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International Connections

Here we provide helpful links for international travel & communications.  We are not a travel agent, rather we provide the resources for you to Do-It-Yourself, or use our travel consulting services.  Let us know what you'd like to see added to facilitate your needs, via Contact Us.


Travel Consulting Services

We offer customized service to help you organize your trip.  When you need help organizing all your travel arrangements, think of us.  There is much to think about beyond the basics:  your plane or cruise ship, lodging, local transportation, & meals. Some other essential preparations need to be covered sometimes months before your trip:

  • US & Foreign Government Requirements
    • Do you have a current passport (that won't expire while you are abroad)?
    • Are you familiar with the US State Department's travel abroad warnings & restrictions that pertain to your personal travel plans?
    • Have you had any required shots &/or medical exams for travel to the countries on your itinerary?
    • Are your Visas approved from those countries, yet?

  • Medical Considerations
    • Do you have a medical plan & overseas insurance, if you become ill or injured?
    • Do you have a sufficient supply of your medicines & other medical needs for at least twice the length of time you plan to be away from home?
    • Have you had whatever medical exams you require to ensure you are healthy enough for the travel?
    • Do you have current copies of all your prescriptions to carry with you, including your glasses prescription?
    • Do you have your medical insurance ID's (even if only useful while in USA)?
    • If needed, have you made arrangements with airlines &/or cruise ship for their wheelchair service, to ease your interacting with the crowds?
    • Are you packing your medical supplies in your carry-on luggage?

  • Financial Arrangements
    • Have you purchased sufficient traveler's checks to meet more than your needs?
    • Do you have banking arrangements for within the countries on your itinerary?
    • Have you considered all your immediate monetary needs not pre-covered in your itinerary:  tips, traveling food, taxis or public transportation, etc.
    • Have you purchased country currencies for all of those countries, at least sufficient for your initial arrival needs?
    • Are you leaving at home every important document you don't need:  extra credit cards, extra ID's, Social Security card, membership cards, & other important documents &/or cards that you might otherwise carry with you when in the USA?
    • Do you have with you every important document you do need abroad? 
    • Do you have a safe travel pouch to carry your passport & other important documents?
    • Do you have travel insurance, if you want/need it?
    • Is your travel club membership current & are you taking advantage of it's services & products to enhance your trip?

  • Family Members
    • Children - special travel needs arranged
    • Teens - your travel rules & what you'll be doing for them
    • Seniors - special travel needs arranged
    • Itinerary printed & distributed to all travelers
    • Others traveling with you - what they need you to do for them

And, there is much more to consider:

  • Pets - arrangements for while you are away
  • House sitting - arrangements, if needed
  • Utilities - suspended, if you'll be away over 2 weeks
  • Mail - kept at Post Office until you return
  • Bills - all paid at least up to a month after your expected return
  • Elderly relatives - provided for while you are away
  • Children who aren't going - provided for while you are away
  • You name it!
Global Resources

Whether you are a seasoned traveler - for business, pleasure, military deployment, study or teaching abroad - or a beginner, pre-planning your trip can reduce potential difficulties overseas.  Even if you are considering a backpacking &/or freestyle adventure, helpful pre-planning can greatly enhance your pleasure.


US Embassies

Here is a link to ALL the US Embassies & Consulates globally:

http://www.usembassy.gov/

Travel Tools

World Weather

Accuweather Global
http://www.accuweather.com/default.aspx

Pilot Information

Are you a pilot?  If so, we have a special webpage for YOU.  See:
For Pilots Only

World Time Zones

It is helpful to get oriented to the local time where you are going, compared with your USA home & with each leg of your trip.  This is especially helpful when considering jet lag, as well as your itinerary.  Here is a helpful link with cool stuff - times around the world, an interactive world map, & country flags:

http://www.worldtimezones.com/guides/greenwich_mean_time

Military Deployment

TBA
Travel Arrangements

Here are some helpful links for making your travel arrangements:


Flying & Accommodations

See:  Travel

Hostels Abroad
We are evaluating links for this.
Guided &/or Customized Tours
We are working on this, too.

Materials

For links to find books, maps & other travel materials, translations, TEFL & teaching abroad, see:
Education Solutions
Career Education