Passport

For more information about passports please see our Passport And Visa page. You may also find www.myvisapassport.com has helpful information when considering a visa.
(Note: Please see the Privacy Policy and Acceptable Usage Policy for more information about linked sites.)
 

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport (and visas, 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. (See "Consular Information Program" section for more details.)
3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
7. If you plan to stay abroad for more than two weeks, upon arrival you should notify by phone or register in person with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.  This will facilitate communication in case someone contacts the embassy looking for you.
8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy

Visas

For more information about visas please see our Passport And Visa page

Health

Before you leave on any overseas trip it is wise to consult your personal physician. Explain where and when you are going. Your doctor can tell you what will be best for you, what medicines you should carry, and any special health precautions that might be wise for you. Today, smallpox vaccination certificates are required for entry into very few countries. Even fewer (all in the tropics) require inoculations against other specific illnesses. Since your physician understands your conditions, consultation before you go may help prevent problems on the trip.

When you talk to your doctor, inquire if you should take things like Dramamine or Bonine (for motion sickness), sleeping pills, a laxative, or an anti-diarrhea remedy. It is always wise to tuck away some Tylenol, a few Band-Aids, sun block and other familiar over-the-counter medications.

Flight Security and Check–in

Israel

Contrary to world opinion, travel to Israel is quite safe and Israel's security is among the World’s best. If there is any genuine threat to safety, the US and/or Israeli governments will forbid travel. Be advised to be patient at airline check-ins, especially when traveling EL AL Airlines. Answer all questions, simply and accurately, and know that the precautions are for your safety.

Turkey, Greece, Rome

All travel to and from the US has security check in.  Abide by the directions of the Security Personnel and the gate attendants. Be advised to be patient at airline check-ins. Answer all questions, simply and accurately, and know that the precautions are for your safety.

Precautions

IT IS ADVISABLE NOT TO CARRY ANYTHING FOR ANYONE – especially for those you do not know. Never travel with any luggage or carry-on that you have not personally packed YOURSELF. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR LUGGAGE UNATTENDED.

Insurance

Your tour package may be subject to nonrefundable cancellation terms. Buying travel insurance may be a good option to insure that your vacation is protected. Be sure to contact the insurance agency of your choice or ask your travel agent to recommend one.