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What you need to know before you travel out of the United States No matter where you travel it is essential to have a few basic documents before entering another country. These documents may vary depending on your destination but it is essential that you take care of these early in your planning since many of the documents take several weeks to process. Passports are necessary to travel to most foreign countries. Starting January 1, 2008 travelers will need a passport to exit and enter the United States regardless of where they are traveling. Passports issued to adults are valid for 10 years. A passport will generally take six weeks to process, but can be expedited for a fee and received within two weeks. If you are applying for a passport for the first time you must apply in person at a local post office. For detailed information on how to apply for a passport visit the U.S. Department of State's website: U.S. Department of State: Passport If you are applying for a passport renewal, you may do so through the mail given that you meet the following criteria: To renew your passport by mail, visit the U.S. Department of State's website: U.S. Department of State: Passport. If you do not meet the above requirements, you must renew your passport in person at the local post office. If you would like to expedite the renewal of your passport, Travel Document Systems is a reliable on-line service: TDS. Visas are not required to enter every country. Many European countries do not require a visa for short visits, while most African countries require one regardless of the length of stay. Visas can be obtained by visiting Travel Document Systems website: TDS. By selecting the country you wish to visit you can find the requirements that country has for entry. Both passports and visas take time (processing time, time to get pictures taken etc.) and money (application fees) so plan accordingly before you travel. Note: You will need 2 official passport photos for your passport and 2 for your visa. These may be obtained at most Wal-Marts or camera stores. For a complete list of countries and their vaccination requirements visit the Center for Disease Control's website: CDC Travelers' Health. Note: Some vaccinations may take a few weeks in the blood stream before they are affective, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your local health department to receive these well in advance of your departure. Traveling with children: CDC' s website contains recommendations for parents traveling with their children.
Malaria medication and prevention techniques are strongly recommended for travel outside of the United States or Europe. Malaria is not to be taken lightly; it will cause you to become very ill and can potentially be life-threatening. Malaria is prevented by the admission of an anti-malarial drug and by the use of a mosquito net and repellent. A mosquito net works best if it has been treated with mosquito repellent prior to your trip. Repellents with a high concentration of DEET are proven most effective in preventing bites. Because DEET can be harmful to your health in large doses, wear as much clothing as you can (pants, long sleeves) and apply the DEET to your clothing. This reduces direct contact with the skin and will still repel mosquitoes. (Be sure to read all warning labels on the DEET bottle as some types of fabric react negatively to DEET). There are several types of anti-malarial drugs. Some of these drugs can cause adverse side effects that you may not want to risk experiencing during your trip. You are encouraged to meet with your health care provider to decide which drug is best for you. Since there are multiple options for preventing malaria, you are encouraged to further research and discuss with your doctor what is right for you and your family. Testing for and treating malaria: In some Sub-Saharan African countries, malaria has mutated into a drug-resistant strain which means that some preventative measures may be ineffective. Though malaria is serious, it is treatable and is very rarely life-threatening to western travelers. Symptoms of malaria vary for each individual but may include nausea, headaches, soreness, or flu-like symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these you should probably be tested for malaria. To test for malaria, a clinic will prick your finger, make a slide of your blood sample and examine the blood for the malaria parasite. Should you test positive for malaria obtain and begin treatment immediately. Depending on your destination and the likelihood of sickness or travel delay it may be very wise to purchase travel insurance. Many companies offer insurance tailored to your trip while others will give you a base plan that covers a broad spectrum of needs. These websites can help you decide if travel insurance is necessary for you and your family. The following websites compare rates between companies based on your travel itinerary and provide you with information on the best prices and coverage. Should you get sick, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) provides a free service of connecting you with English speaking doctors in most countries. No matter your destination it is important to take appropriate safety precautions. Whether your precautions include concerns about water and food or political turmoil, adequate knowledge of the conditions in your destination country can help you have a safer trip. You are encouraged to keep up with the news of the country you are planning to visit. It would be in your best interest to be aware of the political climate (e.g. recent elections, civil wars) and the general news of the country. Be advised but also be cautious as the media can often misrepresent international situations by exaggerating or overlooking important details. It is helpful to have a contact in your destination country to provide information and advice and to seek out a local news source in your native country. Current safety issues are posted on the U.S. Department of State's Consular Sheets. These sheets are updated as the Department of State finds reason to give warning to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. The also provide locations of U.S. Embassies abroad. The Embassy can provide an array of services and help should you encounter trouble or danger. See the U.S. Embassy List. In foreign country you and your family are more susceptible to sickness; however, with the proper caution you can avoid most danger. Water: In any third world country you are strongly advised to never drink water that has not been purified. Whenever possible, purchase bottled water. Bottled water is readily available in almost every country even in more remote areas. Portable water purifiers (available at camping stores) can be used to purify water from virtually any source. These purifiers usually contain microscopic filters and chemicals used to kill harmful viruses. Many locals know that foreigners cannot drink unsanitary water and often provide clean water without a request. When brushing your teeth or washing your eye contacts use bottled or purified water. Do not hesitate to ask about or refuse water that you suspect has not be purified or boiled; you can be hospitalized for long periods of time due to water-born illnesses. Food: Food and Safety: Generally in food that has been thoroughly cooked or boiled the harmful bacteria has been killed and regardless of what the food may look like it should be safe to eat. Do not eat meats that have not been cooked thoroughly, fresh fruits or vegetables that you have not personally peeled, or dairy products that have not been pasteurized. Buying fruit or vegetables in a street market is generally safe as long as you peel it yourself before eating it. If you have questions about what to eat or not eat, ask someone who has traveled there before or a local that has had many interactions with westerners. If you are not certain whether or not food is safe, it is best to politely refrain from eating it if possible. We recommend that you carry energy bars so that you do not need to compromise your health. It is helpful to carry around small bottles of hand sanitizer to use before and after meals. Travelers' Diarrhea (TD) is very common, especially for short-term trips. A case of diarrhea does not necessarily mean that you ate something unsanitary; it could simply be from a change of diet. Plan for indigestion and bring Pepto-Bismol or a similar medicine. Form more information on Travelers' Health visit: Food, Etiquette and Culture: Food can be a tricky subject. In a large majority of the world food and eating practices are about more than just survival; they are about culture. Trying to recognize the importance of customs can be difficult when you are also trying to protect your health and safety. In rural and home settings in the developing world it is often considered rude to refuse food that is offered to you. There is no rule of thumb for whether or not to accept food. Ask a local or someone that has traveled to your destination before how you can both be respectful and safe. Most international cities and restaurants are similar to America in that you do not have to finish everything in order to be polite. Most airports advise travelers to arrive 2-3 hours prior to their time of departure for international flights. If you are departing from a large airport during a peak travel time, you may want to arriver earlier. Be aware of your airlines regulations and policies. Airlines have differing policies for how much luggage can be brought, the luggage size, etc. Call the airline to find what they expect you to know before departure. Time change and Jetlag: It is helpful to know the time changes that will you encounter by going over seas. The World Clock gives times all around the world in major cities. Getting a good nights rest the day before you travel is the best way to prepare for the time change and minimize jetlag. The more sleep you get on the plane the better; a gentle sleep aid may be helpful. It is important to drink plenty of water since the dry air in airplanes will dehydrate you quickly. Dehydration will increase the symptoms of jetlag. Physical activity during travel and immediately upon arrival has proven to lessen the effects of jetlag and allowed for a quicker transition to the new time zone. If you arrive in the country during the day you are encouraged to stay awake until that evening. Taking naps whenever you feel tired will result in a slow and painful adjustment. Traveling within the country you are visiting can sometimes be dangerous, but is often an experience that is worth trying. Many developing countries have lower standards of safety when it comes to travel. Expect to see overcrowded trains and buses, trucks with people hanging off the side and small motorcycles cutting through traffic with important business men on the back. You should always take caution in deciding how you will travel. In most rural areas, no matter what country you are in, traveling at night is strongly advised against. With little lighting on roads and the possibility of drunk drivers, traveling at night can be fatal. It is best to travel with a hired taxi or with a local who can protect you when there is confusion or deliberation. Never accept the offer of a ride from a stranger unless they are a professional taxi driver. Should someone insist on helping you with your bags, be firm and refuse even if you must be rude. There are ways to obtain foreign currency for your trip without having to spend enormous amounts of money just to get it. Currency can be bought before you leave the country through a bank or through various website traders. This provides for an easy and safe transaction but will cost more because of various fees; not all currencies are available online. In many countries your best option is to take new or recent U.S. bills (in denominations no lower than $20) with you and have them exchanged at your destination. Send a local you know and trust to have your money exchanged. Not only will they know the best place to exchange your U.S. dollars into the local currency, they will also be able to get you the lowest exchange rate possible. (Some traders use faulty exchange rates to over charge foreigners assuming they are unaware of local currency). Generally, new 50 and 100 dollar bills get the best rates. Credit cards are widely accepted in most foreign countries in large stores and restaurants. Street vendors will not accept credit cards and often will not be able to make change for large bills. Visa and MasterCard are the two most common. It would be wise to consider carrying both in case one is stolen or is not accepted. Make sure you contact your credit card company and let them know you are traveling. They may not allow the transaction if they suspect your card has been stolen.
Traveling in a developing country can be a learning experience incomparable to any previous trips you have taken. Without the proper knowledge of your destination it can be difficult to understand why the culture around you moves the way it does. Customs and behavior can be confusing and even misleading without a complete comprehension of cultural practices. As you prepare for your trip you should begin to research general information about the country and specific information about the particular area you will visit. Travel guides can provide helpful information but often lack depth especially in developing countries. Books written by indigenous people who have grown up in their country during a time of war or development can provide an in depth and personal view of a country that cannot be seen by the eyes of an outsider. For instance, travelers to India would benefit from reading a book written by the lowest members of the caste society, seeing first hand their struggles with the Hindu way of injustice. This type of study will help you prepare better for you trip, and will also help you adjust better once you are there. Our Suggested Reading List contains books and articles collected that will best help you prepare for your specific trip. A quick way to learn some general facts is through the Background Notes on the Department of State's website. Every country is listed with statistics and information that can give you an overview of the country you are visiting. Language: By learning a few simple phrases and greetings in the local language you will show that you value the culture and identity of your hosts. TravLang has created a website that has simple greetings, numbers and common questions translated into eighty different languages with sound files to hear the word spoken. How can you possibly know what you will need if you have never traveled to a foreign country before? If you are traveling to a large city, you will be able to purchase most necessary items in the case that you should forget to pack something. Also keep in mind that in most cultures, it is acceptable and very common to wear the same clothes multiple times. You do not necessarily need to pack a different outfit for each day! When packing, consider the cultural way of dress. Many countries have very different standards of modesty than we do and it is vital to know what is socially acceptable and what is not. Packing Tips: Medication: make sure you bring along your medicines that are essential to you, things like prescription medicine cannot always be found in foreign countries. Bring all medication in original, marked containers. Your family should consider brining the following: Other Items to consider packing: For more packing help, visit The Universal Packing List which gives you a personalized to-do list and packing list or Travelers' Point for a general list. Though the large majority of the world speaks English (and more learn it each day) only those within our continent think like Americans. It is easy to assume that someone who speaks English also thinks like an American. Recognizing differences is a key to a smooth and successful trip. Every culture is defined by their varying practices and customs. Not knowing about these customs can cause cultural embarrassment to you and your hosts. Before your trip, you should discover some of the cultural norms, customs, and manners. Being aware of the cultural practices will keep you safe, show respect to your hosts, and help you feel more comfortable by breaking stereotypes of the local culture. Ask questions! Do not be afraid to ask about what is appropriate in situations. Go as a learner; this is the best way to avoid making mistakes and causing harm. Despite all your preparation be prepared to learn more than you could expect once you arrive. The best way to approach any trip is with an open mind and heart willing to ask questions and seek out answers even if it makes you look unintelligent. The best learner is someone who truly seeks the answers. It can be overwhelming to consider all of the details, information, and steps involved in going on a trip. We encourage you to prepare spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally to the best of your ability and we pledge to assist you in doing so. It is, however, important to recognize that no amount of work you can do will fully prepare you for the road ahead. In hindsight you will probably recognize things that you could have done better or differently, but only experience can teach you some of these things. Any anxiety you feel should be taken to the Lord in prayer. He's guiding you through the process of preparing for this trip and He will continue to do so even after you arrive. The Kingdom is growing beyond the borders of your home; go now, and experience the gospel as it spreads throughout all nations. |
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