What to Pack When Traveling, Pt I

Personal Effectschecks, but they are good to have if you are going
With today's heightened security in airports, it isabroad. Always remember the possibility that foreign
perfectly natural to want to have your luggage withATMs might not accept American bank cards, same
you when you travel. You want to be certainwith certain stores and restaurants. A short supply of
everything you packed for your business trip orpaper currency (no more than a hundred dollars) is
vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guaranteegood to have also for immediate money exchange
that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likelyonce you reach your destination.
to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check inIt always helps, too, to have a few dollar bills handy
some of their luggage.for tipping. Keep a few dollars in your pocket to pass
over to a clerk or valet when needed. This prevents
Identification: Your passport, your driver's license, anyyou from having to dig in your purse or wallet in a
and all picture ID cards should remain on your person.crowd.
When you pass through airport security you will beItinerary: Know where you need to go quickly. Have
required to have identification ready for inspection,a small map, itinerary, or direction sheet with you to
and it is important that is stays with you and is notexpedite the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling
packed away in a case that won't be readily at yourdomestically or overseas, you want to appear
disposal. If you are traveling abroad and are using aconfident and inconspicuous so as not to catch the
passport, be sure to make copies of the identificationeye of any possible scam artists who prey upon
page in the event your passport is lost or stolen.out-of-towners. If you are unsure of where you
Keep one copy with a relative or friend at home, andneed to be, seek assistance at the first information
keep extra copies with you in different places so youbooth immediately.
will have one ready if needed.Keeping the most important of information with you
Insurance cards are also necessary to have on you,at all times can make your trip easier in emergencies.
in the event of a medical emergency or accidentPhysical items like clothes and sundries can be
(especially if you are renting a car for your trip).replaced, but if your identity is taken it will lead to
Money: This includes paper, traveler's checks, andgreater problems in the long run. Be vigilant, and be
credit cards. In this age of electronic transfer, yousafe.
might not think it necessary to carry traveler's