers license. Take one copy of each with you and keep in a safe place. **A lot of students are now scanning their documents and sending them to their e-mail account as a back-up before they leave. That way, in the event you lose everything you will be able to access your documents easily!

MONEY: Before leaving the U.S. order $50-$100 worth of foreign currency through your bank - this process normally takes a few days. This is a good idea because you will need foreign currency upon arrival for a cab, train ticket, food or hotel and may not want to deal with conversion at the airport.

Purchase at least $100 in travelers checks as a precaution and in case of emergency.

When you reach your destination don’t carry large amounts of cash! Carry only the minimum amount of cash that you will need for the day.

Bring some fabric softener sheets that you use in the dryer. Place one in your travel pack when you’re on the go and it will help your clothes to come out smelling clean.

ATM MACHINES: Many overseas ATM’s don’t accept a PIN of more than four characters…so ask your bank if you need to change your PIN number BEFORE you leave.

ATM CARDS AND CREDIT CARDS: You should ALWAYS bring two ATM Debit cards with different card numbers or two different credit cards with you when you travel. (Check with your bank for the best way to access a second source of money incase one of your cards is stolen.) Keep one with you and one in a secure place where you’re staying. This way, if you unfortunately become a victim of theft, you don’t have to panic because you still have another source of money…very important!

Be sure to call the bank right away to report stolen cards so they can be deactivated. (This is where having Xerox copies of all your important documents, cards etc. will come in so handy!)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD: This is another essential travel document and you must get it before you leave the U.S. It provides you with internationally recognized proof of student status and will enable you to receive student discounts on travel arrangements, accommodations, museums, entertainment and much more. It also provides basic medical and accident insurance, however, IS NOT an acceptable substitute for a full-coverage policy. Check with your school as to where and how to obtain your ISIC card.

MEDICINES: Keep all prescriptions in their original containers and have the accompanying prescription(s) and doctors letter(s) easily accessible in the event you are stopped at Customs. Over-the- counter medicines can be removed from their outer paper packaging, if necessary, as long as the individually sealed pills on the card contained inside have the manufacturers information printed on the back. If it doesn’t state the name of the medicine on the back then keep it in the original packaging.

ILLNESS PREVENTION: Talk to your doctor about the possibility of giving you a 10 day supply of Amoxicillin or similar antibiotic. Some will, some won’t. It’s very important for your doctor to educate you as to when and when not to take but it is a good precaution to have in the event you really need it.

SUMMER MONTHS: Take an anti-fungal such as Tinactin because ringworm is common among travelers. If you suffer from allergies then take a decongestant. Eye drops help with the dry heat.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS: Contact your local county health department to find out if you will require immunizations. If you do need any shots contact your private physician. If he/she doesn‘t have the needed vaccine you’ll be directed where to go. Have all of your immunizations recorded on an International Certificate of Vaccination and carry this certificate with your passport.

FILM: DO NOT pack film in your checked baggage! ALWAYS carry film in your carry-on bag. The new federally mandated luggage scanners are extremely powerful and will cause detrimental damage to film. Even lead lined bags can't protect film from these strong rays. Film damage from the ‘carry-on screening stations’ is cumulative and will only affect film that passes through the scanners five or more times.

HOTELS/HOSTELS: As soon as you get to where you’ll be staying…get their business card! You’ll be amazed how easy it is to get lost in an unfamiliar city. If you do get lost, at least you can show the address to someone and get directions or just take a cab!

CUSTOMS INSPECTION: Before you zip up your suitcase and head for the airport, place a large plastic trash bag inside. This way, if you get your bag checked at Customs, you can just stuff everything in the trash bag and go somewhere out of the way to re-pack.

PACKING: Bring some fabric softener sheets that you use in the dryer and put in a Ziploc bag. Place one in your travel pack when you’re on the go and it will help to keep your clothes smelling clean.

PREVENT LEAKS: Always put your shampoo, conditioner, lotions, etc. in Ziploc bags when you’re traveling. If something does leak, you will avoid having a huge mess in your suitcase or travel pack.

When flying, only fill bottles about ¾ full and squeeze out the excess air before closing. This will help to avoid leaks but ALWAYS keep bottles in Ziploc bags as a precaution.

NATURAL DISASTER OR TERRORISM: Contact your family, friends and school, if possible, to let them know that you are safe. Do this even if you are not in the immediate area of the trouble. People who care about you need to know that you’re OK!