Most travelers expect a carefree vacation, leaving worries and troubles behind. The loss of personal property, a
minor illness or accident, however, can turn a great vacation into one that you would rather forget. By becoming a
well-informed traveler and planning ahead, you will be better prepared to protect your health and safety when
traveling.
When planning air travel, consider the following:
Do not carry large quantities of cash. Traveler’s checks provide personal security and can be replaced. Also, carry
only credit cards you will use on vacation. Canceling lost or stolen credit cards is inconvenient and sometimes
difficult on a vacation.
When traveling to a foreign country always consult your Travel Agent regarding required travel documents such as
passports, visas and tourist cards. It is a good idea, however, to always carry proof of citizenship, preferably a
passport. Pack a photocopy of your passport separately from the original. This will expedite the replacement
process if the original passport is lost or stolen.
Mark all luggage with your name and address, using an employer's or school’s address if possible. Burglars may
often case airports and use luggage address tags to identify potential targets.
With advance notice, most airlines can accommodate special dietary needs. Your Travel Agent can make those
arrangements.
Travel insurance can cover unexpected expenses including lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellation, emergency
medical needs and missed flight connections.
Air travelers can reduce delays and inconvenience in the wake of tighter security by taking some simple
precautions. Passenger and luggage check-in now takes longer due to more thorough security procedures and the
elimination of curb-side check-in.
For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before departure - or three hours for an international flight, to allow
more time and reduce the risk of missing a flight.
Carry identification: Airlines will verify that the person checking in is the person to whom the ticket was issued.
Therefore, carry at least one government-issued photo I.D. such as a passport or drivers license. A second
photo I.D. is required at some airports.
Don't ever leave your luggage or carry-on items unattended, they could be stolen or be a potential target for
someone to sneak an illegal item on board the airplane. Also, luggage that appears to be abandoned could look
suspicious and be confiscated by airport personnel. Pack your own luggage so you will be able to answer
questions about the contents. Airline personnel will ask if you packed you own luggage. If you say you did not, your
belongings are subject to a search.
You will help to reduce time at the security check-in if you take only personal and carry-on items that are truly
necessary for your flight or for your security. Also, laptop computers and other electronic devices must be hand
checked by security personnel and may require additional time to clear security.
If you have special physical needs including the need for wheelchair access when boarding the aircraft, ask your
Travel Agent to make these arrangements when making flight reservations.
To avoid theft of your valuables, don't pack them in luggage that will be checked. Medication, cameras,
eyeglasses, jewelry, home door keys, important documents and passports are items to carry on board with you.
To avoid dehydration on long flights, drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages.
Have you packed everything?
Pack an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and/or contact lenses, all prescription medicine, the
instructions and dosage amounts. Take a copy of your prescriptions in case you need to replace the eyeglasses or
medication. If traveling to a cold area, pack clothes that can be worn in layers for warmth. Include gloves and a hat.
Pack light. If at all possible travel with carry on baggage only. This will save you the time checking baggage at
departure and waiting for baggage after arrival as well as preventing the possibility of a ruined trip because of lost
baggage.
Think twice about everything that you pack. Do you really need 4 options for evening wear? Find easily washable,
lightweight and compact clothes that can do double duty.
Arrive one hour before domestic flights and two or three hours before international flights. Many airlines require
you be on board 20 minutes before take-off. Don’t take any chances.
If you have only carry on baggage you can bypass those long lines at the front counter and check in using the
Automated Ticketing Machine.
If you are making a connection and have a layover, first go directly to the departure monitors, find and verify your
gate number. Know the distance and the time needed for you to travel to your gate. Then, if you have the time, feel
free to shop or eat. If you do not get to the gate on time the airline may give your seat away.
Make sure you have a “Flight Book” for your airline. They are readily available at the front counter, the gate and
often on the airplane. If you miss a connection and/or need to rebook a connection for any reason you have the
information you need in hand.
Make sure you know the rules and regulations of the country/island that you are traveling to. Do you need a
passport? Is there a port tax? One couple spent their last cash at the airport bar having a drink and was short the
tax they needed to leave the country.
Fly early in the day whenever possible. As the day goes on, there is a greater probability of airline backups due to
weather, mechanical difficulties, etc. The “domino effect” operates here. If your flight is early in the day and gets
delayed or canceled you have more options available to you during that day rather than having to spend the night
in a hotel or the airport.
Make sure you bring along your own water, snacks and reading materials. One mother with two young daughters
was stuck in a plane on the runway for 3 hours. She was most happy she had packed water, food, and books. It
made the delay a game rather than an ordeal.
Remember be flexible. It is Murphy’s Law that whatever can go wrong on your first (second) big trip - will. A
thunderstorm in Atlanta, a snowstorm in Minneapolis, or a flat tire on a plane in Chicago can all make the best laid
plans.... Think of it as an adventure rather than just a trip. Enjoy!
Below is more specific travel health and safety information provided by the U.S. Department of State
For Passport information and requirements go to: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in,
a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of
State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html
If You Drink, Drink Responsibly
The vast majority of arrests, accidents, and violent crimes suffered by visitors in The Bahamas involve alcohol. (Note:
the legal age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages is 18.) Visitors found alone or incapacitated by alcohol have
been victims of rape, robbery, and assault. If you choose to drink, know your drinking companions and stay in a group
with friends when in clubs, bars, out walking in deserted areas, or in a taxi at night.
Drugs: Not Legal Here Either
The possession or use of drugs is ILLEGAL in The Bahamas and carries stiff penalties, including heavy fines or
imprisonment. Americans visiting The Bahamas are subject to Bahamian law: drug violators can and will be arrested,
even for possession of small quantities. All persons 16 years of age or older are tried as adults. Stay away from drug
traffickers, who are often armed and violent. Also, do not accept packages from people you meet during your stay.
Jet Skis and Scooters
As in the United States, every year U.S. citizens are killed or very seriously injured in jet ski and scooter accidents.
Inspect the equipment carefully and avoid old or rundown machines. Ask to see a copy of the operator's business
license, and inquire about their medical and liability insurance coverage in the event of accident or injury. Insist on
training before using the equipment. Remember also that street traffic in The Bahamas travels on the left side of the
road and can be difficult to navigate. Operators of unlicensed scooter and jet ski rental services have also been linked
to assaults, including sexual assaults.
Contact U.S. Embassy Information
The U.S. Embassy is located on Queen Street in downtown Nassau, next to McDonalds. Regular business hours for
non-emergency American Citizen Services are 1 - 4 Monday through Thursday, and 10 -12 on Friday, except local and
U.S. holidays. The main telephone number is (242) 322-1181. For after-hours emergencies, call (242) 328-2206.
Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad
If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate
medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds
from the United States. However, payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler.
Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance
policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance policy identity card as
proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and
reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical
evacuation can easily cost $10,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition. THE SOCIAL
SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL COSTS
OUTSIDE THE U.S.A. Senior citizens may wish to contact the American Association of Retired Persons for information
about foreign medical care coverage with Medicare supplement plans. To facilitate identification in case of an accident,
complete the information page on the inside of your passport providing the name, address and telephone number of
someone to be contacted in an emergency. A traveler going abroad with any preexisting medical problems should carry
a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the
generic name of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers
and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure
any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.
