King’s Travel Tips Newsletter
April 2007 — Issue 2
Hi ! This issue includes…
1 )Packing Tips
2 )If Your Passport is Stolen
3 )Should you worry about sinking cruise ships?
4 )Final thoughts and more tips
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1 )Packing TipsWith security being strengthened and restrictions introduced on what you can and can’t carry on board international flights, it looks increasingly more sensible to pack minimally these days. This means the capsule wardrobe…Websites and magazine articles have dealt with this problem, but very often they tend more toward beach vacationers, not Untourists. Untourists don’t mind seeking out a local laundry service, or doing a little hand washing themselves, and are more concerned with traveling light than taking their home with them. Here is our version of essentials to pack for a trip of more than three days:
- a smart jacket or dark cardigan if you’re likely to go out in the evening
- 2 pairs of trousers (and 1 matching belt for both) or 2 skirts
- 2-4 shirts or tops
- 3 sets of underwear and socks
- 1 pair of smart shoes or sandals if you’re likely to go out in the evening
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes for walking/traveling
- a long T-shirt that can double as nightwear
And depending on your destination and the local climate:
- 1 pair of thongs (flip-flops!)
- a swimsuit
- a small folding umbrella
- a sweater
Try to keep your clothes in the same or matching tones, and make sure that each pair of pants or each skirt goes with each shirt or top and the jacket or cardigan. You’ll also need a small amount of washing detergent (which you can store in old plastic camera film canisters—they have very sturdy lids) and a light cord to use as a washing line.
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2 ) If your passport is lost or stolenThere are two key elements in dealing with a travel emergency: being prepared for a problem, and knowing what to do if the worst happens. If you lose your passport overseas, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy. At the consulate, you will need to fill out a passport application, sign an affidavit that your passport was stolen, and verify your identity/U.S. citizenship. If all your identifying documents were taken, to verify your citizenship, you’ll be asked a series of questions and may have to provide an in-country contact (friend or relative) to back up your claim. You may have to pass a little oral test to prove your American citizenship.No joke, but questions asked have been asked such as “What was your high school like?” and “Who is your favorite Simpsons character?” or even “What happened in the last episode of Seinfeld?”Once issued, replacement passports are valid for 10 years, no different from regularly obtained ones. The fees are also the same ($97 for an adult passport). Although you hear it all the time, it really is important to carry at least one photocopy of your passport and ID with you at all times. Actually, the best idea is to carry a copy in each one of your bags. Put one in each of your bags and in your purse in case one gets lost. Leave one with a trusted person at home (such as your Travel Advisor) so they can fax it in case you lose everything. Taking a couple of extra passport-sized photos along would also be helpful. The embassy/consulate can get you a new passport very quickly when you’re in a pinch overseas, but only if you have a copy of your old one. It could take weeks to process the paperwork if you don’t.
If you lose your passport stateside, call the U.S. Department of State at 877-487-2778 to report it lost or stolen. They’re open until midnight Monday through Friday and take claims anytime during those hours. Once your old passport is reported stolen, you’ll have to obtain a new one. Application forms can be downloaded from the State Department website.
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3 )Should you worry about sinking ships?
Human error is to blame for the sinking of the Sea Diamond recently. At least, that’s the word from the Greek minister in charge of shipping. What, if anything, should cruisers take away from the incident? The 22,400-ton Sea Diamond, a 21-year-old vessel that operated in the Greek Islands, was far from the typical ship catering to North Americans. Major U.S.-based lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival generally operate newer, bigger, more modern and presumably safer ships. (Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels are 160,000 tons — nearly eight times larger than the Sea Diamond.) Moreover, the Sea Diamond’s owner, Cyprus-based Louis Cruise Lines, isn’t a member of the Cruise Lines International Association, a consortium of the 21 major lines catering to U.S. vacationers that requires members to abide by international treaties on ship design, safety equipment, crew training and other practices. And unlike CLIA-member ships that stop in U.S. ports in Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii or Alaska, the Sea Diamond didn’t have to submit to quarterly U.S. Coast Guard safety inspections.
Bottom line is you are still safer in the sea AND in the air than you are traveling down the Interstate. I cannot imagine life in a world without traveling to experience the culture and history of new and exciting places. KEEP TRAVELING!
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4 )Final thoughts
Spring vacations are behind us now and many of you are looking ahead to a trip this Summer. It is not too late to make your reservations for that dream trip to Europe or an Alaska cruise. We are fortunate here in the Northwest to have so many cruise lines sailing from Seattle; just 2hrs up the road! That almost makes for a “perfect” vacation by not having to put up with the arrogant attitude of the airlines.
Call or email us for a FREE consultation on where-ever your dreams take you! Thank you for your confidence and faith in us…..we really appreciate you.
Frank King, CTC
Owner
PS:For our FREE article on “When to book your Mileage award Travel” send a blank email to Tips@Travelkings.com
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