Travel Resources

Planning For Your Trip

Make the most of your leave by taking a little time to prepare beforehand. The following topics are designed to help you avoid some common travel time wasters, so you can spend more time enjoying your next Government Employee Travel Opportunities getaway.

Hotel, Suite or Vacation Home?

Take full advantage of your Government Employee Travel Opportunities property by understanding its amenities ahead of time. Many Government Employee Travel Opportunities properties offer home-like conveniences, such as balconies or terraces and fully equipped kitchens. If your accommodation has a washer/dryer, for example, you may want to pack fewer clothes. If your accommodations include a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven/stovetop, you may want to plan a grocery store visit between the airport and the property.

Passports

Make two copies of each traveler's passport before you leave. Leave one copy with a friend or family member. Keep another copy with you at all times. Then store the original in your safe at the hotel.

Learn more about obtaining, renewing or changing your passport.

Luggage

Get luggage tags that are distinctive and easily identifiable, making it that much easier to spot your bags on airport turnstiles – and for airline security to track down if they’re ever lost. Also be aware that many commercial airlines now charge for checked baggage. Check with your airline ahead of time to determine specific charges and safety precautions.

Immunizations

If traveling to a foreign country please check on immunization requirements.

Currency

Depending on your destination, you may need to convert your currency. Many foreign countries, particularly in the Caribbean, accept the U.S. dollar as a form of payment. Virtually all Government Employee Travel Opportunities destinations will accept credit cards and Traveler's Checks. Cash, however, still comes in handy for a variety of situations.

Use this handy exchange rate tool to determine the current currency conversion rate. In other words, learn just how far your dollar will go.

Electricity Conversion.

Electricity, like currency, can change with each passing border. If you are planning to take electronic devices overseas – or anything with a plug, for that matter – learn the electric requirements for your destination and do one of the following:

• Purchase dual voltage electronics and appliances
• Purchase a converter
• Leave your stuff at home (many Government Employee Travel Opportunities properties already are equipped with irons, stereos, etc.)

Read this article from Independent Traveler for more in-depth information about traveling internationally with your electronics and appliances.

Go to Current Solutions for country-specific voltage and socket information.