AIRLINE TICKETS: Make an extra copy of your electronic tickets and keep them with other important copies while you travel.
ATM CARDS: Check with your local bank or credit card company to ensure that your card is accepted in the country of travel and that your personal identification number (PIN) will work. You should also ask if any charges would be applied for using a foreign ATM. ATM machines are usually in safe places.
CHILDREN TRAVELING WITH YOU?
1) Be sure to explain the itinerary clearly. Be sure they have a willingness to leave home.
2) Know the children’s eating and sleeping habits.
3) Know the children’s medical history.
CLOTHING: Bring layered clothing – cotton preferably - you will find it very convenient if your itinerary includes mountains, deserts and jungles. Sturdy walking shoes are a must in all areas. Many places still have cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks.
CONVERTERS/ADAPTERS: Bring these with you when traveling with electrical appliances; however some destinations (i.e. Amazon Jungle) may not have electricity.
CREDIT CARDS: Most hotels, shops and restaurants accept all major credit cards (except Discover). Make sure to keep records of your credit card numbers in case of loss. It's a good idea to travel with more than one credit card. Leave all your other credit cards at home. For couples, it is also wise to each carry a different credit card (not with the same number).
EXCHANGE OF CURRENCY: All airports and major hotels have an exchange service. Some shopping and dining facilities will also exchange dollars. Consult with your guide. Please do NOT exchange money in the street. This makes you vulnerable to theft. Please note, some countries will not accept $100 bills with certain serial numbers, or damaged, or bills with graffiti It is better to carry lower denominations for easier exchange and/or for minor purchases.
FILM / Memory sticks: Bring plenty, as in some places it may be costly or unavailable for your needs. It is also wise to bring an extra camera battery because the exact one needed may be difficult to locate in foreign countries. Don’t forget to bring the battery charger for your camera!
FIRST AID: It is a good idea to have a small first aid kit with you when you travel. It should include band-Aids, medicated cream, antiseptic spray, aspirin, antacids and/or upset stomach reliever (i.e. Pepto Bismol, Imodium AD) and cold relievers – most of which you can also buy abroad as needed.
FLIGHT RESERVATIONS: Be sure to reconfirm your domestic and international flight reservations as soon as you arrive in each country. Sometimes flight numbers change last minute. Same is true for departure gates. If you have arranged for transfer services with a local ground operator, they will reconfirm the flights for you and advise you of any changes. When a flight in the U.S. is cancelled, go to a phone booth and call the airline's toll-free number to make a confirmed reservation on another flight. At that point you can line up at the counter to have your ticket changed.
On flights within foreign countries: If a flight is cancelled or delayed beyond a reasonable time while you are waiting for the plane and if you leave the airport, be sure to get your ticket back from the counter agent. This will help with any refunds or exchanges.
GREETINGS: The common form of greeting for women is a handshake and a kiss on the cheek. For men a handshake and/or abrazo (hug).
HIGH ALTITUDE: When visiting high altitude destinations, remember the following:
Have a light meal prior to departure and for the first 24 hours.
Rest for an hour or two prior to departure and for the first 24 hours.
Drink more fluids, avoid alcohol and refrain from smoking.
Bring sunscreen. Both the altitude and in some cities, the nearness to the equator increases the possibility of sunburn.
Temperatures may be quite cool in the early morning and in the evening, with significant warming during the day. Layered clothing is best.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Conditions vary from time to time and regulations between countries differ. Example: no immunizations are needed from the U.S. to Colombia or to Brazil; but you do need immunizations if you go from Colombia to Brazil! Please check with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, with the consulate of the countries on your itinerary, and with your personal physician.
INSURANCE: Please make sure you are fully protected with health and/or accident insurance. Some policies do not cover you while abroad. Trip cancellation or interruption insurance which will also provide medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance is highly recommended.
JUNGLE / TROPICAL AREAS:
1) Wear hat, sunglasses and sunscreen during first few days to prevent sunburn.
2) Use insect repellent and long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent insect bites.
3) Avoid walking barefoot.
4) Drink plenty of bottled water and other fluids to prevent heat exhaustion.
5) Wear cool, light colored clothing made of porous fabrics like cotton to allow adequate ventilation and prevent prickly heat rash.
6) Bring a rain poncho (just in case). And also plastic bags to wrap around cameras and other equipment.
LUGGAGE: Be sure to use luggage tags in order to facilitate identification of luggage at airports and hotels. Bring an extra, expandable bag, for the numerous handicrafts and unique gifts available!
MEALS: In many countries, lunch is usually taken between 1 and 2 p.m., with dinner after 8 p.m. However, most hotels have 24-hour service for your convenience.
MEDICATIONS: If you are on prescribed medication, make sure to bring an adequate supply. Keep your medicine in its original container. Carry a copy of your doctor's prescription for all medicines, eyeglasses and contact lenses. You can always purchase your medications while abroad – and many times it is cheaper!
PASSPORT: Make sure it has at least 6 months validity beyond your date of return. Please complete the information regarding who to contact in case of emergency. Keep a photocopy of your passport at home or office and travel with an extra photocopy. Check with the nearest consulate or with milalatin@aol.com regarding visa requirements.
SIDE TRIPS: Mountains? Jungle? Ski Resorts? Pack only pertinent items for the duration of the excursion. Most hotels have storage facilities available which are safe for your remaining luggage.
TIPPING: Children love to have their picture taken. Please do not give them money as a token. Instead, be prepared and take pencils, crayons, chewing gum, candies, etc. On scheduled excursions, the tips to the guide and driver are not included. Tips can be made in U.S. dollars and a suggested amount for the guide is $5-$10 per person, per tour depending on the length of the tour (half day vs. full day) and $2 - $5 to the driver, also per person per day. At hotels and airports, luggage handling tips are approximately $1 per bag. At restaurants, please follow the same behavior on tips as you do at home – except if it is not accepted in the country you visit.
MISCELLANEOUS
Depending on your travel style, you may want to bring binoculars, compass, altimeter, disposable umbrella and a tripod-seat / cane [great for trekking].
DONT'S:
- Do not pack medicine, eyeglasses, important documents and/or jewelry in your check-in luggage
- Do not travel with good/expensive jewelry or dangling earrings!
- Do not wait for the rush hour hotel departure time (try to settle your account prior to your scheduled hotel departure)
- Do not be impatient (expect delays standing in line - at touring facilities, immigration and customs, security points, etc. !
