Passport
Make 2 copies, one to leave at home with someone who could fax
it to you in an emergency, plus another to carry with you in your suitcase.
If your passport is lost or stolen, take a police report plus your copy
to the American Embassy for a replacement.If you have extra photographs,
take them along as well.
Certificate of Vaccination
If there are required vaccinations for entry into the country
where you are going, carry your yellow book of immunization history
along, plus make copies as noted above for the passport. Otherwise,
you may wish to take a copy of the information. Keep your passport and
yellow book together once you return home, so you will always have your
immunization records available.
Medical Information Letter
If you have ongoing medical problems, carry a letter from your
physician with pertinent medical information. Bring a list of the medicines
(including the generic names) that you are taking.
Wear a bracelet engraved with your medicines.
Prescriptions
Take your prescriptions (including prescriptions given for travel) in bottles
labeled with your name. Unlabeled medicines may be discarded by custom
officials at the border. Take twice as much as you will need, carrying
half in the hand luggage and packing the other half in your suitcase.
Glasses
Bring extra prescription glasses for backup. Also bring glasses if you wear contact
lenses, to use in the event of eye problems. Always remove contact lenses
at the first sign of irritation. Some countries have more pollution
and the risk of eye infections is greater.
Over the Counter Medicines
Take along any non-prescription medicine you use on a regular or occasional basis.
Finding similar products abroad may be difficult.
- Antacids
- Antifungal/antibacterial cream plus band-aids
- Antihistamine (benadryl or other) for allergic reaction or to help sleep
- Anti-motion sickness medication (bonine, merazine, dramamine)
- Cold or cough medication that works for you
- Hydrocortisone cream for relief of itching from insect bites or rash
- Pain medication that works for you
- Medications to prevent or treat diarrhea (pepto bismol, imodium AD)
Other Items to Consider Taking
- Insect repellent containing DEET (Ultrathon)
- First aid supplies/glass thermometer
- Sunscreen (15 SPF)
- Sunglasses, flashlight
- Water purification tablets/solution or filter
- Rehydration salt packets (dry Gatorade)
- Hand towelettes/alcohol wipes
- Bike Helmet
