Before Leaving

Packing

Money Matters

Air Travel Tips

Cruising Tips

Car Rental

• Stop your mail and newspaper delivery.
• Pick up your dry cleaning and pay upcoming bills.
• Arrange for the care of your pets.
• Check with your doctor if specific flu shots/medications
  are needed before traveling to certain destinations.

• Choose clothes you can mix and match to save space. Choose items that layer to accommodate changing weather.
• Bring clothing made of fabrics that dry quickly, such as synthetics and lightweight cotton.
• To save time during your trip iron before you pack, then roll (don't fold) clothes. To avoid wrinkles leave dry-cleaned items in their plastic bags. If clothes do wrinkle, hang items in the bathroom while you shower to help steam out the wrinkles.

• In your first aid kid pack antibiotic cream, anti-diarrhea, antibiotic cream, cold medications, cotton swabs, nail clippers and tweezers. These items should be packed with your checked luggage.
• So your clothes aren't covered in liquids, place any items that can spill such as liquid makeup, shampoo and toothpaste in sealable plastic bags.
• Bring an adapter and converter for your small appliances such as hair dryer and electric razor when traveling internationally.
• Pack safety pins in your checked luggage to use if a button falls off your clothing. They can also be used to secure valuables in you pocket (pin you pocket closed from the inside of you clothing so that pick-pockets won’t be able to reach in.) A button-down flap or a Velcro strip sewn into your front or back pocket also helps slows down fast fingers.

• Pack light, so you can carry all of your bags yourself.
• Check with your airline for weight and size allowances. Luggage should not exceed 50 lbs — some airlines will charge a fee for each bag that exceeds the weight limit.
• Label each piece, inside and out, with your name, address, phone number, and your destination address.
• Carry-on's must measure less than 45 inches of combined height, length, and width, and most airlines limit passengers to one. An average-sized handbag or laptop is not considered a carry-on.
• Never leave your luggage with a stranger or unattended.
• Never carry, pack, or check luggage for a stranger.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your luggage.
• Do not lock your checked luggage. Security will break locks to check contents.
• Do not wrap any gifts you may be bringing with you.
• Remember to pack any sharp objects in your checked luggage.
• Do not pack lighters or matches in your carry-on, they may be confiscated.
• You cannot carry on any item that may be used as a weapon, such as golf clubs, bats , pool sticks, hockey sticks, ski poles, knives, scissors, metal nail files, or box cutters. You must check these items. All checked luggage will be screened.
• Hold onto your luggage claim checks. You may need them to claim your luggage at your destination.

• An inflatable pillow and earplugs can make plane and train travel more comfortable.
• In your carry on bag pack your airline, cruise or train tickets, itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying, passport, important documents, jewelry, camera, laptop, toiletries and prescriptions drugs. *Be sure to keep prescription drugs in their original containers to avoid security questions!
• Pack a day bag to carry your camera, guidebooks, maps, souvenirs, umbrella and other incidentals in a safe place.
• Leave valuables at home or locked in a hotel safe. Keep cameras and laptop computers with you. If you have to leave them behind, put them in a bag. They are safer out of sight.
• Park in well-lit areas and always lock your car doors. Have your keys ready before you get to your car. Always try to walk in well-lit areas. Have someone with you, if possible.
• Watch for scams and for people who "accidentally" bump into you.
• Keep hotel keys out of sight when in public areas. Always keep your hotel room locked, even when you are in it. Never allow a stranger into your hotel room.
• Never give your room number to anyone other than hotel staff.

• If you are carrying a digital camera a mini hard drive for downloading photos or videos is a useful tool to increase your storage capacity.
• 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.
• Leave a copy of your flight times, your itinerary and the name and phone number of the hotel with a friend or family member.

• Bring ten or twenty single dollar bills with you (even if traveling internationally) for those opportunities where you will be required to give a tip. American currency is accepted throughout the world and can be useful to have in the case that you arrive after banks have closed for the day and there are no ATMs available.
• Use your credit card when traveling abroad to get the best exchange rate.
• Wear a security belt under your clothes to keep your money, travelers checks, passport and other valuables safe.
• Double-check your itinerary and make sure your airline tickets, vouchers (hotel, car rental, sightseeing, etc.), and other documents are in order.
• Have your hotel voucher(s) readily available to present at the hotel registration desk upon arrival.
• It's always a good idea to leave your credit card numbers with a family member in case they are lost or stolen.
• Notify your credit card company that you will be traveling out of the country to avoid having a hold placed on your card.
• Carry traveler's checks or a preloaded travel card; you can replace them if they are lost or stolen.
• Carry money and credit cards in a money belt.
• Bring only the credit cards you intend to use.
• Carry a small amount of cash. Most destinations have ATMs that dispense cash in local currency.
• Many destinations require the traveler to pay a departure tax. Other fees may also apply. Check with your travel agent.

• Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time for unexpected delays, such as traffic, lines at the airport, parking, airport shuttles, security checks, luggage checks or lines for connecting flights.
• For domestic flights call to confirm your flight 24 hrs. in advance and arrive 2 hrs. before your flight.
• For international flights call to confirm your flight 72 hrs. in advance and arrive 3 hrs. before your flight.
• If you plan to travel with your pet contact the airline in advance. There may be restrictions and you may need documentation. Be sure your pet has all current vaccinations and licenses.
• Airport parking lots may fill early especially during peak travel periods. Check with your travel agent to see if there are any off airport property parking facilities in your area.
• Be prepared to check in at the airline counter, not all airports have curbside check-in.
• When flying remember to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the plane to mitigate jet lag and dehydration.
• On long flights, it's a good idea to get out of your seat every so often and/or do leg exercises while seated to stimulate your circulation.
• Bring a book or toy for every hour of travel time with a child.

• Have your ticket and ID readily available.
• Place all carry-on's flat on the conveyor belt for examination by the x-ray.
• Before you walk through the metal detector, hand over keys, coins, and other loose metal objects to security personnel. Avoid wearing heavy metal items, such as jewelry and belt buckles. Be prepared to take off your shoes.
• Only ticketed passengers are allowed through security. Have your paper ticket, a boarding pass or documentation of an e-ticket available. Documentation must display the ticket number.
• Never joke about bombs or weapons. Airport security takes all threats seriously.
• Alert law enforcement or airline officials if you see anything suspicious, including unattended luggage.
• If you have a disability or medical concern (visible or hidden), let security know so that they may assist you.
• Carry proper documentation.
• Make reservations under your name exactly as it appears on your ID.
• If your name appears differently on your ticket and your ID, you must present legal documentation of your name change (marriage certificate or court order).
• Have your passport officially amended to avoid confusion. Passport expiration dates must be at least 6 months past the completion of travel.
• If you are 16 years of age or older, you will need to show a proper photo ID.
• All identification must be current. Expired or cancelled IDs are unacceptable.
• All US citizens are required to carry a valid passport when traveling outside the United States. Domestic travel requires a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Check to see if a visa is required for your particular destination including ports of call during your cruise.
• Check with the consulate of the country to which you are traveling for proof of citizenship requirements. You are responsible for knowing what documentation is acceptable prior to traveling. (Voter registration, hospital birth certificate, notification of birth registration and baptismal certificates are NOT acceptable proof of citizenship!)
• Non-US citizens traveling internationally are required by the Federation Aviation Administration to show evidence of admission into the United States, such as a visa, I-94, parole letter, or an alien resident card. If you are not a US citizen, check with consulate of the country to which you are traveling for entry requirements.
• If you are traveling with children under the age of 18 be sure to check with your airline to determine what ID is needed.
• Adults traveling outside the United States with a minor must carry a notarized affidavit from the minor's legal guardian(s). Minors must have notarized parental consent to travel on spring break outside the US. The Dominican Republic has instituted strict entry requirements for travelers under the age of 18 - consult your travel agent for details.
• Parents who are meeting unaccompanied minors and persons accompanied by health-care assistants or guardians should contact their airline in advance to make special arrangements.

• 3 –1–1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
• Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
• Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
• 3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
• Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
• Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

• All bags must have the cruise line luggage tags attached before you leave home. If you have a pre-cruise hotel booked, attach the tags before leaving the hotel for the cruise ship.
• Avoid lines at the pier by pre-registering online. Check with your cruise line.
• Have single dollar bills in your pocket to tip the baggage handlers and transfer driver.
• Leave a copy of your flight times, the name of your cruise ship, and a copy of your passport or birth certificate and photo ID with a friend of family member. While at sea if someone needs to contact you, arrangements can be made through 1-800-SEA-CALL.
• Check the cruise ship itinerary to ensure that you have packed all the appropriate clothing, including formal wear, if necessary.
• Cruise lines reserve the right to change or alter itineraries without notice and in most cases, without compensation.

• Cruise line representatives carrying identifying signs will meet you in the baggage claim area, check in with one of these representatives. They will advise you to claim your luggage and then proceed to a designated waiting area. From there, a transfer bus will take you to the pier, if included in your package.
• A cruise line representative will instruct you either to carry your luggage with you into the cruise terminal or to identify your bags and place them in a luggage container. Because your bags may arrive in your room later than you do, keep all medications, a change of clothes, and other essentials in a carry-on.
• You will now proceed to the cruise terminal and check-in. Have your proof of citizenship, cruise ticket, signed customs forms, sail information, and credit card ready for inspection and processing.
• Upon check-in, you will receive an ID/swipe card. This card serves as your boarding pass to exit and enter the ship, your charge card aboard the ship, and your room key. If you lose this card, immediately report the loss to the purser's office, your onboard front desk.

• Unless you have pre-booked your shore excursions, spa treatments, and beauty appointments be sure to book them right away since these activities sell out quickly. Most cruise lines have online shore excursion booking capabilities.
• Make the most of your time onboard by attending the shows, participating in the games, and enjoying the food.
• Every evening, your cabin steward will provide you with an information sheet. This sheet outlines the activities for the next day and the expected attire for dinner the next evening.

• Have at least one member of your party attend the disembarkation information meeting on the last full day of the cruise.
• If your flight leaves before 12:00 noon, let the purser's desk know that you need an early departure time.
• You will be asked to leave all luggage outside your room by 12:00 midnight on the last evening of the cruise. Keep a change of clothes, medications, tickets, proof of citizenship, and any other necessities with you in your cabin.
• You will receive a printout of your purchases on the morning of disembarkation between 6:00 and 7:00am. If you have a cash deposit and an outstanding balance, or a discrepancy, you must settle your account at the purser's desk by 8:30am. If you choose to pay your account with your credit card on file, you do not need to settle onboard.
• As you disembark, you must have your ID/swipe card to punch out of the cruise line security system, proof of citizenship, and your customs card (customs cards must be filled out completely and signed).
• By this time, the luggage that you left outside your cabin is already off the ship and in a retaining area. You will need to identify your bags and take them to the transfer bus, if included in your package (directly across from the luggage claim area in the cruise terminal).

• To rent a car you need to satisfy an age requirement (varies by company and region), and have both a valid driver's license and major credit card in the same name. (A debit card is subject to acceptance by the individual car rental company.)
• If you do not have a credit card or an approval to use your debit card, you are typically required to put down a cash deposit. This must be pre-approved through the car rental company.
• A standard rental includes use of the car and applicable minimum state-required liability insurance. A collision damage waiver, in which responsibility for any damage shifts from you to the car rental company, is available for an additional charge. However, your personal insurance or credit card may already cover you; be sure to investigate. Be aware that you may be protected domestically, but not internationally.
• Local, state, and federal taxes; airport parking fees or surcharges; drop-off and refueling charges; additional drivers; child safety seats; ski racks and navigational equipment typically cost extra as well.
• If you or another driver are between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-five, additional charges apply.
• Cars are available by the day, weekend, week, or month, typically with savings for longer rental periods. Categories range from compact to luxury. Small groups may want to consider a van.
• When renting your car, geographic restrictions may apply. Some auto rental companies may not allow you to leave the state or country with the rental car. Check with your travel agent and/or car rental company.