HINSDALE TRAVEL SERVICE

Research your destination.

Check on weather conditions.

Check with the U.S. State Department regarding safety warnings issued for your destination.

Make sure, if needed, that your passport is updated and valid.

Do you need vaccinations to enter the country.

If you are taking electrical appliance, purchase an electrical converter/adapter.

Find out what your medical insurance will cover when out of the country.

Know what the customs regulations are before making too many purchases abroad.

Check to see what local festivals or holidays may be taking place. 

Brush up on the metric system.

Don't forget to make plans for the pets, pay the bills, and stop the mail and newspaper delivery.

For peace of mind, secure your home before traveling.

Lock all doors and windows.

Set timers to turn lights on and off at various times.

Stop delivery of mail and newspapers.

Reset thermostat.

If you have security alarms, check what happens if there is a power outages while you are away.

Unplug, or at least turn off, computers, televisions, stereos, and other electrical appliances.

If gone for an extended time, make arrangements to have your lawn mowed or snow shoveled.

Don't forget to pack the following items:

• Extra batteries and charges for camcorder and/or camera
• Small flashlight
• Wind-up alarm clock
• Carry a large binder clip to hold hotel draperies together to prevent early morning sunlight from disturbing your rest.
• Be efficient when packing for your vacation! Coordinate your clothes and only take one or two colors. For variety, add scarves or bold jewelry.

Leave behind photocopies of your itinerary, passport, credit cards, drivers license, airline tickets and any other travel documents. Make a second copy to carry with you, separate from the originals. Be sure to notify someone back home if you make spontaneous changes to your travel plans.

When purchasing new luggage for your vacation, be aware of its weight. The airlines are becoming much more strict to adhering to the weight limitations. The overweight charges are excessive, and could exceed the cost of your ticket.

Passports are required for all travelers for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Passports are required for travelers to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel. Without a passport you will be unable to travel outside the U.S., including cruise travel.

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