International Travel Tips

1. International carry-on restriction are generally stricter than domestic restrictions.  If you intend to carry your luggage on to the plane, check to be sure your luggage satisfies your carriers requirements.
2. Get an International Drivers License.  Though many nations will allow you to drive using a valid, domestic drivers license, many will not.  Further, some car rental agencies will not rent to you unless you have a valid International Drivers License.  You can learn more about getting an International Drivers License by visiting the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs web site. 
3. Prepare for medical contingencies.  No one plans to get sick when they're traveling, but if you do get sick, be aware that the hospital that treats you may not accept your medical insurance.  In other words, you may have to pay for your care yourself.  Though most insurance companies will reimburse you if your claim was a bonafide emergency, coming up with the cash--or credit if they accept it--to pay the hospital can be one of those unexpected expenses that can put a damper on your day.  You should also know that most medical insurance companies do not cover medical evacuation; that is, a medical flight to get you back home.  Medical evacuation insurance policies are available.
4. Consider travel insurance.  What if you get sick before you're due to depart and can't leave on that cruise you've been planning for two years?  To make matters worse, canceling tickets and reservations at the last minute may mean you can't get a refund for your airline tickets, cruise tickets, hotels, etc.  What a heartbreaker!  For many situations like this one, travel insurance can help you to recoup much of your investment that, otherwise, would be lost.
5. Make two copies of your passport.  Leave one at home with someone you'll be able to contact.  Put the other in another part of your luggage.  If you lose your passport, contact the nearest embassy or consulate immediately.  Take the copy of your passport with you.
6. Do not advertise that you are an American.  Americans are not viewed favorably in all parts of the world.  To keep from attracting unwanted attention, make sure you do not have marketing on your luggage or clothes that advertise your citizenship.  For example, a red, white and blue luggage tag, while appreciated back home, may be viewed differently somewhere else.
7. Check for necessary inoculations well ahead of time. You can check with your local health agency for information about which inoculations you will need.   You may also check the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs web site.
8. Contact the State Department for travel updates. Before traveling abroad, it is always a good idea to contact the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs office for tips about international travel, advice on passports and visas, and up to date information about political and social circumstances in your destination.   You can look up their web site by clicking here.