Without a doubt, it has been proven time and again that a competent travel agent will navigate through the maze of choices available to you. There are as many choices as there are travelers. 

È Read and understand all of your travel documents

If your airline tickets are non-refundable, ask your agent to explain the procedures and additional cost involved, should you have to make a change in your travel plans. Apply for your visas as far in advance as you can. During the peak travel seasons when the Embassy offices process the most applications, securing a Visa can take several weeks.

È  Purchase Comprehensive Travel insurance

Having good insurance coverage is the only way to plan for accidents or emergency medical treatment. Most policies have a blanket coverage that will protect you in case of any medical emergency while you're traveling. Travel insurance coverage varies by the provider, so be sure to read all of the details of your policy before you go.

È  Pack everything of value in your hand luggage

Though it may seem to be stating the obvious, if your luggage is lost, even temporarily, you could experience problems that are easily prevented. Make a point to fill any prescriptions before you leave and carry an extra pair of contact lenses or glasses, just in case.

È  As the saying goes, take twice as much money and half as many clothes as you think you'll need

Pack as light as possible and be sure that you have room in your luggage for souvenirs. Comfortable walking shoes and loose fitting clothes are a must. Remember that many airlines are enforcing the "one piece of carry-on luggage" rule, particularly when the flight is full, so pack your bags accordingly.

È  Keep a duplicate copy of your passport and travelers cheques in a safe place

Securing replacements of these documents when you travel abroad is much easier when you can provide copies of originals. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines have become part of the landscape in many foreign countries. But, you may still find it necessary to carry cash when you venture into smaller towns and rural areas.

È  Faux your own good

Junk jewelry or fabulous fakes travel beautifully. Leave items of great monetary or sentimental value at home where you know they are safe. It means you will be a little more carefree.

È  Suspend newspaper deliveries and have the post office hold your mail

Even the "dimly lit" burglar will realize those piles of newspapers by the front door probably means that you are out of town!

È  Don't change the message on your telephone answering machine

When you are going on vacation, tell your co-workers, friends and relatives about your travel plans. Other callers can leave messages that can be returned when you get back from your vacation.

È  Travel Medicine Kit - Be prepared when traveling

First aid supplies should include bandages, gauze, tape, scissors and tweezers to remove stingers or foreign bodies, topical antibiotic ointment, anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen, an anti-histamine such as Benadryl and decongestant.

A topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone 1% may be helpful for treating skin rashes or relieving sunburn. If you are prone to motion sickness you also should carry along some Dramamine or Ginger tablets.

Traveler's diarrhea occurs frequently and if you are not prescribed an antibiotic by your physician, you can take along some Pepto-Bismol liquid or tablets as a preventive measure. It also would be a good idea to bring along tablets for water purification (such as Potable Aqua) or a filtering device in case no safe drinking water is available.

È  Packing Checklist