Obtain your passport as soon as possible. When applying, you must present a certified copy of your birth certificate. Anyone under eighteen years old must have a parent's signature. Official birth certificates can be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the capitol of the state of your birth. Your local post office has passport application forms. You will need the passport fee and two passport-size photos to apply.

If your passport is lost or stolen in the U.S., immediately telephone the Department of State, Passport Services at 202-647-0518 or the nearest Passport Agency. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, tell your tour advisor and report it to the local police and the nearest American embassy or consulate. A new passport can usually be issued within 24 hours. You can speed the process if you carry with you - in your luggage or with an advisor - a photocopy of the identification page of the original passport and three passport-size photos.

Packing:

You are permitted one large suitcase and one shoulder/flight bag or backpack. It is recommended that you use a suitcase with attached wheels. Test your ability to use the suitcase after you pack and assure yourself that it isn't too heavy. Pack comfortable, multi-purpose clothing and worn, broken-in shoes. Avoid taking any valuable jewelry, watches, etc. Electric hair-dryers, electric razors, etc. function best if they have a built-in 110/220 converter and the proper electrical converter with plugs. In your shoulder bag, pack one change of underclothing, socks and toilet articles in the event your luggage is lost or delayed.

Staying Healthy:

Pack an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Bring along a copy of your lens prescription written in metric measurements. Also pack contact lens supplies, as they may not be available overseas. Wear a bracelet or other medical identification if you have diabetes, an allergy to penicillin or any other condition that may require emergency care. Fatigue sets in when people: (1) lose too much sleep and, (2) do not eat properly. Caution should be taken in these areas. Proper meals and early bedtimes assure a more enjoyable trip.

Travelers' Checks:

Please use travelers' checks or a credit card while on tour. Purchase your travelers' checks in American dollars. Denominations of 50's and 100's are easier to take care of and exchange. While in the U.S., purchase approximately $20 in foreign money so you have some currency to start your tour in your visiting country. Exchange your travelers' checks in your visiting countries - usually at a local bank where the exchange rates are lowest.

Film:

Purchase your film in the U.S. Foreign film costs are double or greater.

Souvenirs:

Although we will do our share of "looking" and buying, trips can be difficult if people spend all their time and money on souvenir - searching, choosing and purchasing. It is good to remember that the goal of your trip is education and enjoyment.

Punctuality:

When traveling with a group, punctuality is essential. Please do not detain others, or delay a tour. The group is counting on you to be on time. There is always a small element of "hurry-up-and-wait" with international group travel. It is imperative that you maintain a positive attitude during the hectic, stressful times - usually involving group transport.

Friendship:

The success of a tour is based upon the individual participant's attitude to other tour members, tour guides, new friends and foreign friends. Cooperation, thoughtfulness and consideration for the other person, along with basic, human courtesy, are key elements to an enjoyable tour. You and your attitude can have a very positive or very negative effect on other tour members. Foreign travel is a time to present your best side and be the best representative of your country.

Travel Advisories:

The U.S. State Department issues periodic Consular Information Sheets about political, health, economic, and other conditions that may affect travelers. You can obtain information by calling an automated answering system at the State Department's Citizens Emergency Center at 202-647-5225.