| Although going on a trip is a very exciting time, it | | | | will be able to use ATM machines in an |
| can be stressful if not properly planned. Before | | | | emergency. Remember you will need cash for |
| you head out the door to go to the airport, it is | | | | public transportation and small purchases. |
| important that you have made the proper | | | | 6. Travel Guides: It is essential that you know |
| preparations. Below is a list of 10 important things | | | | how to get around the destination areas. Make |
| to do before taking your flight: | | | | sure that you include maps, public transportation |
| 1. Contact Credit Card Company: It is important | | | | schedules, and travel guide books. It will make |
| to make sure that you are protected when | | | | sure you do not get lost and what to do if you |
| traveling. Check with your credit card company to | | | | miss your transportation. You can find guides and |
| make sure that you are protected against theft | | | | maps online, at travel agencies, book stores...etc, |
| and fraud. As well, if you are going to another | | | | 7. Make Important Reservations: If you are taking |
| country, make sure you know if there are places | | | | a vacation where you will be participating in a lot |
| where you will be able to use the card and the | | | | of specific activities that require reservations, you |
| exchange rate and transaction fee. Some credit | | | | should book before you go on a vacation. For |
| card companies will provide medical insurance. | | | | instance you should book and then confirm before |
| Check your coverage to see if you should get | | | | you leave such reservations as special |
| additional insurance such as travel insurance. | | | | restaurants, theater tickets, concerts, spa, golf |
| 2. Mail and Delivery Hold: If you do not contact | | | | course...etc. |
| the post office and get them to put a hold on | | | | 8. Check Your Packing List: You should go through |
| your mail, your mail box will overflow and become | | | | your list of things to pack to make sure you |
| a big mess. As well, so of your mail mat be | | | | have packed all of the essentials that you will |
| returned to the sender. You will just have to fill | | | | need for your trip. For instance such essentials |
| out a form provided by the post office and they | | | | can include; medications, passport, flight tickets, |
| will set aside your mail during the time period that | | | | proper clothing, credit cards, cash, driver's |
| you are away. | | | | license...etc. make a list of your daily needs for |
| 3. Emergency Contact Information: It is important | | | | one week. List everything from your medications |
| that your family members and close friends know | | | | to the credit cards you use. When it is time to |
| how to contact you while traveling just in case | | | | pack, refer to your list so you don't forget |
| there is an emergency. Make sure you leave your | | | | anything important. |
| contact phone numbers of the hotels. Also, | | | | 9. Weather Update: It is important to check the |
| provide your email address and cell phone number. | | | | weather of your travel destination. You should |
| Other information you should provide include: flight | | | | know if it is going to sunny or rainy during your |
| information, travel tour company information, and | | | | stay. You will want to make sure you have the |
| contact information of anyone you are traveling | | | | proper attire in case the weather conditions will be |
| with. Contact information you should keep with | | | | bad. |
| you while traveling include: phone numbers of | | | | 10 Confirm Flight Time: it is important to check |
| family, Embassy, Family Doctor's, Veterinarian, | | | | when your flight is departing. You have to make |
| and Credit Card Company. | | | | sure you arrive in plenty of time to check in |
| 4. Pet Care: Make sure you have arranged for | | | | which will include checking your bags. You may |
| someone to take care of your pet while you are | | | | also want to have a bite to eat and pick up a |
| away. This can be either a kennel, vet hospital | | | | book to read for the flight. As well, you will want |
| that offers boarding, or a family member or | | | | to leave early for the flight just in case you run |
| friend. Don't forget to provide the food, toys, | | | | into traffic problems on the way to the airport. |
| medications, and specific instructions regarding the | | | | When planning for any trip, it is important to find |
| pet's care. | | | | the best price on airline tickets. Online discount |
| 5. Get Cash: Before you leave for your trip, it is | | | | travel sites offer the best flexibility, best overall |
| important to get a certain amount of cash to | | | | travel deals, and exclusive and last-minute airfare |
| keep on hand. In particular, you should have the | | | | and travel deals. When you make the appropriate |
| specific foreign currency if you are traveling to | | | | travel preparations, it will make the travel |
| another country. It is important to make sure you | | | | experience much more enjoyable. |