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Whether Plane, Train, Auto, or Boat, your trip or tour is coordinated to insure you get where you want to go.  Use these tips to ensure that you have a save and enjoyable trip.

Passport - If you have not done so, get a Passport (a good place to get it is from the U.S. Post Office, they will have the applications needed for your passport, and you may make an appointment with their Passport Expert, to take all fees and required documents (birth certificate)  for delivery to the Immigration and Naturalization Dept.) Approximate Cost $175.00 (Check the post office as rates have changed recently).

    Tip!! Save Money by using your local drug store for Passport photos, you will need 4 photos, 2 for your Passport and 2 for your Visa    (Photo costs approximately $.8.00)

Visa - Your Visa gives you permission to enter the distant country.  You must contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting. Your Visa fee will be paid to the Embassy of the Foreign Country.  You may get your visa on your own, or it may be submitted with other tour members Visas, you can expect approximately $99-150 for your Visa. (The difference in cost results if the Visa must be expedited due to lateness of application, this is just an estimated cost). 

Travel Inoculations - Many foreign countries require inoculations, this is for your protection. It is required that you get your travel inoculations prior to your visa, as you must send proof with your visa application.

    Tip!! Your County Health Department has a Travel Clinic, (make your appointment early, as there may be a long waiting list for appointments.  The Travel Clinic will be able to let you know what inoculations you will need for this part of the world. (The shots and oral medication can be expensive, however, it is needed for your safety, and some of the medications are good for a number of  years. In some instances you may only need a boosters.)

   Your Passport and Visa are required in order to Board the Plane!

Additional Needs:

You will need a power converter (International electricity is different from that in the US.  You will need a plug conversion kit as well as power conversion) the converter (at Walmart is approximately $19.00 complete with universal plugs) is a box shaped piece of equipment with the ability to plug into the electric wall socket.  You will need a socket conversion, in which your appliance will plug into and then you can plug the appliance into the wall.

Your Luggage:  You may take 3 pieces of luggage, which may not be over 70 lbs each + Carry On: Camera and/or Computer Bag/Briefcase and Purse

Tip: Always Get to the airport (extremely) early, additional checks are required for International Travel

Tip: Do not put anything liquid in your carry on luggage, Make-up must be packed in your stored luggage, or placed with any Lotions, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, etc., which must be in a see through plastic bag if it is in your purse. If you will be (flying) traveling over night, it is suggested that you have personal hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, face cloth) in your carry on (again it must be in a see through plastic bag). Please place your toiletries in travel size containers, do not bring full size bottles (70 lbs is 70 lbs!).

Traveling Funds - In some countries there are NO CREDIT CARD PURCHASES, However, you need not travel with large sums of money, you can get a wire transfer from Western Union should you need additional money.  Check on the value and type of currency you will be using in the city you are visiting.  EXAMPLE: Nigeria the Nira  is the currency (there are no coins, all money is paper so ($N10) 10 Nira = 10 cents, $N1000 = $10.00, average cost for bag of water (they are packaged in plastic sealed bags  $N5 = 5 cents,  Souvenirs = $N500 = $5.00US (and up.)  $200 US = ($N20,000) You may decide what you feel is an adequate amount to travel with.   You will also have to make a declaration regarding money in Customs on your return.

Cell Phone:  Ask your service provider for THE KEY (special code which enables access to your sim card/phone information, let them know you are traveling) you will have to purchase an international Sim Card for your phone, to call back to the US.  The sim card works just like "pay-as-you-go" phone service does in the US. Don't forget your phone charger (and universal converter).

TIPS

• Ramen noodles
• Vienna sausage
• Peanut butter/jelly (combo jar)
• Juice boxes (avoid heavy soda cans)
• Powered drink mixes
• Canned meats 
• Tuna in packets/envelope type containers, they lay flat and don't weigh much
• Mints
• Crackers at least 2 boxes of  --they go fast. African bread is sweet bread (not like American) it is excellent for breakfast with fruit,
• Granola/breakfast bars
• Oatmeal (instant)
• Nuts,
• Raisins
• Instant Coffee/Tea bags
• Splenda/Equal type sweetener or
• Sugar packets, (small container or packets) Non-dairy creamer, etc.
   

Don't Forget

Flashlight, extra batteries, (travel candles) extra film,  MP3 /Ipod is great, (Over the counter medicines) Antacids, Aspirin, Allergy medications, Handkerchiefs, (small bottle) dish washing liquid or/ liquid detergent for washing garments if needed, toilet tissue, Paper towels, Dishes (Plastic reusable [or Paper] - Plate, bowl, cup/glass, fork, knife, spoon), hotpot or small travel coffee pot, for personal hot water), travel clock, travel umbrella, two twin flat sheets, 2 sets of bath towels, Bath tub stopper (the flat type that can cover any size drain) and dish cloth/towels, extra coat hangers, purse fan.

• Tip: Weight your bag on your bathroom scale, (just to be safe or you will be asked to remove items from your bag before they can be placed on the plane), you can make room for souvenirs on your way back (I use my mid size bag for food on the outgoing trip, and there is room to pack purchases on the way back.

• Tip: I suggest using reusable plastic ware for your trip, less weight, remember only 70 lbs per bag.

• Tip: Mosquitoes are attracted to perfume/cologne.
  
• Tip: With all your packing don't forget your bible!

• Tip: Water is not needed - (Purified water is readily available in most countries)

• Tip:  Don't rely on your room mate, have what you need.
  
•  Tip: Pack your clothes on the hangers. (push hanger into the neck line of the garment, pack one complete outfit per hanger, ex: skirt /slacks with blouse/shirt and jacket on one hanger, pack several pair of slacks on one hanger)

• Tip: Bring you own sheet (2 flat twin sheets) and 2 sets of towels, Use your towels and sheets to insulate your food or breakable travel goods.
  
• Tip: Buy food items with Pop Tops, or you will need a can opener

Dress Code:  Ladies: Be prepared to cover your head in public for some countries. Long dresses, afford more  air circulation, in hot and humid environments however just under the knee is appropriate, short sleeves or cap sleeves are fine, (NO no-sleeve blouses). Research the country you are visiting to ensure you are not offensive in your apparel.

 Never Forget!
 

Traditionally, Americans have an international reputation of being rude. In this time of international unrest, be considerate of others.  If you are traveling in a religious of "faith based group" Be Your Witness-- it is not necessary to sing christian/gospel songs, or witness loudly in public places, you can put yourself, and others in danger.