Travel Tips Part 1

This is the first in a series of travel tip posts. Without further ado, I bring you the exciting topic of:

Travel Tips Part 1 - Documents and Fees

• Correct documentation is important!

• I just found out (using VisaCentral) that I need to have a passport which is valid for 6 months past the date that I plan to leave Guatemala. Why, I don't know. But it's good to know.
• Check government websites for the facts. 
• For instance, the guy taking my passport photo at CVS falsely told me that I couldn't wear earrings. Wrong!
• Be safe with your documents once you have them. Make photocopies of your passport before leaving. Leave one with a trusted person in the US, and store one or two among your luggage, separate from your passport itself. This way, you will be able to prove your passport ownership should you become separated from it during travel.
• You sometimes need to pay to leave the country - don't forget!
• For instance, when flying out of Lima, Peru, you need to pay a departure tax of of $30 (it must be in US dollars.)
• You never quite know what you might need to pay for, from unexpected taxes to last-minute opportunities for adventure. I recommend keeping two credit cards, one or two debit cards, and two reserves of cash when traveling.
• At least one of the credit cards should have no foreign transaction fees at your destination.
• Make sure to inform the credit card companies when and where you'll be traveling so that they won't be frozen.
• Stash your less desirable credit card (eg has foreign transaction fees, less of a rewards program) and a reserve of cash separately from your primary credit card and cash. If you don't plan to use a debit card regularly, keep it with your reserve cash and credit card.