PASSPORTS AND VISAS

U.S. State Department - Passport Services
http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html

U.S. State Department - Passport Applications
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms_overview.html
U.S. State Department website on Passport Services and Information. Includes information on how to apply for a passport, downloadable applications, fees, where to apply for a passport near you, and status updates.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/
U.S. Department of Homeland Security website on Travel Security and Procedures. Includes important information about International Travel requirements, information about allowed or disallowed carry on items, and travel alerts.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
The CDC's Travelers' Health page offers valuable information to prepare you for your journey. From disease outbreaks to geographic health recommendations and pre-travel checklists, this site has it all. The site also includes a toll-free Travelers' Health Hotline providing travelers with the most current information.

Travel Health Online
http://www.tripprep.com
Shoreland's Travel Health Online is a comprehensive site listing travel medicine providers, information on vaccination,  and travel related illnesses.

U.S. State Department - Travel Warnings
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html The U.S. State Department provides a thorough listing of travel warnings, Consular Information Sheets and Public Announcements. The articles are broken down by country and date. Information includes health conditions, crime statistics, and currency and entry requirements. Travelers can also sign up for a free email newsletter for the latest breaking travel safety information.

PACKING LIST

Necessary Items

• Luggage and/or Backpack
• Hip-Pack, Day-Pack, Fanny-Pack
• Neck-Wallet or Undercover Security Pouch
• Travel or Nature Guides

• Passport and Visas
• Vaccination Certificates
• Airline Tickets/ Rail Passes
• Travelers Checks
• Cash (Limited Amount)
• Change (Phone or Laundry Machines)
• Drivers License or ID Card
• Credit Card with PIN
• ATM Card with PIN
• Hostel Card/ Student ID Card
• Copy of Prescriptions (Medicine, Glasses, Contacts)

Toiletries

• Eyedrops /  Contact Lens Preparation
• Medications
• Vitamins

First-aid Kit

• Tweezers
• Band-aids/ Gauze Tape/ Bandages
• Medical or Athletic Tape
• Q-Tips/ Cotton Balls
• Scissors
• Pain Killers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin)
• Antiseptic Ointment (Bactine, etc)
• Anti-itch Ointment
• Sunburn Ointment
• Antacids (Rolaids, Tums, etc.)
• Nausea or Diarrhea Tablets (Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Gravol, etc.)
• Laxatives
• Antihistamine
• Insect Repellant with DEET

Miscellaneous

• Maps (Topographic, Driving, etc.)
• Language Guide/ Dictionary
• Converters
• Neck Pillow and Earplugs
• Energy Bars 
• Pocket Knife (Swiss Army Knife)
• Camera with Film and Lenses
• Camera Battery
• Cell Phone and Charger 
• Binoculars
• Compass/ Mirror/ and Whistle
• Bandanas
• Sunglasses with strap
• Mesh Bags or Laundry Bags
• Ziploc Bags
• Journal or Diary
• Pens/ Pencils
• Books / Magazines/ Games/ Deck of Cards
• Travel Umbrella
• Nylon Cord
• Luggage Locks
• Travel Alarm Clock
• Drinking Cup
• Small Sewing Kit