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When
traveling by plane, anything that might break or spill goes in a carry-on
bag and not a checked bag. Money, passports, I.D.s, tickets and boarding passes are never placed in a checked bag. |
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Money |
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Different countries use different currencies. It is a good idea to get
the equivalent of $200 in the currency of the country you are visiting
before leaving the U.S. This will be enough to pay for a taxi and tips.
However, don’t exchange all the money you plan to use abroad in
the U.S. since often you can get a much better exchange rate at the
airport where you enter the country. If you can’t exchange the
money at the airport, go to a bank. Avoid exchanging money at the hotel.
They usually give you a very unfavorable exchange rate. If traveling
with your parents it is best if they take credit cards and traveler’s
checks, that way the money will be safer. |
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| Passport and visas | ||
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If
you are leaving the United States you need a passport to travel to most
foreign countries. In addition a few countries require visas as well.
Visas are usually stamped on you passport. Make sure to find well in
advance if a visa is required, since it can take up to a few weeks to
get them. |
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| I.D. | ||
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Requirements
vary, so make sure you know which IDs are required by the airlines and
by security at the airports you will be using. Passports and birth certificates
are generally accepted. |
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| Tickets | ||
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Nowadays
most airlines give you e-tickets rather than paper tickets. They send
you via e-mail your confirmation number. With this number you get a
boarding pass at the airport. Before arriving to the airport, make sure
you have handy a print out of the e-mail containing your confirmation
number. |
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| Tags | ||
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It
is very important that all your bags (carry-on and check-in) have tags
with your name, address and phone number. This information will be critical
if your bags get lost. In addition your “unique” tags will
help you spot your bags when they come out on the conveyer belt at the
airport. You can also tie a ribbon onto your bag. This will make it
easy to spot. |
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| Pen | ||
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When
traveling abroad, while on the plane you will receive customs and immigration
forms to fill out. Therefore you absolutely need a pen. Even if you
are traveling domestically, you will need a pen to register at the hotel,
write down important information, etc. |
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| Glasses | ||
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If
you need them, bring a spare. You never know…Even if you do not
wear reading glasses, bring a pair of sun glasses. |
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| Books | ||
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Bring
something to read on the trip. A book about the place you are going
to visit could be fun, also a map. However if reading is not your thing,
then bring a game. |
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| Games | ||
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I
like to bring games that are light, small and are easy to put away in
my backpack. If you choose electronic games remember that they need
to be turned off while the airplane is taking off and landing. Be prepared
to turn your game off if the noise bothers other passengers. |
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| Music players | ||
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I
love to take my favorite tunes with me when I travel. Make sure to bring
head phones, and music to play on it. If you have an MP3 player, that
is the best, since you would have recorded your music and there is no
need to bring CDs or cassettes. |
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| Toothpaste and toothbrush | ||
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If
it's a long trip, you might be glad to have these with you. |
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| Comb or brush | ||
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You
will need them to do battle with travel hair! |
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| Umbrella | ||
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If you can find an umbrella small enough, it's worth the space! | |
| Containers that might break or spill | ||
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Although
most hotels provide essential toiletries like shampoo and conditioner,
you might want to bring your own. Use small, plastic, travel-size containers
and place them inside zip-lock bags to prevent any accidents. |
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| Toiletries Kit | ||
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Visit
the Planning Section for a list
of things that you might want to include in your kit |
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| Firts Aid Kit | ||
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Visit
the Planning Section for a list
of things that you might want to include in your first aid kit. |
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PLANNING
AND PACKING |
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