TRAVEL TIPS

Check your passport
Some countries won’t let you in if you have less than two empty pages. Also, check the expiration. Many countries require that it be valid for six months after your return date.  Find a country’s requirements by going to travel.state.gov and clicking “Travel Information by Country.”

Resist the lure for designer knockoffs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit copy-righted and trademarked articles when you come back in the United States.

Follow the 3-1-1- rule
To avoid holding up security lines, make sure you’re following TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (3-ounce containers; a 1-quart clear plastic zip-top bag: one bag per flier).  If in doubt, put your liquids in your checked luggage.

Know about the VAT refund
When making large purchases in another country, ask for a “de-tax” form from the shop, read the instructions and allow extra time at the airport to get your sales tax refunded. Value Added Tax refunds are not available in all countries.

Blend in
Europeans joke that you always can tell Americans by their white sneakers.  Blending in will help you avoid being targeted by pickpockets and unethical taxi drivers.  Choose a cab with a meter (and make sure it’s running), or set the price before you get in.

Know the difference
Adapters change prongs to fit international outlets. You use them for dual-voltage appliances, laptops and chargers only.
Converters keep your 110-volt curling iron from burning up in countries that use 220/240 volt electricity. Buy a 1,600-watt converter before you go.

Call your credit card companies
Let them know before you go to avoid suspected fraudulent use, which will result in them freezing your card.