Taking a Pet Overseas
If you decide to take your pet with you when you go abroad, you should check with the embassies of the destination countries as to specific requirements that must be met before a pet may be brought into the country. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on my website at http://www.dmttravel.com Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
Note: In a crisis in which chartered or military aircraft or ships are used to evacuate Americans from a danger area, pets will not normally be permitted on the carrier. The pet owner will need to make other arrangements in order to remove the pet from the area. (Service animals, such as guide dogs, are not considered pets and will be accommodated if possible.)
· Service dogs: Some countries have restrictions on service dogs. If you intend to travel with a service dog, be sure to check on possible restrictions with the embassy or consulate of each country you will visit. (This and other country information may be found on each country’s Country Specific Information at http://travel.state.gov). If service dogs are permitted, learn about quarantine or vaccination requirements. Find out what documents are needed, including international health certificates and rabies inoculation certificates, and if the documents need to be translated. Talk with your vet about tips for traveling with a dog, and how travel will affect the animal. You may also want to ensure that hotels will accommodate your service dog, and that there will be an adequate area for the dog to relieve itself.
You will be able to find pet specific travel tips on my website www.dmttravel.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday October 21, 2008
1.EXTRA LUGGAGE-- It may be possible to purchase the right to check a third bag, at a cost of something like $125. In high capacity travel times however, it may no longer be possible to elect this option, at any price. Again, don't be stymied at the gate. Check with your airline in advance.
2.TAG YOUR BAGS...INSIDE AND OUT -- It is surprising to note how many people arrive at the airport with no identification on their luggage. Wiser travelers will have at least two external tags securely affixed to each piece of luggage, and one taped inside the cover of each bag for good measure.
3.WHAT TO WEAR FOR SMOOTHER CHECK-IN -- Almost all clothing accessories, including shoes, belts, hats, sweaters, jackets, etc. must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine. Simplify matters for yourself by wearing such items that are relatively easy for you to remove and re-don. On another note, wear at least one garment that has secure button-down or velcro pockets suitable to keeping your passport, wallet, pen, glasses and other critical items safely on your person. A travel shirt such as Ex Officio, "safari pants" with good button pockets, and/or a photo journalist style vest or jacket can be very helpful in securing important items.
4.CARRY-ON LUGGAGE -- As of now travelers in the USA are limited to one carry-on bag, plus the equivalent of a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You are advised not to test the capacity limits, as your carry-on may be denied boarding, or forced to be checked. Plan and pack accordingly.
2.TAG YOUR BAGS...INSIDE AND OUT -- It is surprising to note how many people arrive at the airport with no identification on their luggage. Wiser travelers will have at least two external tags securely affixed to each piece of luggage, and one taped inside the cover of each bag for good measure.
3.WHAT TO WEAR FOR SMOOTHER CHECK-IN -- Almost all clothing accessories, including shoes, belts, hats, sweaters, jackets, etc. must be removed and sent through the x-ray machine. Simplify matters for yourself by wearing such items that are relatively easy for you to remove and re-don. On another note, wear at least one garment that has secure button-down or velcro pockets suitable to keeping your passport, wallet, pen, glasses and other critical items safely on your person. A travel shirt such as Ex Officio, "safari pants" with good button pockets, and/or a photo journalist style vest or jacket can be very helpful in securing important items.
4.CARRY-ON LUGGAGE -- As of now travelers in the USA are limited to one carry-on bag, plus the equivalent of a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. You are advised not to test the capacity limits, as your carry-on may be denied boarding, or forced to be checked. Plan and pack accordingly.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday October 14th, 2008
1.HURRY UP and WAIT -- Early arrival at the airport for check-in is now more important than ever. You will avoid many problems and much distress simply by arriving at the airport check-in counter a generous two hours or more in advance of your flight departure. In fact, on some recent Singapore Airlines flights, they asked that you check in 3-1/2 hours prior to flight time.
2.CONNECTING FLIGHTS -- When planning connecting flights, allow at least three hours for you and your luggage to change planes, especially when making an inter-airline connection and/or clearing Immigration and Customs.I know that sitting around the airports for that long is no fun but cutting this too close can ruin a great trip before it even begins.
3.FALL-BACK OPTION -- Avoid scheduling the last flight that will connect from your home airport to the major gateway. If your flight is late or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, your entire vacation may be placed be in jeopardy. If at all possible, book an earlier flight for a safety cushion.
2.CONNECTING FLIGHTS -- When planning connecting flights, allow at least three hours for you and your luggage to change planes, especially when making an inter-airline connection and/or clearing Immigration and Customs.I know that sitting around the airports for that long is no fun but cutting this too close can ruin a great trip before it even begins.
3.FALL-BACK OPTION -- Avoid scheduling the last flight that will connect from your home airport to the major gateway. If your flight is late or cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, your entire vacation may be placed be in jeopardy. If at all possible, book an earlier flight for a safety cushion.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Travel Tip Tuesday, October 7, 2008
1. YOUR PASSPORT If you're planning on vacationing in another country, you're going to need a valid passport. If this is your first passport, you'll need to apply in person at least 5 weeks before your planned departure. You can go to your local county courthouse, a U.S. Passport Agency, a probate court, or certain post offices. For more information, click on: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Be sure to make two photocopies of your passport before you go on your trip. Bring one with you and leave the other with a friend.
2. TRAVELER'S CHECKS Try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler's checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler's check while you're on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check's face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.
3. MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications, (take a few days extra of your prescription medication, you never know when your trip might be extended) also bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.
2. TRAVELER'S CHECKS Try to avoid carrying large sums of cash when you are traveling. Bring only the credit cards you plan on using and pick up some traveler's checks before you go. If you need to cash a traveler's check while you're on vacation, be careful! Banks have been known to charge up to 20 percent of the travelers check's face value. Try to find a bank that sells the same brand. Your fees will be lower and you can save that extra money for souvenirs.
3. MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS Prepare a medical kit to take along. Be sure to include any prescription medications, (take a few days extra of your prescription medication, you never know when your trip might be extended) also bring medications for stomachache, earache, pain, and diarrhea. You should also carry a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and an extra pair of both.
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