Jamaica Summer 2014

Some countries requires that your passport has at least 6 months validity left.

Reconfirm your flights as there may be airline schedule changes. Your return flight must be reconfirmed at your destination directly with the airline 3 days prior to your departure.

Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number. Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal.

Most companies offer signup and monitoring online. Getting your air miles after your trip is a pain, so better do it in advance.

A pile of newspapers or a stuffed mailbox tells thieves that you are not at home.

One way to help protect your home while away on vacation is to make it seem like the homeowners are currently there. This can be done by setting up timer lights throughout the house. Lights can be placed on timers both indoors and out which will present an at home atmosphere. Those who perpetrate breaking and entering crimes will be less likely to target a home which has lights on and may opt for houses which are dark and obviously no one is home.

Transmitted by mosquito bites. Many countries require you to have a vaccination certificate proving you got this shot, so don't forget to bring it along, or you may be denied entry at the border or airport.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease, causing symptoms that typically include fever and headache, in severe cases progressing to coma or death.
Jamaica: All areas - very low risk, avoid mosquito bites (sporadic cases reported in Kingston)

Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots, such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.

Remember to keep a close eye on the passport copy - it's a great asset if you lose the original, but can also be used to steal your identity if it gets into the wrong hands.
If you have a web based e-mail platform, e-mailing yourself scans/copies of important documents and passport info is a great alternative to hard-copies. It's easier to access, less likely to be stolen, and guaranteed to always be on hand.

You may need a photo to obtain passes, permits, etc.

If you have any of these (AAA, Hertz, Avis, Hilton, etc.), going abroad may be a good opportunity to use them.

Use ziplock plastic bags for any items that could leak or possibly break in transit.

These see-through, zip-up mesh containers keep your clothes tightly packed and well-organized.

It's pretty amazing how much you can put into a backpack if you do a good job. By using rubber-bands, squeeze clothes down to a minimal size.

Take a pair with pockets - doubles as a swimsuit for men.

Easily stolen, so don't bring anything too valuable.

Ditch the bulky bath towel. There's only one way to go when traveling - microfiber travel towels. They dry quickly, are soft, incredibly absorbent, and roll up to take virtually no space.

Must be pretty sturdy. Glass may not be a good idea for some journeys.

Also handy for pulling out splinters

Ask your doctor to provide you with a letter for any prescription medications that you are taking with you. Keep medicine in original containers, if possible.

If you require prescription lenses in your glasses, take a spare pair of glasses with you. There is nothing worse than having your glasses break or losing them on holiday and having no spare pair to fall back on.

For international travel: consider unlocking your cell phone SIM card so you can use your phone there (purchase a local SIM in your destination).

With this adapter you and a friend can both listen to your music player at the same time

Great for the beach. The mesh allows you to dump everything into the bag and then just rinse it all with running water.

To avoid last minute gift-shopping make a list of all of the people you want to get gifts for.