Ten Things to Know Before Traveling Abroad

According to a survey by BURST! Media, more women make travel arrangements online than men. Not surprising since experts estimate that about 50 percent of business travel in the U.S. is done by women.

If you are one of the many women (or men) who find themselves flying the friendly skies and dragging luggage around airports on a regular basis, you probably have your own unique way of doing things to make your trip run as smooth as possible. Nevertheless, here are ten things you need to know before you travel outside the United States.

Your Travel Documents

Traveling overseas means ensuring that you have the proper documents, and that means having a passport. They're good for ten years and usually take six to eight weeks to process, so be sure to plan early. If it's your first time, you will need to go to a passport office or post office with proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate or your naturalization or citizenship papers) and proof of identity (driver's license or photo ID card). In addition, you'll need two identical 2" x 2" front-view photos of you against a light background.

You may also need a visa, an official authorization stamped inside your passport verifying the host country permits you to travel within its borders. Not all countries require them, but you can check with the U.S. Department of State to get a list of countries or the U.S. embassy or consular offices in the countries you plan to visit. You may want to carry these phone numbers and addresses with you when you travel.

Your Suitcase

Find a suitcase that you can manage without assistance; something on wheels that you can pack with a few mix and match wrinkle-free pieces. Bring along a small carry-on with your essentials: prescription medication, makeup, clean underwear, a small snack and copies of your passport, credit card (only one), airline ticket and itinerary. A second copy of these items should be left at home with a family member in case of emergencies. Also to protect yourself from snooping eyes, use laminated business cards as luggage tags so that anyone checking the address will not know your home address and telephone number.

Your Valuables

Keep them near you at all times; in a jacket with an inside pocket or in a money belt around your waist. This includes you passport, credit card, traveler's checks, cash, medical information and airline ticket. Don't bring or wear expensive jewelry.

Your Health

Be sure to carry your medical insurance card with you in case of emergency medical needs and/or add additional medical coverage by enrolling in MEDEX, an insurance plan that provides worldwide travel assistance and medical coverage.

Keep your prescription medicines in their original containers in your carry-on bag along with copies of your prescriptions and their generic names, since some countries restrict the import of certain prescription drugs. You might also want to have your blood type and a list of your current medical conditions.

Check with the Centers for Disease Control to determine if there are any vaccine or immunization requirements or if there is a pending health risk in the country you plan to visit.

Your Diet

Since foods in different countries may vary from your customary diet, try to stick to what you know. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water (bottled). Water is especially important during flight for hydration. Check out our article Fifteen Healthy Tips for Travelers.

Your Hotel

Become familiar with your surroundings both inside and outside your room. Always check the window and door locks to ensure they are working properly and bolt the door when you are inside. Keep the curtains in your room closed.

Your Transportation

If you rent a car, make sure you have the proper driver's license and write down the make, color and license plate number so you'll know which vehicle is yours.

Your Safety

Use the buddy system when you go out and get directions ahead of time so you know where you're going. Be aware of your surroundings and have a plan in case you get into a dangerous situation. You may want to travel with a small, high-powered flashlight for when you're out and by your bedside table at night for emergencies.

Your Technology

If you're like most people these days, you probably have a variety of portable communication devices - cell phone, PDA, Blackberry - or other electronic devices that will require you to charge and/or plug them into a wall socket. Therefore, along with your electronic toys don't forget to bring a universal plug adapter as well as a charging device (see our article Portable Technology for Travelers: Staying on Top of Your Life from Anywhere in the World). And don't forget the camera!

Your Rights

When you leave the United States to visit another country the rules change. If you are arrested or require legal assistance the U.S. Consulate can:

• Visit you in jail once notified of your arrest.
• Give you a list of local attorneys.
• Notify your friends and family.
• Relay requests for money or aid.
• Make sure your rights under local law are upheld.
• Protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities.

The U.S. Consulate cannot:

• Guarantee or assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of a particular attorney.
• Demand your release.
• Get you out of jail.
• Give you legal counsel.
• Represent you at trial.
• Pay your legal fees or fines.

Keep in mind that, while traveling to other countries might mean you find a lot of similarities, there are also many differences. So know what you need to know before you go.