Links of London

Planning ahead for your overseas vacation will allow you to focus on enjoying your trip.

International travel involves more planning than domestic travel. You need to plan for language and currency differences, electronics compatibility, even disease immunizations. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing for an overseas trip.

6 to 12 Months before the Trip:
Find out about recommended immunizations for travel to that country. (The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a good website for this.) If you don’t have time to complete a full immunization schedule, you may still get partial protection from starting the process, so talk to your doctor about the best course of action.
Make hotel and travel reservations if you are traveling during peak season or to a high-demand area.
Check whether you will need a special visa to enter the country.
Purchase guidebooks and maps. Pay special attention to researching activities you may need to reserve in advance (like a tour of the Vatican.)
Begin language lessons, if necessary.
1 to 6 Months before the Trip:
Make hotel and travel reservations if you are traveling during off-peak season or to a low-demand area.

Get or renew your passport, if necessary. Some countries now require that your passport does not expire within 6 months of entering their country.
Purchase plug adapters, if necessary, for using electronics in overseas sockets.
Purchase voltage converters, if necessary, for converting between 110-120 power (used in the U.S., Japan, Canada) and 220-240 power (used in Europe, South America, Africa, China). You won’t need voltage converters for all your electronics; most laptops and music players are “dual-voltage” and will work anywhere, but items like plug-in alarm clocks or child intercoms probably won’t. To find out, check on the back of the item or on the website that produces it. Very high voltage items like hair dryers should probably be purchased when you arrive, if your hotel does not supply them.
Get some foreign currency and travelers checks, and find out if your ATM card will work overseas.
Register your trip with your own government state department, so they can find you as necessary.
If you are planning to take your children overseas without your spouse, prepare a signed, notarized letter from your spouse giving permission. (This requirement is for kidnapping prevention.)
Research local customs. You may need to purchase clothing to meet modesty requirements, and/or gifts for business colleagues, your host family, etc.
Make sure your credit cards will work overseas. (Some countries will commonly accept Visa but not American Express.) Also, alert your credit card company that you will be traveling, so the credit card company does not put a block on your card because of “suspicious overseas transactions.”
Find out if your cell phone will work overseas. You can rent an overseas cell phone before you go, but it is often cheaper to rent one at the airport or your hotel when you arrive. Alternatively, you can buy a local phone card.
24 to 48 Hours before the Trip:

Check that there has been no change in your flight status or seat assignment.
Check that you have all essential items: passports, tickets and reservation confirmations, electronics, voltage converters, plug adapters, some foreign currency, and proper clothing/sun protection.
Check that you have non-essential items: a camera, gifts for people you may meet, guidebooks, maps, etc.
Pack appropriately to get through airline check-in and security, following current guidelines about carry-on bags, weight of luggage, etc. This information should be posted on the airline and airport websites.
Arrive at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours early for international flights, following your airline’s recommendations.

Business travel can include international world travel; check international travel coverage, take language courses and obtain foreign currency prior to overseas travel.

Many considerations should be taken before traveling internationally. As soon as the itinerary is set, book airline and other travel tickets, as prices can increase dramatically closer to the travel dates. In addition, consider the following to prepare for overseas travel.

Overseas Travel Coverage for Health Insurance
Consult with the Human Resources department to make sure that the health insurance policy includes overseas travel coverage; some companies require a different international travel medical insurance. In addition, airline policies can vary; check with the airline or personal/homeowner’s insurance to see what might be covered when traveling abroad, including lost luggage and flight changes or cancellations.

Language Courses to Learn Key Phrases
Determine what language or dialect is spoken at the destination. Prepare in advance by enrolling in language courses or learn the language online. In addition to a few key phrases, also keep a phrasebook handy in flight and at the destination.

Before departing, take time to learn about the culture and customs of the destination to educate one’s self and avoid awkward faux pas. For example, some countries have specific rituals that are completed when exchanging business cards. Find out about the country’s business dress code and other essential information to avoid making cultural mistakes.

Exchange Money to Obtain Foreign Currency
Prior to traveling, exchange money for the foreign currency used at the destination. In addition, consider traveler’s checks or international prepaid credit cards for any purchases that may be made overseas.

Travel Regulations for Overseas Traveler
Travel regulations can vary from country to country; to avoid long delays, find out what passengers can and cannot bring aboard planes or trains and plan accordingly. In addition, determine what papers are necessary to enter the country, including birth certificates, passports, and other documentation.

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International travel can be an enjoyable experience when the proper precautions are taken prior to travel. Learn about the destination and its culture and customs prior to traveling to ensure a successful and

Traveling overseas for business or pleasure? Here are some quick tips on what to bring.

When traveling overseas for the first time it can be difficult to know how and what to pack. The following basic tips may help the beginner traveler have a safer, smoother first trip.

Luggage for a European Trip
Suitcases (or even backpacks) that are on wheels make for the easiest transportation. This is especially true if the traveler must take connecting flights, or plans on staying at several different hotels. Most people make the most of their luggage space and pack in a compact manner, but it pays to remember to leave room for the souvenirs that will be making the trip back.

Also, it is a good idea to place a tag or label with your name on both the outside and inside of the luggage. And many people find it easier to spot their luggage on the conveyer belt if they tie a shiny or otherwise noticeable ribbon to its handle.

And for carry-on luggage, consider taking a bag that closes with a zipper, rather than Velcro or snaps. Items are less likely to fall from the bag this way, and thieves are also more likely to hesitate over a zipper. Passangers can always place a small purse inside of the carry-on bag if necessary.

Passport and Money
For a safer way to carry a passport, one might consider purchasing a passport carrier that hangs around the neck (sometimes called a neck wallet or holder neck). These are small and flat and easily concealed by clothing. Most of these carriers include a compartment for the money as well the passport.

Personal Items for Foreign Travel
Important medication is a personal item that a traveler does not want to accidentally leave at home. It is a good idea to make a list of the necessary medications and check to make sure each of these is packed before departing from the home.

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Sentimental or cherished items such as jewelry should be packed sparingly, as the risk of misplacing them is too great.

Also, travelers may need to purchase a certain kind of adaptor if packing such appliances as hairdryers, electric razors, and cameras, since the electricity in different countries has a different frequency and voltage.

Some Final Packing Recommendations
Protein bars and a water bottle that can be refilled are good food items to pack for any kind of trip. However, be sure that the water bottle is empty before attempting to take it on the plane, since liquids over a certain amount are no longer allowed through security.

As a final tip, it is always wise to research the current weather conditions for the travel destination. A travel umbrella is a good item to bring along in case of sudden rainy weather

One of the most basic jewelry making tools is pliers. Find out about essential jeweler pliers, those tailored to specific jewelry making and how to use them

Jewelry makers use pliers to hold and shape metals they use to make jewelry. As these are an everyday jewelry making tool, it is wise for the jewelry maker to buy the best they can afford. Jewelry making pliers are usually made from metal, storing them in a dry place guarantees years of rust-free use.

No Mar Surface Pliers
Keep in mind that even well-cared for pliers can inadvertently scratch metal wire or sheet during use. Most of these scratches can be completely removed from sterling silver and karated gold during the finishing and polishing processes. To reduce the scratching problem, many jewelry makers use a fixturing compound to coat their pliers with a no-mar surface. Some pliers are made using plastic jaws.