Pre-trip Preparation
Insurance
Contact your Church Mutual representative to apply for AIG WorldRisk®, an international travel insurance and assistance policy.
Emergency Identification Kit
Create an emergency identification kit in case your passport gets lost or stolen. This kit will help you get a replacement passport, as well as other important identification information.
Photocopy the data page of your passport, write down the addresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countries you plan to visit, and put this information along with two recent passport size photographs in a place separate from your passport. You also might want to include a photocopy of your driver's license, social security card, and other identification information, as well as bank account numbers and a detailed itinerary of your trip.
Security
For up-to-date travel security information, including any U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, or Public Announcements, all of which provide information about conditions that would pose risks to the security of American travelers, contact the Overseas Security Advisory council via the Internet at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html
If you are an AIG WorldRisk® customer, you may call Travel Guard®, a Chartis company, where an experienced Travel Assistance Coordinator can provide you with information on the most current travel security alerts and information for your planned destinations. Toll-free telephone numbers are listed on your identification cards.
Advance Medical Preparation
See your doctor at least six weeks before you leave. Some vaccines don't reach the highest protection until about six weeks after you get the shots. If you are unsure what vaccinations are required for your destinations, call Travel Guard® for information regarding immunizations and up-to-date medical advisories.
Have medical and dental check-ups before your trip to be aware of problems and to find out about what medicines you might want to take along.
If you take prescribed medication, be sure to have a sufficient supply for an extended stay and a copy of the prescription. Keep the medication in its original packaging to avoid problems with Customs.
If you have a medical condition or allergy, prominently display the details, together with your blood type, in your wallet or purse.
If you wear glasses most of the time, take a spare pair with you.
Travel Arrangements
Make airline or hotel bookings in your own name and not that of the organization unless there is good reason to do otherwise.
If you have a choice, book non-stop flights. Avoiding intermediate stops improves your flight security and reduces the risk of delays.
Tell only those who need to know of your travel plans.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with your personal assistant and family--someone at your home base should always know your timetable when you are abroad. Tell them to treat it as a confidential document.
Driver
Many countries require visitors from abroad to have an International Driver's License to operate a vehicle. International travel and assistance customers can contact the Travel Guard® 24-hour customer service center for information on which countries require International Driver's Licenses, as well as how and where to apply for one.
Metric System
Familiarize yourself with the metric system. It is widely used. This is especially important if you plan to drive in a foreign country--speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour.
Shopping
For information about what you can and cannot bring back into the United States after traveling to another country, check the U.S. Customs' website:
www.cbp.gov
Dressing Appropriately
A key factor in maintaining good travel security is to always maintain a low profile. This should be reflected in your dress, which should be low key and unremarkable. The wearing of expensive jewelry and wristwatches, etc., particularly in poorer countries, can only invite unwelcome attention. Avoid wearing logo attire that would attract attention to you. Pack accordingly.
Baggage Tags
Although of little consolation if it happens to you, only a very small percentage of airline baggage is misdirected and an even smaller amount is completely lost. Each piece of your baggage should have two identification labels. One label should be attached to the handle and have a fastened-down flap over the front to preserve your anonymity. The second should be affixed to the inside of the suitcase lid, in case the handle tag becomes unattached and the suitcase is lost. Write down your name and address on the tag but avoid mentioning your company or group name, if possible. When completing the identification tags, use first initial and last name only.
