How to Travel

Articles

Brooks A. Mick

How to Travel
July 17, 2003

General preparations for any trip

The following applies to any type of travel in general, but especially overseas, and with some special tips for military travel for reservists who are heading overseas.

Pre-departure necessities

# Passport. This is issued by the USA. To apply, you need proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a current proof of identity such as a driver’s license, and two identical photos measuring 2" X 2" and taken within the past six months. Passports may be obtained at county, state, or federal courthouses, larger post offices, or regional passport agencies. The passport agency may get the document into your hands within days, while the other sources may take weeks. Military passports may be obtained free of charge at military bases. Even though a blue civilian passports cost about $50, I recommend that you obtain one and use it in preference to the brown military one. You are less identifiable as military personnel in the event of a terrorist attack.

# Visa. This is issued by the country you are entering, and can be obtained at a travel agent, the national tourist agency of the country you are visiting, or in many cases at the border. Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Western Europe, and Canada do not generally require visas for non-business travel for periods of three months or less. Most countries in other areas of the world require passports and visas.

# Transportation tickets
# Health Documentation/Shot Record
# Insurance
# Hotel Reservations
# Money/Travelers Checks/Credit Cards
# Maps/Guide Books
# Personal Identification (military and civilian)
# Photocopies of documentation--keep a set at home and a set with you in a separate location from originals.
# Enough gas in the car to get you to the destination/airport/terminal?

Home checklist

# Hold mail at post office
# Notify local police of your absence and of any specific info needed; i.e., lights on timer, neighbors or relatives who may be checking your house, etc.
# Leave a house key with a trusted neighbor
# Unplug appliances
# Turn off water heater/turn off water shut-off valve to entire house
# Turn down the thermostat in winter, turn it up in the summer (to avoid unnecessary heating and air conditioning)
# Store jewelry and other valuables in safe and unconventional places
# Lock all doors and windows
# Connect light timers and set at logical intervals
# Arrange for care of pets or house plants
# Arrange for baby-sitting if needed
# Leave an up-to-date will and power of attorney with spouse or responsible person
# Empty refrigerator of items likely to spoil in the duration of the planned trip
# Leave a trip itinerary (destinations, hotels, and timetable) with a neighbor or relative

Items to Pack

Items you should have on you at all times

# Pocket knife
# Pen and notepad/paper
# Penlight with fresh batteries
# Butane cigarette lighter
# Required identification. While using civilian transportation, keep only civilian ID on your person, and preferably put the military ID in your checked luggage. Again, this will make it less likely you will be identified as military in event of a terrorist hostage situation.
# Large handkerchief or bandana
# Wristwatch set to correct time. Avoid obviously expensive or military style watches.
# Avoid wearing expensive jewelry

Basic Items for Any Trip

# Efficient and appropriate luggage with luggage tags with civilian ID
# Proper travel clothing (see sections on warm and cold weather)
# Rain protection
# Hat with brim or visor
# Comfortable footgear suitable for walking long distances
# Passport/identification/money carrier that can be worn around neck or waist and under clothing to keep these items more secure
# Sunglasses, preferably high-density and polarized
# Alarm clock
# Small waist pack
# Playing cards, small chess set, or other packable games
# Camera. A small, automatic, weatherproof point-and-shoot suits most people.
# Put tickets, medication, car keys, ID, either on person or in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.

Toiletries

# Shampoo
# Sunscreen
# Lip balm with sunscreen
# Towels
# Nail clippers
# Deodorant (preferably unscented)
# Toothpaste
# Toothbrush
# Dental floss--can be used as thread for sewing heavy items or stitching cuts.
# Comb or brush
# Shaving equipment
# Baby-wipe towelettes
# Insect repellent
# Personal hygiene items as required
# Contact lens solutions if needed

Medication

# Pain and fever reliever (aspirin, tylenol, ibuprofen, or your preference)
# Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD is very effective)
# Motion sickness medicine (phenergan, antivert, dramamine)
# Caffeine tablets
# Antibiotic cream/ointment (neosporin, mycitracin, etc)
# Vitamins
# Personal prescription medications
# Laxative
# Small personal first aid kit

Repair and maintenance items

# Flashlight batteries and bulbs
# Camera battery
# Mini sewing kit (needle, various color threads, a few assorted buttons)
# Small roll of duct tape
# Two small nails
# Safety pins

Laundry items

# Detergent
# Mesh laundry bag
# Travel iron/wrinkle steamer
# Rubber sink stopper

------------

Email Brooks A. Mick: brooks15@cox.net

Comment on this column in the forum.
------------