President´s Message

BWN Welcome

Travel Preparation

Air Travel

Travel Advice

Train Travel

Sea Travel

Driving

Hotel Hints

Key Documents

Health Help

What to Do

Scam Prevention

Global Guide

Know Before You Go

Before you head out the door, you need to take steps to make sure your trip goes smoothly. Preparation is the biggest part of planning a trip. A methodical, well-organized person will prepare a list of tasks to accomplish before embarking on any voyage.

• Stay in touch. A quick call to a family member, friend, or co-worker to let them know where you are, who you're with and where you are going will prove crucial in an emergency. Even better, leave a full itinerary with someone you trust.

• Copy important documents. Make copies of travel tickets, fronts and backs of credit cards, and medical insurance details. These items should be left with the same person who knows your itinerary.

• Review your insurance polices. Karen Pratt, a State Farm Insurance agent, says travel insurance must be an important part of your travel plans. She states that when it comes to airlines, "Many credit card companies extend coverage to your bags if they are lost during travel, and offer hotel accommodations during layover periods. This type of coverage normally requires that airline tickets be purchased with the credit card. With the many delays that can occur during travel, this type of insurance is extremely useful."

• Clean out your wallet. Empty your wallet of any unnecessary items. Keep only the documents you will need, such as credit cards and identification cards. 

• Give copies of your keys to a trusted friend or neighbor. Have the person visit your home to look around. If you are leaving your car at home, that person should change parking spaces once in a while to give the impression that someone is home. 

• Stop the mail and newspapers. Ask the mailman to hold your mail at the post office until you return. Have a friend get your newspapers every day, because full mailboxes or newspapers scattered on the lawn are a sure sign that no one is home.

• Turn on the lights. Buy a few timers and have the lights come on at various locations and times. This will make it seem like someone is home. 

• Secure your stuff. Make sure your bags close securely, or put a bellyband around your suitcase. These items can be purchased at any luggage retail shop. 

• Use name tags. Be sure to place tags on all luggage. New travel rules require identification on bags, regardless of the form of transportation you take. In the event of lost luggage, officials will need somewhere to send your belongings. Check the weather. Before you begin packing, check the climate of your intended destination. An excellent source is the Weather Channel's vacation planner (www.weather.com). It will tell you what kind of weather to expect.

• Check the weather. Before you begin packing, check the climate of your intended destination. An excellent source is the Weather Channel's vacation planner (www.weather.com). It will tell you what kind of weather to expect.