Heading out of the country? Leave a copy of your passport with someone who’s staying behind. You never know when it will come in handy. It’s wise to carry a copy with you as well - stash it somewhere in your luggage or in the hotel safe (or hostel locker) while you’re out seeing the sights.

Also, be aware of the expiration date on your passport. While many countries, like the UK, have agreements with the United States to let citizens pass back and forth between using passports with limited validity (passports expiring within 6 months), others have much stricter policies. See the US Department of State website for general regulations, and if you’re not certain about the country you’re visiting, don’t be shy about contacting their consulate. I’ve found them to be very friendly and helpful.

Thursday, October 4, 2007 | travel tips