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International Travel Tips

International travel tips are a quick, easy way to get the inside scoop on specific travel destinations, learn to save money on travel services, discover good health and security practices, find timely travel deals and prepare for a rewarding adventure abroad. Learning from those who have been there will make your trip a more rewarding experience. If you have experience with international travel, please add your tips in the comments below.

Top 10 Tips for Traveling Abroad

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

If you need a passport to travel, you may want to read 16 Tips for Preventing Passport Problems.

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.

3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency or your travel documents are lost or stolen and need to be replaced.

4. Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs while you are overseas. Choose medical evacuation coverage through Travel Guard.

5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.

7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.

8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.

9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques in order to avoid violating local laws.

10.When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.

Essential Do's and Taboos: The Complete Guide to International Business and Leisure Travel