Trip Planning

Travel Itinerary

Keep your Itinerary confidential and do not publicize your travel plans.  We recommend limiting the knowledge of your travel itinerary to those who need to know -- your office, family members or close friends.   Leave a full itinerary of your travel schedule, hotel phone numbers and business appointments with a designated contact at home.

Passport 

Check to ensure your passport is valid before you travel. Also, make sure your visas are current for the countries you intend to visit.  Make photocopies of your passport, visa, medical insurance information and the other important documents you need for the trip.  Put photocopies of the documents in both your carry-on and checked-in luggage.  This will make it easier to replace the documents should anything unforeseen happen.  It is also a good idea to leave a copy of these documents with your designated contact. 

Visas 

Do you need a visa for the country you are visiting on your trip?  Is the visa you acquired appropriate for the nature of your trip?  When you submitted your visa application, did it reflect the nature of this trip?  Be aware many countries take the visa application process very seriously.  It could be considered falsifying information if your visa application is not accurate as to the nature of your visit.  The consequence of being convicted of falsifying information could be severe.  It is recommended, if you are traveling on business, a business visa should be obtained; otherwise, a tourist visa is generally acceptable.  Check your host country’s immigration rules and regulations to be sure.

Medical 

Make sure you bring on your trip an adequate supply of any prescription medication you need to take.  Also, consider packing a spare set of eyeglasses or contact lenses.   It is a good idea to take a copy of your prescription in case you need to have new eyeglasses made, get new contact lenses or have new medication dispensed or replaced.  Carry a list of your personal medical details including your blood type, a record of inoculations, allergies, medical conditions and/or special requirements.  Consider acquiring a medical alert bracelet if you have an underlying medical condition.

Inoculations 

Check, in advance of your trip, if the country or countries you are visiting require or recommend specific inoculations.  TravelGuard, the local embassy or consulate will be able to provide this information.  Make sure your inoculations are up-to-date for the countries you will visit.  Carry your international shot records with you as an added measure of security.

Miscellaneous

Before leaving on your trip, ensure your affairs are up-to-date.  If possible, leave a power of attorney with an appropriate advisor, trusted friend or family member.  In the event anything should happen to you, this will allow them to act on your behalf.

Find out as much as you can about the country you are going to visit.  Ask colleagues, family and friends for their advice and tips.

Carry in your purse or wallet only the documents you need including the credit cards you are going to use on the trip.

If you plan to hire a car, check to see if you need an international driver’s license or permit.

Local Import Restrictions

The embassy of the country you are visiting will be able to provide details on its customs restrictions or banned materials. 
 
We recommend leaving all expensive or heirloom jewelry safely at home.