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Middle
East - Traveler's Checklist |
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While you can never prepare 100%
for any trip, this checklist is a list of essential advice for anyone
preparing to travel to the Middle East.
Always pack your own bags and
never take anything that anyone else has packed (gifts, mail, etc.)
unless you are absolutely sure of their contents. Customs can be tricky,
especially in the Middle East, where everything in your suitcase is
open for inspection. Be especially sure to check restrictions on what
you can and cannot bring into the country (alcohol, prescription medication,
pornographic material, etc.). Always pack an extra change of
clothes in your carry on bag, as anyone who has flown can tell you,
your luggage may decide it wants to go to Pakistan, while you are in
your hotel room in Dubai.
Health Safety
Always talk to your doctor before
you travel outside the country. Don't rely solely on private vaccination
clinics to tell you what you need to get (they are in business to make
money and will often tell you to get unnecessary shots). Also don't
rely only on the country's Embassies for advice either, as they will
probably downplay any diseases that may be in the area. If your doctor
doesn't know, then ask him/her for a personal referral. Check The Center
For Disease Control's comprehensive traveler's tips on diseases and
health safety at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.
Politics
Although it is not essential to give
your home embassy your entire itinerary, it is a wise idea to let them
know if you are traveling to any remote or unsafe areas. If you come
into any problems with the local authorities, contact your home embassy
immediately. Visit http://www.travel.state.gov/links.html,
the US State Department's Embassy listing of overseas American Embassies.
If you are not a US citizen, be sure and check with your local State
Department office regarding restrictions on travel to the areas you
are interested in.
Travel Agents
I have found that most travel agents
are more than willing and happy to discuss your plans even if you are
not buying your trip through them. Be sure and ask about visa regulations
(how far in advance do you need one, what are the contact numbers for
the Embassies, etc.). They can also help set up possible itineraries
catered to your style of travel, whether you like to plan every minute
of your trip, or you like to throw caution to the wind and see what
happens. Your travel agents are also a wealth of information about other
travel agents throughout the world, and they can set up things like
rental cars, drivers, visas, hotels, tours, and more. Search for a travel
agent near you (if you don't have one already) with www.superpages.com
if you are in the United States, or check your local yellow pages/business
listings if you are not.
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