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International Travel Tips
By U. Brinkmann for  Sew Many Options Tours.

•  Investigate duties and US customs limitations.  The Custom Service's free brochure "Know Before You Go" (Publication 512) is online at www.customs.gov/travel/travel.htm

• Pack with purchases in mind. Pack a foldaway bag (check out our Roller Tote) or bring an extra suitcase.  Bring along a small tape measure, a calculator for figuring exchange rates and scissors.  Don't carry the scissors in your carry on bag.

• Get information about shipping options for larger purchases.  Sometimes it is possible to check an extra bag for the flight home for a nominal fee.  Sea freight is usually the cheapest, but can take up to 6 months to receive a shipment.

• Memorize the traveler's mantra: "Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it."

• Stay away from ice. Remember that it started out as water.

• Resist street vendor's foods.  It might smell delicious but you have no idea how long the food has been sitting around at a low temperature.

•  Before you leave home, get a small amount of currency from the country you will be visiting.  This makes it easier if you need money for a taxi or telephone call before you check into a hotel.  The exchange rate at your hotel will not be as good as a local bank or cash machine.

Tips for Making Long Air Flights Travel Comfortable

·         Bring an inflatable neck pillow so you can sleep more comfortably.  Use the airline pillow to support your lower back.  Take an airline blanket upon boarding in case you get cold later in the flight.  It can also be used for back support or as a pillow.

·         Use earplugs and an eye mask to block distracting noise and light.

·         Wear elastic-waist pants, plus a light weight T-shirt and a sweater.  Wear shoes to accommodate feet that will swell during the long flight.  Change into a pair of thin socks during the trip.

·         Drink at least 1 liter of water for every two hours of flight time.

·         Combat dry cabin air by misting the face, using moisturizing eye drops, lip balm and skin moisturizer (this goes for men too).

·         Bring along a small bottle of hand sanitizer to clean hands before meals.

·         Pack a toothbrush in your hand luggage,  Brushing your teeth after a meal during a long flight makes life a bit easier.  And you feel a lot fresher when you arrive and are met at the airport.

More information on Sew Many Options Tours.

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