Travel Tips

Discount Airfare FAQ

Passports & Visas

U.S. State Department - Passport Services
http://travel.state.gov/passport/default.htm

U.S. State Department - Passport Applications
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms_overview.html

U.S. State Department website on Passport Services and Information. Includes information on how to apply for a passport, downloadable applications, fees, where to apply for a passport near you, and status updates.

U.S. State Department - Visa Services
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/

U.S. State Department website on Visa Services. Includes information about visitor and student visa applications, downloadable applications, frequently asked questions about visas, and US Embassy/Consulate listings and contact information.

Health & Safety

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/travel

The CDC's Travelers' Health page offers valuable information to prepare you for your journey. From disease outbreaks to geographic health recommendations and pre-travel checklists, this site has it all. The site also includes a toll-free Travelers' Health Hotline providing travelers with the most current information.

Travel Health Online
http://www.tripprep.com

Shoreland's Travel Health Online is a comprehensive site listing travel medicine providers, information on vaccination and travel related illnesses.

U.S. State Department - Travel Warnings
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html

The U.S. State Department provides a thorough listing of travel warnings, Consular Information Sheets and Public Announcements. The articles are broken down by country and date. Information includes health conditions, crime statistics, and currency and entry requirements. Travelers can also sign up for a free email newsletter for the latest breaking travel safety information.

Packing List

Necessary Items

Luggage and/or Backpack
Hip-Pack, Day-Pack, Fanny-Pack
Neck-Wallet or Undercover Security Pouch
Travel or Nature Guides

Financial and Personal Documents

Passport
Visas
Rail Pass
Airline Tickets
Travelers Checks
Cash (Limited Amount)
Change (Phone or Laundry Machines)
Drivers License or ID Card
Credit Card with PIN
ATM Card with PIN
Hostel Card
Student ID Card
Copy of Documents (Passport, Visa, etc.)
Vaccination Certificates
Passport Photos
Copy of Prescriptions (Medicine, Glasses, Contacts)

Toiletries

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo and Conditioner
Blowdryer
Towel and Washcloth
Soap (Biodegradable)
Deodorant
Lotion or Moisturizer
Sunscreen
Eyedrops
Chapstick or Lip Balm with Sunscreen
Nail Clippers
Dental Floss
Razor
Shaving Cream
Alcohol Pads
Feminine Hygiene Products
Birth Control
Contact Lens Preparation
Electrical Adapter
Medications
Vitamins

First-aid Kit

Tweezers
Needle
Bandages
Band-aids
Medical or Athletic Tape
Moleskin
Gauze Pads
Q-Tips
Cotton Balls
Latex Gloves
Scissors
Waterproof Matches
Pain Killers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin)
Disinfectant or Antiseptic Ointment (Bactine)
Antiseptic Soap
Anti-itch Ointment
Sunburn Ointment
Antacids (Rolaids, Tums, etc.)
Nausea or Diarrhea Tablets (Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Gravol, etc.)
Laxatives
Antihistamine
Insect Repellant with DEET
Water Purification System or Tablets

Miscellaneous

Maps (Topographic, Driving, etc.)
Pocket Knife (Swiss Army Knife)
Flashlight
Camera with Film and Lenses
Batteries
Film
Cable/Thin Chain and Lock
Nylon Cord
Binoculars
Bandanas
Sunglasses with strap
Mesh Bags or Laundry Bags
Ziploc Bags
Journal or Diary
Pens/ Pencils
Books or Magazines
Games or Cards
Beach Towel
Umbrella
String or Rope
Nylon Cord
Duct Tape
Gloves
Luggage Locks
Travel Alarm Clock
Neck Pillow
Money Exchanger
Compass
Mirror and/or Whistle
Toilet Paper
Earplugs
Large Envelopes
Pictures
Sink Stopper (Racquetball)
Backpack Cover
Sleep Sheet (for hostels)
Drinking Cup
Small Sewing Kit
Language Guide/ Dictionary
Garbage Bag
Travel Iron