International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure.  Whether you have waited a lifetime to take the perfect trip or are an experienced world traveler, we would like to offer some advice to help you plan a safe and healthy trip.

American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there to help if you encounter serious difficulties in your travels.  It is their duty to assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency?at hospitals or police stations, for instance.

Preparing for Your Trip Abroad

Start Early.  Apply for your passport as soon as possible.  Three months before your departure date should give you plenty of time.  See the section, Passports and Visas , for details on how to apply.

 Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit.  Before you go, read up on the culture, people, and history for the places you will travel.  Bookstores and libraries are good resources.  Travel magazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell about places to visit and also give advice on everything from discount airfares to international health insurance.  Many travel agents and foreign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad.Registration.  As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage as conditions in the country can change quickly.  We encourage you register your travel plans online. 

Registration will make your *presence and whereabouts known to the Department of State and to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in case of civil unrest or any other emergency situation.  This will help in locating you, should someone in the United States wish to confirm your safety and welfare or need to contact you urgently. 

Leave a Detailed Itinerary.  Give a friend or relative your travel schedule.  Include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons and places to be visited; your passport number and the date and place it was issued; and credit card, traveler's check, and airline ticket numbers.  Keep a copy of this information for yourself in a separate place from your purse or wallet.  If you change your travel plans?for example, if you miss your return flight to the United States or extend your trip?be sure to notify relatives or friends at home.

Don't Over Program.  Allow time to relax and really enjoy yourself.  Even if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, don't feel you have to fill every available minute.

When visiting a country such as China, physical activity can be quite strenuous and sudden changes in diet and climate can have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler.  Consult your physician before you depart.

What to Pack.   Carefully consider the clothing you take.  Don't pack more than you need and end up lugging around heavy suitcases.  Wash-and-wear clothing and sturdy walking shoes are good ideas.  Consider the climate and season in the countries you will visit and bring an extra outfit for unexpectedly warm or cool weather.  A sweater or shawl is always useful for cooler evenings and air-conditioned planes and hotels.  Dress conservatively?a wardrobe that is flashy or too casual may attract the attention of thieves or con artists.

Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage.  Otherwise, if your bags are lost, you could be wearing the same clothes you were traveling in during the entire time it takes to locate your luggage?an average of 72 hours.

Do not pack anything that you would hate to lose such as valuable jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental value.