International travel can be an exciting adventure but it can also bring many unpredictable situations, if you are not prepared for those situations they can quickly turn into life threatening situations. We have put together this travel packing list to better help you plan your next trip.

 

What to expect in this travel packing list; International travel usually requires a passport. Most countries also require a visa and possibly even a work permit if you will be conducting company business for an extended period of time. Visas, which allow you to enter and leave these countries, usually consist of special notations and stamps which are added to your passport by government officials.

 

Booking

Be sceptical if travel appears too good to be true. When in doubt book travel for your vacation through a local travel agent.

Ask for a full disclosure of the cancellation policy, including timing and special conditions during the sales pitch. In some states, you have seven days to cancel upon receipt of the certificate.

 

Ask about extra charges, including port taxes, service charges or single supplements.

Insist upon receiving written verification of all aspects of the travel package before you book. Read the small print and asterisks. This documentation will be helpful if a dispute arises.

 

Ask if the company participates in a consumer protection plan through such organizations as the United States Tour Operator Association or the American Society of Travel Agents.

Reject any travel "prize" that requires you to pay a fee or processing charge.

Reconfirm the arrangements with the hotel, airline or cruise line to verify funds have been received and reservations are confirmed in your name.

 

Prior to Leaving

Plan to have the post office suspend your mail and newspaper deliveries, or have them collected by a neighbour.

Leave a car parked in your driveway.

Ensure you schedule regular gardening or snow removal.

Keep a list of credit card and travelers check numbers and a photocopy of your passport with a business associate, relative or friend in case your wallet or cards are stolen.

Never carry large amounts of cash: use traveler's checks. If you must carry large sums of money, do not display it openly.

Have the telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are lost or stolen.

 

Travelling by Air

Travel with a photo identification card at all times. Have it handy in case you're asked.

Reconfirm your flight directly with the airline 24 to 48 hours prior to departure.

Use public transportation or arrange to have someone drive you to the airport to avoid traffic and parking delays (unless you are traveling at a non-peak time of day.)

If you must drive, consider off-airport, park-and-ride arrangements that may be provided by the hotel, airport, or a private company.

Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour to an hour-and-a-half prior to departure for domestic flights; at least two hours ahead for international flights.

 

Keep your carry-on baggage to a minimum. Most airlines allow two carry-on bags. Heavy passenger volume during holidays or peak travel days may limit overhead bin and underseat storage capacity.

Use luggage tags to clearly identify your bags. Use only your surname, first initial and business address and phone number.

Don't pack valuables in checked luggage. Always carry valuables along with some overnight necessities in a carry-on bag.

Never leave your luggage unattended. Not only can they be stolen; bombs, drugs and other items can be placed in them making you an unwitting courier and placing you in grave danger.

Watch out for "staged" distractions in the airport, e.g., people arguing, people asking you questions, jostling, etc. These distractions create opportunities for pickpockets.

 

Using Taxis

Use only designated licensed taxis.

Make sure your taxi driver is the person pictured on the license.

Inquire about the fare prior to embarking to your destination.

 

At Your Hotel

Use the valet or bellhop service. It will save you from carrying your luggage from a parking lot. Have a bellhop or room security check your room for intruders before you enter.

Check your room phone to ensure it is working.

Use a travel door alarm. If someone knocks on your door, and claims to be maintenance, housekeeping or security, do not open your door. Call the hotel desk to verify the person's business.

 

Be sure you know two fire exit locations from your floor in the event you need to escape in an emergency.

Never leave valuables in your car or the trunk, always take them with you.

When parking in an underground parking lot, park as close as possible to an elevator. Be sure to park in well-lit areas. Park where there are numerous other vehicles.

Use valet parking when available.

 

If you lose your key, please notify the front desk immediately. Requests for a new key may require you to produce identification.

Ensure that all windows and sliding doors are locked. And always close your drapes at night.

When alone, do not enter elevators with strangers if you do not feel comfortable. Wait for another elevator.

Never announce your hotel room number or invite strangers to your room.

 

Do not leave cash or valuables in your room. Safety deposit boxes are often provided at the front desk.

Unpack and place belongings in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you'll know if anything is missing. Consider locking any electrical appliances (blow dryers, electric shavers, etc.) in your luggage. (Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room).

Report any lost or stolen items to the hotel/motel management and to the police.

Report to the management any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms.

1. If you don’t need your electronic device or valuables, leave them at home

 

2. Do not leave your devices unattended

a. Never store valuables or electronics in checked luggage

b. iPhones and other GSM devices have an internal removable SIM card that allows the phone to make calls. A thief could break into your hotel room and steal the SIM card from your unattended phone to make unauthorized calls on your account.

 

3. Sanitize your laptop, cellphone, and portable device prior to travel

a. Clear your browser history and cache including saved usernames and passwords

b. Delete any Saved or Favorite sites that could expose personal information or browsing habits.

c. Remove any personal data, pictures, information, and work that could be used against you or you would not want exposed to the internet

d. Remove any phone contact lists that could be stolen and made targets of fraud and phishing scams

 

4. When traveling for business consider bringing a “clean” business laptop that does not contain any personal or business data.

a. Store all of your business data and files in the cloud or business server

b. If your laptop gets stolen or confiscated, no sensitive data will be compromised

 

5. Back up all your electronic devices including cell phones before you travel

 

6. Make sure your antivirus, security patches, and firewall are enabled and up to date before you leave

a. Entities in foreign countries have been known to push fake security updates when a user connects to the local network to install malware and spyware on the user’s computer.

 

7. Don’t have an expectation of privacy

a. Many countries do not have privacy protections for electronic communications.

b. Be mindful that any cell phone conversation, email, and internet browsing may be intercepted by local private, corporate, or governmental entities.

 

8. Consider all free Wi-Fi to be insecure.

a. Avoid Wi-Fi if possible

b. Consider all your web browsing activities on Wi-Fi are viewed by a third party

c. Use a VPN connection before you log into any websites or access sensitive data

 

9. Customs with “reasonable suspicion” can search and confiscate your electronic devices

a. Under current regulations, Customs can search and download all your electronic information and confiscate your devices upon entry .*

b. Customs agents may ask for your passwords / pin numbers. You do not have to surrender it but they may confiscate your device.*

 

10. Beware of “phishing” scams referencing local attractions and businesses

 

11. Report any stolen devices to the Embassy or Consulate.