INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL Principles of Hospitality and Tourism Risa McCann

TIME IS NOTHING - TRAVEL

THE U.S. PASSPORT

STEPS TO GETTING YOUR PASSPORT 1. Have necessary documentation- US birth certificate; driver’s license or state ID; Social Security card or US Consulate certificate of birth in foreign land 2. Passport photo – 2”x2” square, facial, white background 3. Download and complete the DS-11 form 4. Present all documentation in person at the nearest Acceptance Facility 5. Have payment ready – cash, check or credit card

ADDITIONAL STEPS 6. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid problems and extra fees 7. You may track your passport processing on line 8. You must be current with all child support payments, arrest warrants, etc.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (S.T.E.P.)  Enrolling in STEP allows the US Government to contact you in case of an emergency, or if they need to evacuate U.S. citizens.  Benefits of the program include: 1. Receiving important info from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country 2. Helping the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency 3. Helping family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency

TRAVELER’S CHECKLIST  Travel documents can include:  Airline ticket  Credit card brought on the trip  Driver’s license  Foreign visa if applicable  Hotel or lodging confirmation  Itinerary  Passport ID page  Traveler’s check’s serial number

TRAVELING ABROAD  Foreign Travel requires pre-planning and research. If the traveler plans their own trip they must become aware of the requirements of traveling abroad (internationally).  All persons traveling abroad should possess a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.

GETTING THERE …  Be aware of any travel alerts and warnings for the destination  Do you have all required travel documents  Are you prepared for an emergency?  Do you plan to driver overseas?  Pack smart/pack light  Do you have photocopies of your itinerary and travel documents in 2 separate places?

YOUR SAFETY  Prepare to handle money overseas – know the exchange rates  Prepare to drive overseas – know the laws!  Learn about local customs and laws

YOUR HEALTH  Do you need any new vaccinations?  Do you know how to find medical help abroad?  Do you have health insurance for international travel?  Are you taking any prescriptions or other medications?

EMERGENCIES!!  Emergencies that can occur are:  Arrest detention  Death abroad  Lost or stolen passports  Medical emergencies  Missing persons and contacting loved ones  Natural disasters  Parental child abductions  Victim of crime

U.S. EMBASSIES  It is always important to know how to locate and/or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in each country you are visiting.  To get help in an emergency go to:

TRAVEL ALERTS AND WARNINGS  U.S. Department of State issues Alerts and Warnings depending upon the conditions in the foreign country.   An alert might include an election season that could have demonstrations or public disturbances; a health alert about an outbreak of disease; or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks  A warning might include an unstable govt.; civil war; intense crime or violence, frequent terrorist atttacks

HOW TO TRAVEL COURTEOUSLY

A LITTLE RESEARCH CAN PAY OFF BIG!

FOOD AND DRINK  Be careful what you eat and drink!  Not all countries have access to treated and clean water!  Some food might even be prepared with contaminated water so avoid: ice cubes, tap water, and fresh produce if you are uncertain about the water supply.

WHERE IS MY BAG??  Take photos of your luggage before traveling so you will be able to seek help easier if your luggage gets lost.  Tie similar identifiers onto your luggage  Know how many bags you are traveling with!

LANGUAGE BARRIERS DO EXIST! Plan ahead to hire an English speaking guide! In some countries the traveler may encounter some English speakers, however, there are some countries where very few people speak English. Some countries consider it a sign of respect if you try to speak even a few words of their language.

DAY BY DAY  Make a daily itinerary of your travel plans. It should include:  Flight information  Methods of travel – bus, train, taxi  Confirmation numbers for lodging  Name, address and phone number of lodging  Schedules for tours  Any pre-paid services Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends/family back home as well!

TRAVEL INSURANCE  Purchase travel health insurance for medical emergencies  Consider medical evacuation protection  Consider travel cancellation insurance

YOUR MEDICINE BAG  Bring your own:  Daily prescriptions in clearly labeled medicine bottles  Antibiotic medicines and creams  Indigestion medicine  Motion sickness medicine  Bandages, scissors, and bandage tape

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION  Bring multiple copies of your passport identification page in case your passport is lost or stolen  Alert your credit card companies of your travel plans at least 3 days prior to travel where you are going and how many people will be using the card  Photocopy your credit cards for the account number and xxx-xxxx lost card alert

TRAVEL DOCTOR  A travel doctor will have information about necessary immunizations you will need if you are traveling to the Middle East, Africa and/or South America  They will also provide any information you may need on diseases or health issues in that country