Travel Tips

Contents Travel Preparation Health & Safety Travel Clinics Money on the Road Packing Tips Packing List Shopping Abroad

Travel Preparation Tips Months Ahead •  Do some research on the area you’ll be visiting. This is especially

important to start your research early if you are planning foreign travel.

•  Check the valid dates on your passport.

•  Take care of medical and dental checkups and vaccinations if necessary. (See travel clinics pg.10)

•  After consulting your physician, consider starting an exercise program to prepare your body for the extra exertion you’ll experience while traveling. Start breaking in the shoes you’ll be taking with you on your trip.

•  Find out how to access the Internet when travelling.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/internet-service-traveling-39886.html 2

•  South INDIA : Travel Info •  Currency: Rupee 1 Canadian Dollar = 56.28 INR •  Major Languages: The people of India speak Hindi, Bengali,

Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Assamese, Maithili, and English.

•  Calling Code: 91 •  Calling Cards: International and long distance calling cards which

allow long distance and international calls are available. •  Voltage: 230 V 50 Hz •  Plug Type /Socket types Used •  C D M

3

Three Weeks Ahead •  Check with your credit card company for available spending amount; ask your bank for an increase if

needed. Don’t forget about the deposits that will be charged and leave some room on the card for emergencies.

•  Check the valid dates on your credit card to make sure they will remain valid while you’re traveling.

•  Notify the Credit Card Company where you’ll be traveling, so they will expect charges from your destination.

•  Check your ATM and debit card for both daily and total limits.

•  Remember your PIN numbers or get new ones issued for all your credit, debit, ATM and phone cards.

•  Purchase automatic light timers to switch on and off in the evening.

•  Check cameras, purchase new batteries if necessary. If you buy a new camera, try it out and bring the manual with you.

•  Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.

•  If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.

•  Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.

•  Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather. Arrange boarding for your pets.

•  Add some yogurt to your diet to strengthen your digestive system. This is especially important if your plans include travel to foreign countries where you will be exposed to elements that are hostile to your digestive system.

4

Two Weeks Ahead •  Arrange transportation to the airport.

•  Make arrangements to purchase some the currency of the country you will be visiting.

•  Put your valuables and jewelry in a safety deposit box.

•  If you don’t have, or can’t get access to a safety deposit box, you still want to hinder a hurried burglar by hiding valuable items in your house.

5

One Week Ahead •  Reduce the amount of fresh items you buy at the grocery, such as milk, fruit and other perishables

you’ll need to throw out before you leave.

•  If you haven’t already…get out the suitcase and start your packing.

•  Be sure your luggage is marked with identification on the inside and out.

•  Start adjusting your sleeping and eating habits closer to your destination’s time zone to help avoid jetlag.

•  Make at least two lists of credit card numbers.

•  Make several copies of your passport. Leave one list at home and keep the other with you in case you lose your passport. Do not keep the copies on your person, rather keep a copy in your suitcase and/or give your traveling companion a copy.

•  Notify the local police and security system company to immediately consider any alarms as real. Leave with them the names of anyone responsible to watch over your house.

•  Check prescriptions for necessary refills; bring a list with the drug’s generic name listed since the brand names available can differ in other areas.

•  Pick up all your items from the dry cleaners 6

One Day Before •  Walk around with your packed luggage to evaluate your comfort with the

weight of the luggage.

•  Confirm transportation to the airport. If you are using an air-link service…confirm pick up time.

•  Pay bills that will come due while you are away.

•  Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.

•  Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.

•  Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.

•  You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.

•  Set automatic light and radio timers. Check the bulbs to see if they will last for your entire trip.

7

Things to do the day you leave… •  Turn water heater down to the lowest setting.

•  Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.

•  Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.

•  Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.

•  Plug a cheap radio into a timer so you can have some noise in the house during part of the day.

•  Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.

•  Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you’re gone. Remember to unhook your phone line from the modem. Unfortunately, you may have to leave it all hooked up if your computer is your only answering machine. Make sure your surge protectors are properly installed.

•  Just before you lock up…turn off the water.

8

Health & Safety Travel Tips How can I protect my health when I travel? (see travel clinics page 10)

•  If you have any food allergies, learn the names of those foods in the languages used in the countries you’ll be visiting. This way you’ll be better equipped to stay on the look out for them.

•  Find out what types of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.

•  Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip. Get your vaccinations early in case you have a reaction and need some recovery time.

•  You should consider a dental appointment if you haven’t had a check up in a while.

•  Be careful what you eat and drink.

•  Carry complete health information with you on your trip.

•  Consider joining Medic Alert or IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

9

Travel Clinics •  *The Travel Clinic

Hamilton Harbour Commissioners Bldg. 605 James Street N. Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 1J9 T: 905-529-8558 F: 905-577-6306

•  *Travel Medicine & Infectious Disease Clinic Chedoke-McMaster Hospital 1200 Main Street West - HSC 3V3 Clinic Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5 T: 905-521-2100 F: 905-521-2653 Contact: Ms. Kelly Massi

•  Medical Clinic Suite 105, 323 Wilson Street East Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 4A8 T: 905-648-1112 F: 905-648-2033

•  *Infectious Diseases Clinic St. Joseph's Hospital 268 Grosvenor Street London, Ontario, N6A 4L6 T: 519-646-6058 F: 519-646-6002

•  International Travel Clinic Waterloo Regional Community Health Dept. 99 Regina Street South P.O. Box 1633 Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4V3 T: 519-883-2007 - 741-3854 F: 519-883-2248 Contact: Ms. Lori Richter

10

Where can I find information that will help keep me healthy while traveling?

•  www.cdc.gov/travel/

•  The Canadian Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Information web page. This site contains updated information and articles on diseases. It also includes guidelines for travel to areas that have suffered a recent natural disaster. The most valuable section of the site is the destinations section. This area of the site contains detailed specific information on diseases common to particular regions of the world, along with the recommended precautions and vaccines advised to avoid those diseases.

•  www.who.int/ith/english/index.htm

•  The World Health Organization’s International Travel and Health web page. This site contains information on recommended vaccinations and general health advice for travelers.

•  www.who.int/ith/english/region.htm

•  The World Health Organization’s Geographical distribution of potential health hazards to travelers web page. This site contains information, divided by regions of the globe, on potential health hazards for travelers within that region.

11

Where can I find information that could help me to secure proper medical care while I’m traveling?

http://www.iamat.org/index.cfm

•  The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that helps travelers to avoid illness while traveling abroad. It also helps guide travelers in 125 countries to competent medical care with doctors trained in Western countries that speak either French or English in addition to their native tongues. There is no charge for membership in this organization, but donations are appreciated to help continue IAMAT’s work.

•  http://www.medicalert.ca/en/index.asp

•  The Medic Alert homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that provides bracelets that identify diseases or allergies from which you suffer. The bracelet also contains a phone number that can be called so medical personnel can have access to your medical records 24-hours a day. There is a registration and yearly membership fee to receive this service.

12

What health information should I carry with me?

•  Complete and take with you a personal medical history. Your doctor should be able to help you complete the history. It should include:

* Your Insurance Company’s name and address. * Trip Insurance contact information.

* Contact person in case of emergency. * Your blood type.

* A copy of your eyeglass prescription. * A list of current medications with their generic names, brand names can vary in foreign countries. * A list of allergies, including any known food or drug allergies. * A list of immunizations with their dates. * A basic description of your past and present medical condition, including past hospitalizations and any current problems.

13

How can I protect myself from traveler’s diarrhea while traveling abroad?

•  When you are traveling abroad, don’t forget that drinking another country’s water can be dangerous.

•  Stick with bottled or boiled water and carbonated soft drinks.

•  Remember that the ice in your drink turns into water, so order them without ice.

•  Wipe off the tops of cans before you drink from them, or better yet, bring some straws to use for drinking.

•  Avoid raw foods, as they can also be a good way to get sick.

•  Only brush your teeth with bottled water and keep your mouth shut when you’re in the shower, even an accidental spray can get you sick.

•  Dukoral http://www.dukoralcanada.com/ 14

How can I protect my safety while traveling abroad? *does not apply to group travel

•  Do the research so you’ll know the particular risks you face. •  Know the local laws and abide by them. •  Register your whereabouts with the Canadian Embassy if you are staying longer than two weeks

or are in a particularly dangerous area.* •  Dress conservatively and try to blend in. If you are in an area with groups of people hostile to

Canadians, and there a few, avoid clothing or other items that openly label you. You might be safe if they think you are a Canadian…

•  Take care when choosing your hotel and transportation providers.* •  If you haven’t left your valuables at home, leave them in your hotel’s safe. •  Don’t draw attention to yourself, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and don’t display large amounts of

cash. Carry only enough cash to make it through the day and leave the rest in the hotel’s safe. •  Avoid traveling alone. •  Be careful about sharing your traveling plans with strangers. •  Stick to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts down narrow alleys and/or poorly lit streets.* •  Always be aware of what is going on around you. •  Only use taxis, tours and other transportation services with official markings. Only select

transportation from official pickup points at transportation hubs. •  Be very careful if you are asked to sell or part with your personal items. Many countries have

restrictions on items foreigners can sell or give away and you can get into serious trouble for violating those laws.

•  Never accept gifts or packages from unknown parties. •  Don’t accept items from locals to carry out of the country and deliver or mail to someone they

know. •  Approach any "special deals" with caution, especially if you have to go off the beaten path to get

them. •  Know the laws about exchanging money. Only use official exchange facilities since this is another

area that can get you into trouble fast. •  Take precautions to protect your money.

15

How can I avoid being the victim of a pickpocket?

•  Don’t travel in narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. •  When possible, avoid having crowds of people surrounding you. •  Carry a dummy wallet and put your money in your front pocket. •  Place a rubber band around your wallet, it will make it much more difficult to

remove from your pocket without your knowledge. •  Carry your purse under your arm. •  Carry your money under your clothes. •  Know the pickpocket's tricks

What are some of the pickpocket’s tricks?

•  There are lots of situations that pickpockets use to create opportunities to relieve you of all that heavy cash. Be especially aware of your money when you find yourself in the following situations.

•  Getting bumped by someone else. •  Having something spilled on you or someone pointing out a spot on your

clothing. •  Someone approaching you and asking for help or directions. •  Someone causing a disturbance that draws everyone’s attention. •  Being surrounded by a crowd, especially if you are surrounded by groups of

children.

16

How can I avoid getting into trouble with the locals?

•  Know the laws and obey them. •  Learn the customs and respect them. •  Dress conservatively. •  Remember that Canadians are some of the most hurried people in the

world. Not everyone in the world values the demands of a fast paced life. In fact, many think we are fools to spend our lives rushing around. You should try to respect the culture of others and follow their pace. You may find it frustrating to slow down, but you’ll probably find it even more frustrating when your attempts to hurry everyone else is met by an even slower pace.

•  Be careful when taking photographs. Many countries have restrictions against taking pictures of military or police operations or facilities. Taking photographs of public demonstrations can also be risky. If you have doubts, ask permission first.

•  Be courteous and respectful when taking photographs and/or observing cultural and religious events. Put yourself in their place. How would you like some improperly dressed tourist showing up and taking pictures at a family funeral just because they find the ceremony interesting? Again, if you have any doubts, ask permission first.

17

Who can I contact if I get in trouble?

•  You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Consulate of Canada Address: 18 (Old 24), 3rd Floor, YAFA Tower, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India Tel.: 91 (44) 2833-0888

•  Consulate General of Canada Address: Tower 2, 21st Floor, Indiabulls Financial Centre, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road West, Mumbai 400 013, India Tel.: 91 (22) 6749-4444

18

Where can I find information on issues that will effect my safety while I’m traveling?

•  http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp •  Tel.: 1 800 267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or

(613) 944-6788 TTY: 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613) 944-1310Publications: Tel.: 1 800 267-8376 (in Canada) or (613) 944-4000 E-mail: enqserv@international.gc.ca Regular Mail: Enquiries Service Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA K1A 0G2Regular Mail: Consular Affairs Bureau Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA K1A 0G2E-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca

19

Do I need Trip Insurance? •  Check with your insurance agent to see if your current medical coverage will

cover you outside the country. •  Even if you are covered, you may still be expected to pay the bill in cash

and be reimbursed from your insurance. Make sure you receive a completely itemized bill, in English, if possible.

•  If you don’t have any coverage that will apply, you should strongly consider travel insurance that will cover you outside the country.

•  Be sure to read the trip insurance policy carefully, noting any deductibles, exceptions or exemptions for pre-existing conditions, activities, diseases or areas of the world.

•  You also want to see if the policy covers any medical evacuation costs, especially when you plan on traveling to an area of the world that may not be able to provide you the type of medical care you will need.

•  You may be making your travel plans months in advance. Many things can happen in that time that would cause you to have to cancel your trip and possibly lose your deposits.

20

Tips for Money on the Road What credit cards do I need to take with me?

•  Take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, Master Card or American Express.

•  Make sure they are really credit cards and not just debit cards with a credit card company’s logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will not accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel.

•  Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.

Why should I contact my credit card companies before I leave?

•  You want to notify them of your trip. They may delay you if they are unaware you are traveling. The unfamiliar spending patterns might cause them to suspect that the card is being used fraudulently and delay your approvals.

•  They will be able to explain many of the services that they can provide while you are on your trip.

21

How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?

•  You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone. •  They will be aware that you will be making charges from another

country. •  They will be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit

card is in that particular country. •  They can verify acceptance at certain foreign locations. •  They’ll be able to see if your PIN number will work in the countries

you are visiting. They can also issue you another PIN number if your current PIN is unacceptable to the foreign bank’s system.

•  They can explain cash advance, ATM, foreign purchase and foreign exchange rate policies and fees.

•  Make sure the coverage offered extends outside Canada and will be valid in all the countries where you’ll be traveling. Also, be sure to note any other exceptions.

•  They may need to give you another phone number to call in case you need to reach them. The 800 number listed on the back of your card may not work from foreign locations.

•  You can find out if they charge a currency conversion fee, so you can find the most economical card on which to place your foreign purchases.

22

Should I use my credit card when I travel?

•  Yes, using your credit card can be more valuable than using cash, so use it when you can.

•  You’ll probably be able to get a better exchange rate than changing money to spend yourself.

•  You’ll be in a stronger position; the credit card company can often charge back disputed charges.

•  Many times your credit card will offer an extra guarantee or warranty when you purchase items with your card, but you’ll want to read the fine print for exceptions.

•  You won’t have to risk your safety by carrying and displaying large amounts of cash. •  If you lose your card, most credit cards have a low maximum liability limit if

you quickly report the card as lost.

Should I use my ATM card while traveling?

•  Yes, with the ability to draw out small amounts of cash as needed, you can avoid the risk of traveling with large amounts of cash. Using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries.

•  The ATM will issue money in local currency. •  You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to

shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges.

•  Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

23

How can I make sure I’ll be able to use my ATM card while traveling?

•  Call your bank to make sure your PIN number will work in foreign countries. •  Find out your daily limits and plan ahead. You may need to take out money little by little or ask to have your daily

limit increased. •  Use your ATM card before you go, to make sure it is still good. •  If you go through many airport security checks, remember that the security scans can demagnetize your cards.

You might want to ask for a visual inspection. •  Don’t wait until you’re out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

Where can I get quick access to cash while I’m traveling?

•  www.visa.com/pd/atm/main.html •  Visa’s ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates ATM’s belonging to the Visa,

Visa Electron and Plus ATM network worldwide.

•  www.mastercard.com/atm/ •  MasterCard’s ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates ATM’s belonging to

the MasterCard and Cirrus ATM network worldwide.

24

Packing Tips What should I consider when shopping for new luggage?

•  If you’re looking to buy new luggage, you should consider luggage with these features: *Retractable rollers, rollers will make it easier to make it through the

airport. You’ll also want retractable rollers, so the rollers won’t be pulled off.

* Removable straps. Straps make luggage easier to carry, but they can get caught on conveyor belts and either break or damage your luggage.

* Security features * Co-ordinated Carry-on luggage in a size that will be allowed under

the recent more restrictive carry-on size limits.

25

What should I carry in my security body pouch?

•  A passport, for identification purposes. •  Credit cards •  Airline tickets •  Insurance cards for both your medical and automobile insurance •  A small amount of local currency for immediate use to hold you over until

you can make it to a currency exchange, if you're planning foreign travel. •  Lots of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping opportunities •  Wallet/if you carry a wallet put it in your front pocket with wide elastic bands

around it

What should I pack in my carry-on luggage?

•  Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying

•  Travel brochures and maps •  Media equipment •  Medication/ toiletries:no metal- 100ml liquid in sealed baggie/medications w. prescription label •  Opt. jacket/travel cushion

26

What is the best way to carry my medications?

•  Carry them in your carry-on since it will be less likely to be lost than your checked luggage. Your carry-on will also do less harm to temperature-sensitive medication.

•  Carry your medication in their original bottles to help avoid security questions.

•  Bring along the generic names of your medications since brand names can vary.

•  If you have any questionable drugs or particularly large supplies, you might want to bring a letter from your doctor stating you have a legal right to use these drugs.

•  Check to see what you can take with you. Something legal here might be illegal elsewhere. It could get dumped, or you could get dumped in jail.

•  http://www.voyage.gc.ca/Net/drug-travel_drogue-voyages.aspx?lang=eng - Safely

How should I pack the liquids I bring with me? •  So your clothes aren’t covered in the liquids, use plastic bottles in

your packing. Only fill the bottles to the ¾ mark in case they are crushed or the contents freeze and expand. You also might want to pack them in plastic freezer bags just in case. 27

What should I do with my valuables?

•  Leave them at home in a safe place if you can. •  If you use luggage locks, its best to use locks that can be opened by

security inspectors. •  Do not carry valuables in your checked luggage, they will be safer in your

carry-on bags. •  If you do place any valuables in your luggage, hide them in the lower

sections of the bags so a quick look inside won’t reveal them…just remember…luggage sometimes has a mind of its own regarding where it wants to go.

How can I keep my items neat in my luggage?

•  Bring along a plastic trash bag to keep your dirty items separate from your other clothes.

•  Pack your shoes in shoe bags or old socks to keep their dirty soles from touching your clean clothes.

•  Shrink wrapping your luggage will not only protect the outside of your bags, but also the contents inside.

28

How can I avoid wrinkles? …yeah right…How can I try to lessen wrinkles in my clothing? …would be a better question?

•  Travel with clothing that is less likely to wrinkle. •  Roll up T-shirts or underwear and wrap your items around them at a

fold line. This will help keep a crease from forming. •  Take the proper size luggage for your trip. Too big a bag will allow

your items to move around and make damage and wrinkles more likely.

•  Button the buttons on shirts so items will hang properly. •  Use plastic dry cleaner bags between items. Make sure the dry

cleaner bags do not have any advertising printed on them. The ink can rub off and end up on your clothes.

•  Unpack as soon as possible. At least what you are wearing the next day. (If its different than what you are already wearing.) Pack so that you can access all/most of the items in you luggage without disturbing other items.

•  Hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower to help steam out the wrinkles.

29

How can I avoid losses on my trip?

•  Don’t pack valuable, perishable, and fragile or items sensitive to the heat and cold in your checked baggage. Try to avoid these items altogether, but if you must take them, they will be safer in your carry-on bag.

•  Never leave your luggage unattended or take your eyes off your bags. •  Learn your destination's airport code and make sure the correct one gets put on your bag. •  Avoid taking luggage with flashy brand names, as it will make them more attractive to thieves. •  Avoid carrying your laptop in a bag that lets everyone know you are carrying expensive

electronics. •  Use the locks on your luggage. •  Clearly label your luggage on both the inside and outside of your bags. •  Remove any items that are hanging off your luggage and could get caught on conveyor belts. •  Place a trip itinerary in your luggage so your bags can easily be returned to you. •  Place a unique bright marking on your luggage so you can easily identify it. This way others will

recognize that their similar looking bag did not have the markings and leave yours alone. •  Switch some of your items with those of a traveling companion. That way if your bags go missing,

you’ll still have some items with you. •  Cover your hands when you are entering ATM or phone card numbers so others can’t copy them

down and use them. •  If an airline loses your items make a claim before you leave the airport; some Airlines will not

honor claims made after you have left the airport. •  Carry a list of all your items in your carry-on and leave one at home, to help you make a complete

claim form if your items go missing. Carry a copy of the final list in your carry-on bags, you’ll be able to use it to fill out claim forms with the airline if they lose your luggage.

•  Consider purchasing trip insurance that offers protection for your property.

30

How can I pack light and still have everything I need?

•  The more you travel, the more you know that traveling with the smallest possible amount of luggage is the best way to go.

•  Use hotel laundry/toiletry services if possible. •  Coordinate your outfits around a central color so you’ll be able to mix and

match. •  Check the weather, so you can bring the most appropriate items.

Remember to account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations and also keep in mind that increases in altitude will decrease temperature.

•  Plan your outfits so you can layer instead of bringing extra clothing. •  Take a solid color sweater that will match any outfit to use to keep you

warm •  List all the items you are taking and check to see if you really need each

item, in other words, is there something else you could take to kill two birds with one stone.

•  Take small sample sizes of toiletries that will last just long enough instead of huge bottles.

•  Don’t waste an inch of your luggage space, pack underwear and socks inside your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep their shape. Pack your belts around the edge of the luggage.

•  Take some old clothes with only one last wear in them. You can then toss them out and use the room for the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home.

31

Things to Carry on Your Person

•  Your passport /good for 6mo.after date of entry •  Wallet •  Insurance cards for both your medical and automobile

insurance •  Credit cards •  Airline Tickets/# •  Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and

phone numbers of where you’ll be staying •  Lots of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping

opportunities •  A small amount of local currency for immediate use to

hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange, if you're planning foreign travel.

32

Packing List What to Pack

•  Shirts Bring up to five in combination of short/long-sleeved shirts in a cotton/polyester blend.

•  Sweater Non bulk.warm and dark is best — for layering and dressing up. It never looks wrinkled and is always dark, no matter how dirty it is.

•  Pants Bring two pairs: lightweight, dark. quick dry, wrinkle resistant suitable for modest dress codes. Jeans can be too hot for summer travel.Many like lightweight pants/shorts with zip-off legs. Button-down wallet pockets are safest if you’re going that route.

•  Swimsuit/shorts/top…even if you don’t swim, a plunge may be in order. •  Underwear and socks. Bring five sets (lighter dries quicker). •  Jacket. Bring a light and water-resistant windbreaker with a hood. Gore-Tex

is good if you expect rain. For summer travel, I wing it without rain gear — but always pack for rain in Britain.

•  Tie or scarf. For instant respectability, bring anything lightweight that can break the monotony and make you look snazzy.

•  One pair of shoes/matching belt … and don’t pack them…Wear them. Take a well-used, light, and sturdy pair, with Vibram-type soles and good traction. Dark shoes look less scuffed but get dusty quickly…co-ordinate.

33

•  Money belt. It's essential for the peace of mind it brings. You could lose everything except your money belt, and the trip could still go on. Lightweight and low-profile beige is best.

•  Money. Bring your preferred mix of a credit card, debit card, an emergency stash of hard cash, and a couple of personal checks. I rely on a debit card for ATM withdrawals, a credit card, and $400 in cash as a backup.

•  Documents and photocopies. Bring your passport, airline ticket, railpass or car-rental voucher, driver's license, student ID, hostel card, and so on. Photocopies and a couple of passport-type photos can help you get replacements more quickly if the originals are lost or stolen. Carry photocopies separately in your luggage and keep the originals in your money belt. In your luggage, you'll also want to pack a careful record of all reservations (bring the hotels' written confirmations), along with a trip calendar page to keep things up-to-date as your trip evolves.

•  Small daypack. This is great for carrying your sweater, camera, literature, and water bottle. Fanny packs,small bags with thief-friendly zippers on a belt, are a popular alternative, but are magnets for pickpockets and should never be used as money belts.

34

•  Camera. A digital camera and one high-capacity memory card means no more bulky bags of film. A mini-tripod allows you to take crisp shots in low light with no flash.

•  Electrical plug adapters…suited to the area/country you are visiting. You may need more than one. If there are local variances…they necessary one may be available from your hotel.

•  Sealable plastic baggies. Get a variety of sizes. They're ideal for wet laundry, and bagging potential leaks before they happen. The two-gallon jumbo size is handy for packing clothing.

•  Water bottle/iodine tabs The plastic half-liter water bottles work great. •  Wristwatch/cell phone/travel alarm is handy. Hotel wake-up calls can be

unreliable often due to language translation challenges. •  Pen Light small Flashlight •  Earplugs. If night noises bother you, you'll love a good set of expandable

foam plugs. •  First-aid kit. •  Medicine and vitamins. Keep medicine in original containers, if possible,

with legible prescriptions. •  Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact prescriptions. Contact

solutions are widely available now. Because of dust and smog, many travelers find their contacts aren't as comfortable. Bring your glasses just in case.

•  Sunscreen and sunglasses.

35

•  Toiletries kit(in your shipped luggage- “carry on”emergency kit in sealed baggie). Sinks in cheap hotels come with meager countertop space and anonymous hairs. If you have a nylon toiletries kit that can hang on a hook or a towel bar, this is no problem. Put all squeeze bottles in sealable plastic baggies, since pressure changes in flight can cause even good bottles to leak. Consider a vacation from cosmetics. Bring a little toilet paper or tissue packets. Fingernail clippers and tweezers (for retrieving lost bank cards) are also handy.

•  Soap. A plastic squeeze bottle of concentrated, multipurpose, biodegradable liquid soap is handy for laundry and more.

•  Clothesline. Hang it up in your hotel room to dry your clothes. The handy twisted-rubber type needs no clothespins.

•  Small towel. You'll find bath towels at all fancy and moderately priced hotels, and most cheap ones. Although $50-a-day travelers will often need to bring their own towel, $100-a-day folks won't.

•  Sewing kit. Clothes age rapidly while traveling. Take along a few safety pins and buttons. •  Travel information/Map. Get a map best suited to your trip's overall needs and pick up maps for

specific local areas as you go. •  Address list. A list of e-mail and mailing addresses will help you keep in touch. You can send

mass e-mails as you go (bring a shrunk-down print-out of your e-mail address book in case you can't access it online). Or if you prefer to send postcards, consider printing your mail list onto a sheet of adhesive address labels before you leave. You'll know exactly who you've written to, and the labels will be perfectly legible.

•  Postcards from home and photos of your family. A sealable plastic baggie of show-and-tell pictures is always a great conversation piece with Europeans you meet.

•  Small notepad and pen. A tiny notepad in your back pocket is a great organizer, reminder, and communication aid (for sale in European stationery stores).

•  Journal. An empty book to be filled with the experiences of your trip will be your most treasured souvenir. Attach a photocopied calendar page of your itinerary. Use a hardbound type designed to last a lifetime, rather than a spiral notebook. The rugged, black, and simple Moleskine notebooks have a cult following among travel writers (www.moleskine.it).

36

Optional Bring-Alongs •  Swiss Army-type knife (Do not pack these in “carry-on”). •  Packing cubes. These see-through, zip-up mesh containers keep

your clothes tightly packed and well organized. •  Nightshirt. Especially for women. •  Light warm-up suit. Use for pajamas, evening lounge outfit, instant

modest street wear, smuggling things, and "going" down the hall. •  Spot remover. Bring Shout wipes or a dab of Goop grease remover

in a film canister. •  Sandals or flip-flops. •  Inflatable pillow (or "neck nest"). For snoozing on the plane. •  Mailing tube. Great for art lovers, this protects the posters and

prints you buy along your trip. You can trim it to fit luggage and fill it with socks or underwear.

•  A good paperback novel you can trade or give away. •  Insect repellent. Deet •  Collapsible umbrella. I like one that's small and compact, but still

sturdy. •  Plastic Poncho,pocket or purse size. •  Small roll of duct tape.

37

Travel Tips for Shopping Abroad What should I know about shopping abroad?

•  In many countries of the world, negotiation on the price of an item is appropriate and often expected.

•  Satisfaction guaranteed is much more widely practiced in Canada. Make sure you are familiar with their return and exchange policies…hmmm.

•  Many countries do not enforce copyright laws, the logo you see may have nothing to do with the company it represents to you. Check to see if the item is a fake.

•  Some items for sale may need a special license for export. This is especially true for antiques, works of art or other items of cultural significance.

•  Taxes can make up an even larger percentage of the purchase price than you will find in Canada.

•  Duty free may only mean the items are free from duty where they are sold. Canadian Customs have their own guidelines for taxation when you return.

38

Shopping abroad, what does Caveat Emptor mean?

•  It means the buyer beware. Remember that merchants know that putting up a duty free sign often means bargain to many. There are some great buys to be had, but make sure your purchases are good values. Stick with brand names you know and make sure those brand names are spelled right on the product. In other words, make sure it’s not a fake. Also, duty free may just mean it is duty free where you are buying it. Canadian Customs have their own guidelines for taxation when you return.

What is a VAT tax?

•  VAT stands for Value Added Tax. It is a form of sales tax that is assessed in many countries and is especially common in Europe. Morocco(0-20%dep.upon product) Kenya(16%), Botswana(10%), and South Africa(14%) In many cases, this tax is a large percentage of the purchase price and sometimes can be refunded to foreigners who are exporting the item outside of the country of origin.

39

How can I avoid paying the VAT tax?

•  You can’t usually avoid paying it up front, but you can often have the tax refunded to you after you leave the country. The item must be taken out of the country and cannot be consumed inside the country if you are to receive a refund. Therefore, you will probably have to pay the VAT tax on some items and be able to get a refund on the items you are bringing home as souvenirs. Read the following suggestions for help on getting some of your VAT tax payments back.

Check with each country you are visiting since refund procedures and policies can differ.

•  Find out where the refund forms are available, you may be able to request them from the country’s embassy, tourist office, customs office at the airport.

•  Take your passport with you when you go shopping to verify your foreign status to merchants. •  Arrive early at the Airport to allow for plenty of time for the VAT paperwork to be completed. •  Don’t check luggage with items that may need to be inspected for a VAT refund. •  Pack your luggage so the items you want to be inspected are easily accessible. •  Make sure you receive the proper inspection and stamp for your paperwork from the

customs officer before you leave the country.

Where can I find information, from the countries themselves, about regulations concerning purchases made in their country?

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

•  This page contains links to many foreign countries’ Embassies and Consulate Offices located in Canada. Each Embassy’s web site contains contact information and other helpful information for anyone planning on visiting their country.

40

What are some helpful hints for dealing with Customs Officials?

•  If you are taking foreign-made or expensive items eg. Laptop computer with you on your trip, register them with Canadian Customs before you leave. Otherwise, if you can’t prove you already owned them, you may be charged a tax on those items when you return. You can register items with Customs by their serial numbers or use itemized receipts, detailed insurance policy information or jeweler’s appraisals.

•  Know the amounts of arrival and departure taxes you’ll be responsible for paying at Customs.

•  Leave plenty of time for the Customs process. •  Know the restrictions on carrying foods, plants and animals across the border. •  Log your purchases and keep the receipts of your purchases made abroad. •  Pack so it is easy to inspect your items. •  Immediately follow the requests for cooperation from Customs Officials. Customs

Officials generally have special powers to guard a country’s borders and can enforce strict penalties if you refuse to cooperate.

•  How can I get help in understanding all the Canadian Customs Service regulations?

•  http://canadaonline.about.com/od/customs/Canada_Customs_and_Border_Services.htm

•  Calls within Canada (Toll-free service) 1 800 461-9999

41

Have a good trip!

42