Travel Resources

Passport:

Make several photocopies of your passport leaving one at home, your office and in your luggage. If your original passport becomes lost, your photocopy will expedite replacement.

Airline Ticket:

Make a copy of your airline ticket to carry with you. Pack any photocopies of your documents in a different location in case one set is lost.

Credit Cards:

Take with you only the major credit cards you plan to use on your trip. When making purchases, keep in mind the "exchange rate" varies on a daily basis (to your advantage or disadvantage). Make a list of all credit cards with numbers and pack separately.

ATM Cash Advances:

Since some countries now impose surcharges for cashing traveler's checks, you can use and ATM and benefit from the wholesale exchange rate banks use for large-scale transactions. Check to see what network your ATM card belongs to and find out if this network is available in the country you're visiting. Then check with your US bank to see if your PIN number will be accepted abroad. Also ask your bank if there are any charges for using a foreign ATM.

Purchase log:

Keep a log of all your purchases, and include what you paid in foreign currency and the equivalent in US dollars. This will make it easier to fill out customs forms.

Medication:

Have prescription medication refilled and bring an extra supply along with you. Carry all vital medicines in your carry-on luggage. Bring along copies of your prescriptions that are written in generic form and explanatory letter from your doctor if you suffer from a particular ailment, especially if you must carry drugs or hypodermic needles through customs.

Packing:

Always pack light. You can avoid wrinkles by wrapping your clothes separately in white tissue paper.

Money:

Bring $30 to $50 in small bills for tips.

Eyeglasses:

Always bring an extra pair of prescription lenses or a copy of your prescription in case your glasses are lost or broken. Don't forget your sunglasses!

Driver's License:

Your driver's license acts as a secondary means of identification in case your passport is misplaced.

Camera:

Bring plenty of film and extra batteries. Remember, most cameras have special batteries not easily replaced outside the US.

Motion Sickness:

Motion sickness medication can be obtained from your physician (the patch) or at your local drugstore.

Body Activity During Flights:

It is important to get up and move around during long flights in order to avoid the possibility of pulmonary embolism. To find out your risk of blood clotting (deep vein thrombosis) during flying, try this online test.

Careful Planning Reduces Risk of Unpleasant Family Travel Experiences

Recently there has been some information in the news regarding changes to passport requirements. The Notre Dame Alumni Travel Office would like to help you sort through this information and help understand what it means to you as well as share some other useful tips regarding traveling with children.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

In April 2005, the Federal Government has issued new requirements for entry into the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Panama. On a phased in basis, all US citizens and foreign nationals from these countries will be required to have a passport for each traveler. This week President Bush asked for another review of the proposed rules in order to minimize any impact on commerce between Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Why the change?

As a result of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protection Act of 2004, the secretaries of Homeland Defense and State were directed to take certain actions to make US borders more secure. Historically, travelers from the above countries were only required to show minimum documentation in order to cross the US border. Compared with the more obvious increases in airport security the present day border requirements were considered to be too vulnerable.

What is changing?

Over a period of three years everyone traveling into the United States will be required to have a valid passport. The phasing is noted below:

• As of December 31, 2005 all persons traveling (air/sea) from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America will need a valid passport.
• As of December 31, 2006 all persons traveling (air/sea) from Mexico and Canada will need a valid passport.
• As of December 31, 2007 all persons traveling (via air/sea or overland) to the United States will need a valid passport.

What does this mean for families?

If the new regulations remain unchanged, all individuals will be required to carry passports by 2007. Passports are good for ten years for adults and five years for children under 16. Currently passports cost $97 for an adult passport and $82 for a child's passport with photo processing and mailing costs extra. For the stereotypical family of four, this equates to $358 plus expenses.

What should families do when considering or planning an international trip?

The first thing is to plan ahead. Determine where, when and how you will be traveling. Families will need to balance the convenience of having passports ready against the fact that children's passports are only good for five years and the expense of renewal. For those families that can plan it would be wise to wait until six months prior to traveling to order a passport for a child. If your child is traveling with a family member versus a birth parent, we recommend taking along some type of proof that this child is authorized to travel with that particular family member as these situations can be extremely disruptive and ruin months of planning if you are unprepared.