IDENTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT. Ask anyone who has been stopped by the police in a foreign country and doesn't speak the language. This can include your driver's license, international driver's license (see AAA), passport, photo ID, social security card,
	PLANES, TRAINS and AUTOMOBILES. Yes Tickets (or TIX as known by agents). This category includes all reservations confirmation printouts and codes. Believe us, this saves time when the front desk computer is down.
	BE PREPARED: never thought I'd use that phrase again! Remember to have foreign currency if you're not being met at the destination. Phoning around may be necessary at a pay phone and prices of taxis can vary a great deal and it is best to ask at an information desk which are the "legitimate" taxis/shuttles. Besides, not everyone takes credit cards!
	DEAD WITHOUT IT! If this is that long-awaited vacation you had better have camera, selection of lenses and filters [where applicable] and a stock of quality film. Please note, however, that there are restrictions on importing film to various countries so as to ensure locals of your business. Indonesia is one of these countries and a friend paid dearly...
	IMPORTANT NUMBERS: Destination - hotel/rental agency, auto rental, friends (and addresses), business contacts, good restaurants (meetings), consulates general in unstable territories, airlines. Also for private: the SITTER, doctors, insurance, your ride home.
	PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, VITAMINS, MEDIC ALERT TAGS, alarm watch to remember to take all those colorful little pills. While travelling abroad it also helps to have the original bottles they came in. Experience warns that Murphy's law kicks in the moment you throw all your pills in one container to "save space". Had to explain to Israeli drug enforcement what each pill was for. It was real.
	Do the words TAKE YOUR CARBON COPY mean anything? Also, in some countries and continents one credit card is preferred over another, i.e. Mastercard/Eurocard in Europe. AND... some currencies are so unstable that paying cash is best no matter what the circumstance. In Brazil our money lost approx. 10% of its value during our 7-day stay [1993]. On the same trip we learned that VISA/Mastercard in Venezuela were charging 73% interest for residents with local accounts.
	110V or 220V? That is the question. Some countries "offer" both depending on the area. It's best to take a blowdryer, razor or travel iron which has a converter built in. Check with the hotel first - maybe they can provide you with these items at your destination, giving you more room for "stuff".
	DON'T FORGET THE KIDS! The inclusion of children in hotel and restaurant bills may be less expensive than a sitter or owing the relatives a big favor [ you know what we mean... ] and might provide the perfect chance to spend quality time with your kids. For the outdoors/camping there is a great book "365 Outdoor Activities You Can Do With Your Child" by Steve & Ruth Bennett. ISBN: 1-55850-260-2 Bob Adams, Inc. Tel: 1-800-872-5627.