| The Internet isn't the only thing that has changed | | | | You can usually take your laptop through airport |
| how you plan your international travel today. The | | | | security as long as you can turn it on when asked. |
| events of 9/11/2001 and subsequent airline security | | | | Make sure your battery is charged before heading |
| measures have complicated things, but as long as | | | | out, or have the AC adapter handy, because showing |
| you plan ahead, know what you're doing and pay | | | | the security officers that it works is essential. Your |
| attention to rules and regulations, international travel | | | | phones, PDA's, DVD players and other |
| can be as safe and secure as ever. | | | | electro-geegaws are usually safe on your person or |
| Among the most important things for Americans to | | | | in your carry-on, but check with the airlines to be |
| remember about international travel are (1) you are | | | | certain. |
| not in the U.S. anymore, and (2) you need to respect | | | | Another high-tech device that may be a lifesaver is |
| local cultures and laws. The "ugly American" of 1950s | | | | the new kind of pocket translator that actually |
| paperback novels was something of a cultural | | | | speaks common phrases in a number of languages. |
| imperialist, never showing any interest in other lands | | | | Ten-language devices that have every tongue from |
| or cultures. The main way to ingratiate yourself with | | | | French and Italian to Russian and Chinese will help you |
| your hosts in a foreign country is to be sincerely | | | | in every part of the world, and if you don't have |
| grateful for their help, and respectful of their laws, | | | | language skills yourself, these can prove indispensable. |
| religious beliefs and customs. | | | | Planning is always key |
| Low-tech considerations | | | | Security is the topic on everyone's mind while |
| International travel, for the inexperienced, should | | | | traveling the world today, of course. The best way |
| always be coordinated through a reputable travel | | | | to stay safe is to plan your trip with as many details, |
| agency, friend or relative with solid experience in | | | | and on as tight a timetable, as you can. Make sure to |
| various parts of the world, particularly the ones you | | | | check in with family at home at set intervals, and |
| are headed for. You should also do your "homework" | | | | check in with the travelers' aid offices and the U.S. |
| before leaving home, so that you are aware of | | | | embassies when you have any problems in a foreign |
| possible difficulties with language, local politics, religion | | | | country. |
| and the state of the destination country's water and | | | | When you plan properly and get professionals' |
| food supply. | | | | assistance, all the difficulties in international travel fade |
| In addition, of course, you will need to make sure | | | | into the distance and you are able to enjoy the trip |
| your passport, identification, travelers checks, tickets, | | | | without worrying about flights, reservations, currency |
| etc., are all in order and easily accessible to you | | | | exchange, language barriers or cultural clashes. You |
| during your travels. Don't pack these essential | | | | will have no nasty surprises if you get the right help |
| documents in a suitcase that can get lost while | | | | in planning your trip, and international travel can |
| transferring at London's Heathrow Airport. | | | | remain the educational pleasure that it really is. |
| High-tech guidelines | | | | |