INTERNATIONAL TRAVELPrinciples of Hospitality and Tourism

Risa McCann

TIME IS NOTHING - TRAVEL

THE U.S. PASSPORT

STEPS TO GETTING YOUR PASSPORT

1. Have necessary documentation- US birth certificate; driver’s license or state ID; Social Security card or US Consulate certificate of birth in foreign land

2. Passport photo – 2”x2” square, facial, white background

3. Download and complete the DS-11 form

4. Present all documentation in person at the nearest Acceptance Facility

5. Have payment ready – cash, check or credit card

ADDITIONAL STEPS

6. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid problems and extra fees

7. You may track your passport processing on line

8. You must be current with all child support payments, arrest warrants, etc.

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (S.T.E.P.) WWW.STEP.STATE.GOV/STEP

Enrolling in STEP allows the US Government to contact you in case of an emergency, or if they need to evacuate U.S. citizens.

Benefits of the program include:

1. Receiving important info from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country

2. Helping the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency

3. Helping family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency

TRAVELER’S CHECKLIST

Travel documents can include:

Airline ticket

Credit card brought on the trip

Driver’s license

Foreign visa if applicable

Hotel or lodging confirmation

Itinerary

Passport ID page

Traveler’s check’s serial number

TRAVELING ABROAD

Foreign Travel requires pre-planning and research. If the traveler plans their own trip they must become aware of the requirements of traveling abroad (internationally).

All persons traveling abroad should possess a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.

GETTING THERE …

Be aware of any travel alerts and warnings for the destination

Do you have all required travel documents

Are you prepared for an emergency?

Do you plan to driver overseas?

Pack smart/pack light

Do you have photocopies of your itinerary and travel documents in 2 separate places?

YOUR SAFETY

Prepare to handle money overseas – know the exchange rates

Prepare to drive overseas – know the laws!

Learn about local customs and laws

YOUR HEALTH

Do you need any new vaccinations?

Do you know how to find medical help abroad?

Do you have health insurance for international travel?

Are you taking any prescriptions or other medications?

EMERGENCIES!!

Emergencies that can occur are: Arrest detention

Death abroad

Lost or stolen passports

Medical emergencies

Missing persons and contacting loved ones

Natural disasters

Parental child abductions

Victim of crime

U.S. EMBASSIES

It is always important to know how to locate and/or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in each country you are visiting.

To get help in an emergency go to:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/English/emergencies.html

TRAVEL ALERTS AND WARNINGS

U.S. Department of State issues Alerts and Warnings depending upon the conditions in the foreign country.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/English/alertswarnings.html

An alert might include an election season that could have demonstrations or public disturbances; a health alert about an outbreak of disease; or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks

A warning might include an unstable govt.; civil war; intense crime or violence, frequent terrorist atttacks

HOW TO TRAVEL COURTEOUSLY

A LITTLE RESEARCH CAN PAY OFF BIG!

FOOD AND DRINK

Be careful what you eat and drink!

Not all countries have access to treated and clean water!

Some food might even be prepared with contaminated water so avoid: ice cubes, tap water, and fresh produce if you are uncertain about the water supply.

WHERE IS MY BAG??

Take photos of your luggage before traveling so you will be able to seek help easier if your luggage gets lost.

Tie similar identifiers onto your luggage

Know how many bags you are traveling with!

LANGUAGE BARRIERS DO EXIST!

Plan ahead to hire an English speaking guide! In some countries the traveler may encounter some English speakers, however, there are some countries where very few people speak English.

Some countries consider it a sign of respect if you try to speak even a few words of their language.

DAY BY DAY

Make a daily itinerary of your travel plans. It should include: Flight information

Methods of travel – bus, train, taxi

Confirmation numbers for lodging

Name, address and phone number of lodging

Schedules for tours

Any pre-paid services

Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends/family back home as well!

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Purchase travel health insurance for medical emergencies

Consider medical evacuation protection

Consider travel cancellation insurance

YOUR MEDICINE BAG

Bring your own: Daily prescriptions in clearly labeled medicine bottles

Antibiotic medicines and creams

Indigestion medicine

Motion sickness medicine

Bandages, scissors, and bandage tape

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

Bring multiple copies of your passport identification page in case your passport is lost or stolen

Alert your credit card companies of your travel plans at least 3 days prior to travel where you are going and how many people will be using the card

Photocopy your credit cards for the account number and 1-800-xxx-xxxx lost card alert

TRAVEL DOCTOR

A travel doctor will have information about necessary immunizations you will need if you are traveling to the Middle East, Africa and/or South America

They will also provide any information you may need on diseases or health issues in that country