In this book we have tried to prepare you for your mission adventure. If you have come this far, you may be seriously considering an assignment somewhere. You have done your area studies and know what climate to expect when you arrive and found other helpful tips from travelers that have been there before you. So now it is time to think about your own traveling and packing. To help you we have put together a few tips to consider as you prepare for your trip.

General Suggestions

• Wear a fanny pack instead of a purse to safeguard your traveler's checks, credit cards, passport, etc. Wear it in front, not in back.
• Be sure and have a copy of a) your plane ticket, b) at least the first two pages of your passport, and c) a list of your travelers' check numbers, and keep them in a separate place. This will make replacement much easier if it should become necessary.
• If you need a lock for your suitcase, consider getting a number-coded luggage lock rather than one with tiny keys which get lost easily.

Packing
Almost everybody overpacks, but what is a luxury to one is a necessity to another. This list is not prescriptive, but descriptive. Your list will differ from that of others, but it reflects your personality and peculiarities.

• Roll up your T-shirts, bathing suits and cotton knits, and tuck them around the sides of the suitcase.
• In case your luggage gets lost, always take a carry-on bag (small backpack, day pack or small roller bag) packed with necessary medicine and toiletries (no sharp objects!), camera equipment, valuables, film, something to sleep in, and a change of clothing and underwear.
• Pack folded clothes in large two-gallon plastic self-sealing bags. Take an extra plastic bag to hold dirty items while you are traveling.
• Put luggage tags on both the outside and the inside of your suitcase.

Traveling

• Make sure you have your passport and health certificates handy, as well as the necessary visas. You may want to review some of the historical, cultural information on country of destination you have collected.
• Keep a photocopy of the information page of your passport in a separate piece of luggage and leave one copy at home.
  
• Make sure the proper people know your itinerary: spouse, secretary, superior, etc.
• Prearrange for desired seats. People who do not do this often sit between very large neighbors in the middle seat, fighting for a spot for their elbows to rest.
• When staying over, en route, confirm your next flight as soon as you arrive.
• After September 11, 2001 you need to check in 1.5 hours for flights within the US, and at least 2 hours or more for international flights.

Suitcases

• Check with your airline what you are allowed to check-in and carry-on. The new safety standards around the world have resulted in more stringent controls. In some places your carry-ons may be weighed.
• Don't put any pocket knives or sharp objects into your carry-ons.
• Avoid expensive, designer luggage and fancy name-tags. Attaching an inexpensive color band helps you to easily identify your luggage.
• Hardsides are slightly more difficult to break into, but this is a relative matter. Softsides will stretch for add-ins.
• Wheelies (detachable wheels) must be stowed under the seat, while roll-ons can be placed in the overhead compartment.
• A purse or a laptop case is usually not considered a carry-on.

Dressing for Travel

• Dress comfortably in loose clothing with a jacket or sweater in case the plane becomes cold
• Take your shoes off if you can.
• Consider your destination when you dress for travel, particularly when you cross the equator.
• If you're buying new clothes, buy wrinkle-free or crinkled fabrics.
• Take things that can be worn at least two or three ways.

Money and Valuables

• Take a limited amount of cash (about US$100) in ones, fives, tens and twenties.
• Use a credit card for general use. Cash from ATMs generally offer the best rates and lowest charges.
• Take a reasonable amount in travelers' checks, with the list of check numbers in a separate piece of luggage.
• Avoid sidewalk money-changers. We have seen nationals scammed out of hundreds of dollars and not know it until much too late
• Be careful. Pickpockets abound!

Other Considerations

Safety Factors

• Never open your hotel door to strangers or hotel employees you have not requested for service.
• Avoid walking alone in dark cities.
• Avoid driving after sundown.
• Be thankful for airport security people. Don't complain.
• Avoid getting into a taxi alone at night.
• Females should avoid traveling alone.

Computers, etc.
Computers are very common travel gear today, but require some attention:

• Be particularly alert for computer thieves, especially at the security check points.
• Keep your battery loaded so you can run the computer if requested at the security check.
• Make sure you have loaded on the best games for lonely nights in hotel rooms.
• Printers are very helpful, but not absolutely necessary. Some of us have been known to electronically fax our notes to the hotel office for printed copies.
• If anything can go wrong with your computer it will probably happen while you are traveling.

International Callback Cards and E-mail

• International telecommunications changes so quickly that almost anything noted here will be obsolete within ½ hour. If they survive, international callback services are far less expensive than AT&T or MCI.
• If you want to use your e-mail abroad through your Internet service provider (e.g.: CompuServe), make sure you do some research about your options before you leave. The local SDA leaders will also be able to assist you in many places since they are often using e-mail to communicate internationally.