Tip # 7 Immigration and Customs

When flying internationally, you will have to go through immigration and customs before leaving the airport (both in the country you are traveling to and upon your return to your home country).

While in flight, you will be given an immigration form. Fill this out before the plane lands in the country of your destination. You will need your passport, flight information and hotel information to fill the form out completely. Tuck this into your passport once completed.

Have your passport readily available (in your money belt is the safest place) you get into line for immigration. Typically immigration officers are not the smiley welcoming type. They are just there to get people moved through in an efficient manner.

Once yo pass through immigration (and you may be asked to show your airline ticket stub), you will be able to pick up your luggage at baggage claim (most airports have a digital sign board that will direct you to the correct baggage claim). Once you have collected your luggage you will follow signs to customs. Chances are you will go to the line that has nothing to declare- the green line. You will hand them your customs declaration form (some countries do not require this, but the USA definitely does!) or simply walk past the officer. If they need to do a check on you, stay calm, it is routine. Remain pleasant. They will sort through your bags and then send you off.

Once you have passed through customs you will then be in the main portion of the airport. And more likely than not begin to be asked if you need transportation by a slew of eager people.

next blog-what do to when asked if you need a taxi......

Tip #6 Going local

Find a city's true colors by going to the market. Being in the midst of the daily life of locals allows you an insider view to the country you are visiting. In the video below, I took travelers from one of my Thailand tours to Warowat market. Everything from mango's and papayas, slithering fish and beheaded pigs to mounds of fresh rice noodles and steaming pots of soy milk line the walkways. And the vendors are thrilled that you are there. When we lived in Thailand, we would often be given whatever we were looking at to try (grasshoppers, rambutan, egg larvae....).
Markets are also an excellent place to find unusual souvenirs. In Thailand, you can buy bamboo noodle scoops, coconut spoons, gorgeous hand thrown pottery, sarongs to name a few. You can even get a plastic tub of bamboo worms to bring home to your nephews for a truly unique gift!

And stepping into the busy world of a market at meal time takes a great expereince and turns it into an unforgettable WOW memory. See what the locals are eating, sit down and order a plate for yourself.

It is here that you will taste the truest of the country's flavours. In Warowat market, I find the utlimate Thai coffee (no longer found on street corners as it once was because of all the coffee shops that dominate the landscape), wonton soup, donuts with steamed soy.

I make a trip to the local market one of the first things on our itinerary when I bring a group to Thailand. http://www.stressescapetours.com/thailandstressescape.html

Tip #8: Checking in

Tip # :
Arrive 3 hours prior to your flight. This allows for getting a good seat assignment. Or visit www.seat guru.com to choose your perfect seat weeks in advance!
Also be ready to board when the gate opens (typically 30 minutes prior to departure)-to get your checked luggage stored and to settle in.

Tip #6 Passports vs Visas

*your passport is your United States citizenship travel document. You have to have this to travel internationally and re-enter the USA. If you don't have one you can apply to get one: (Please so this as soon as possible as it can take up to 6-8 weeks to have it processed!)

1. http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html.

2. You can also check with your local post office to see if they have a passport office where you can get the docs and photo.
The application is short and easy costing $75.
Once you apply it will take about 2 months to get it.

*a visa is the document required to enter other countries. It is like a permission stamp in your passport from that government to be in their country for a specified time period. The USA has agreements with some countries, like eu countries, to just show up at the airport and they ask you some questions and they stamp your passport then. Other countries, like India, require us to get a visa by applying for it before we arrive.

Thailand: Travelers staying in Thailand for less than 30 days do not need a visa. You will be stamped at immigration for a 30 day entry.
India: You will need to apply for an Indian visa. Once issued, Indian visa’s are only good for 6 months. Because of this, you must wait a minimum of 5 months prior to departure to apply for your visa. If you are planning on taking an Indian vacation and yoga retreat with Stress Escape Tours http://www.stressescapetours.com//Namaste Yoga Sanctuary http://www.namasteyogasanctuary.com/, we will inform you when you need to begin that process.

Tip # 5 Make copies

Tip #5 Make copies of all important paperwork

• Airline tickets
• Passport
• Travelers checks receipt
• Prescriptions
• Hotel addresses and phone numbers with dates I will be at each location
• Itinerary

I always make two copies

1. To remain at home with family/friends
2. Placed in my day bag, but not in my money pouch

Tip #4: Smelling fresh

Tip #4

1. I pack a few of my favorite fabric softener sheets into a zip lock baggy. And then add one to luggage. It eliminates dampness in humid climates and keeps your clothes smelling fresh!
2. Bring along your favorite essential oil. Mine travels in my qt. plasctic bag in my carry-on. Great for long trips when the stale plane air is becoming heavy. Place a few drops on a light bulb (before the bulb heats up or it make break) and your hotel room will smell like a spa in a very short time.
3. Find a travel size of your favorite perfume. It helps you resist duty free shopping (although you can find great travel sized items in duty free). And is small enough to pack into a zip lock bag for a quick freshening when you arrive at your destination.

Tip #3: Zip Locks

Tip #3: Zip Lock baggies of various sizes
I always bring a stash of zip locks with me on every trip. Especially when traveling to countries like Thailand and India, having these on hand can make life so easy.
Quart size:

1. Of course you need one qt size with all you carry on liguids (3-1-1).
2. Jewelry
3. Tissues for your day pack
4. Organize electrical cords for my computer and camera
5. IF you have checked luggage, be sure to put any liguid in a baggie-there is always a chance it will leak on route
6. Packing trash

Gallon size:

1. I pack my clothes in these. Less weight than the mesh bags found at luggage stores. Easy to organize t-shirts, undies, socks, scarves, ect... And, you can press out all the air so they become very compressed-allowing more room in you luggage (especially useful if you are traveling with only a carry on).
2. Shoes
3. Wet bathing suit
4. Dirty laundry
5. Organizing treasures for your return home

I never seem to have enough baggies on hand. Bring at least 6 of each size, including sandwich bags that are handy when you are backpacking and you need to carry your soap from guest house to guest house.