What to Take With You on the Trip, and What to Leave Behind

Valuables

Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:

Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry

* Irreplaceable family objects
* All unnecessary credit cards
* Social Security card, library card, and similar items that may be in your wallet.

Do bring medical necessities (see the health sections above regarding medications and insurance).

Leave Copies of Documents and Itinerary With Relatives in the U.S

Leave a copy of the itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.

Make two photocopies of the passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license and the credit cards you plan to take. Leave one copy of each with family or friends at home, and pack the other copies separately from the originals. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers’ checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list.

Plan for the Unexpected

Take with you items that you will need if your trip is unexpectedly extended. These items may include extra money or medications.