Thursday, April 15, 2010

Travel Preparedness 101: Introducing Mr. Preparedness

My husband and I are planning on going abroad this summer for vacation with my parents.

Enter Mr. Preparedness.

My father is textbook Red Cross preparedness. He had a weather radio before most people knew they existed. He has a plan and alternate plan for every type of disaster.

When was the last time we had a tsunami in Dallas? Who knows, but he knows how to brace for it.

And, he always, always, always buys travel insurance.

I got an e-mail from Mr. Preparedness the other day including a preparedness checklist for our trip. Since I am Baby Preparedness, I started checking everything off of my list. My husband on the other hand... well, that's for another blog.

You, lucky duck, are getting a few tid bits from my travel checklist (and a few extra tricks of my own).

  • International calling plan - You may not think you need it, but it's always a good idea to have it - just in case
  • Purchase travel insurance - Depending on the plan you choose, it can cover trip-cancellation, medical assistance and airlines that go out of business
  • Call your credit card company - Let them know you are leaving town or the country otherwise you may be stuck with a frozen account
  • E-mail copies of passports and drivers license - These should go to yourself and to a trusted friend or family back in the United States
  • Look up the local 911 number - Believe it or not, 911 is not 911 in another country. Keep it on you in case of emergency
  • Do not list your home address on your luggage tag - Put your company's address or the address of where you are going
  • Carry important papers with you - NEVER check anything that you cannot afford to lose
  • Check your prescriptions - Make sure they are filled properly and labeled accurately. Some countries only allow certain prescriptions
  • Be aware - Since you are in a new place, be aware of your surroundings and suspicious behavior
Most importantly, do not forget to have a good time. That's what vacations are for, right?

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