Your health
Ask about any immunizations that may be required. Do this at least four weeks before your departure.
Pack a small first-aid kit with alcohol wipes, antiseptic cream, bandages, aspirin, elastic wrap, insect repellent, sunscreen, antacid, mild laxative and a decongestant.
Take a copy of any prescriptions with you. Don’t pack them away in your suitcase – carry them on your person.
It helps to have a synopsis of your health on your person if you take any special medications, or oral contraceptives, or have allergies. Include any immunization records.
Don’t drink much alcohol and eat light if you’re flying. After you arrive, get some rest before you become active.
Peel all raw fruit or vegetables. Drink plenty of bottled water and any beverage made with boiling water, like tea.
Your shopping
Check every credit card slip to ensure you are signing for the correct amount.
If you are shipping an item home, have a complete record of the sale in case it doesn’t get shipped. Take a photo of the item and don’t pay by cash; pay by credit card so you have a paper trail.
Have a little local currency on hand to pay departure taxes. Often only local currency is accepted as payment. Have some American cash on hand for tipping. Rely on one-dollar bills.
Your money
Carry your money and important documents in a pouch under your clothing. Don’t rely on a fanny pack – these are too easily accessed. Small bills and change that you will need on your shopping trip or excursion can be carried separately so you can access it easily.
When travelling as a couple, divide the papers and money between the two of you. Then divide it again, keeping it in two separate pouches on your person.
Use travellers’ cheques, but keep the list of numbers and denominations of the cheques separate from the cheques themselves so if they are lost or stolen you have all the information you need to make a claim for reimbursement or replacement.
