Dec
9
Written by:
TravelingProfessor
Friday, December 09, 2011
· Have With You at All Times:
o A photocopy of your passport with your name, address, phone number, and the hotel name, address and phone number written on the back of it. Also include an emergency contact back home and any medical conditions you might have. Keep a copy on your person at all times.
o A map of the city you are in. These will be available when you arrive in Italy.
o Carry a credit/bank card, small amount of cash with you during your daily travels. Leave the rest locked at the hotel
o Carry a printed copy of the daily itinerary.
o You may wish to consider carrying a small tour book.
· Always Travel With Someone Else: However, if traveling alone or not with the group, please leave a written note with the tour leader as to where you are going and when you expect to return.
· If You Get Separated from the Group: Don’t panic. Refer to your map and the printed daily itinerary. At worst, you will be able to meet us at the hotel at a designated time.
· Safety First: Always act safely. Money, transportation passes, tickets, passports, credit cards, etc. can always be replaced. Take that extra moment to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t take any actions that may jeopardize your safety or well-being. If you see “trouble”, walk away from it.
· Important Documents: Make front and back copies of your bank cards, health insurance cards, passport, airline reservations, and travel insurance information. Take them with you, or even better, e-mail copies to yourself. Have phone numbers for bank/credit cards in case they are lost/stolen.
· Protect Your Valuables: Never wear expensive or flashy jewelry. Lock all valuables (especially passports) in your suitcase in the hotel room. Never display large amounts of cash. Take caution when withdrawing cash from an ATM.
· Beggars/Scam Artists/Pick Pockets: Unfortunately, Italy, Paris and even Peru is full of them. Watch for pickpockets especially on the metro and bus. Make sure money, credit cards, and valuables are secure. Don’t respond if someone asks if you speak English, hands you a piece of jewelry (usually a ring), or drops change on a bus/metro floor.
· Travel Information: Tell someone at home where you will be staying, the phone number, and when you will return/leave from your trip. Make sure they have information to get in touch with you. You may wish to give someone at home Power of Attorney.
· Health Insurance: Please check with your health insurance provider regarding your coverage before departure. I use inexpensive international health/evacuation insurance through www.hthtravelinsurance.com.
· Public Disturbances: Sometimes there will be strikes, public protests, unruly crowds, or wild celebrations after sports victories, during holidays, and similar events. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from any potentially dangerous/unruly crowd or event.
· Emergency Exits: Study the emergency exits of the buildings you are in, especially the hotel.
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