Photo by Tom Purves

For most of us our day to day life takes place in our homes, apartments and offices.

Each of these locations contain pretty much everything we own, need to survive and identify who we are. Somehow though, when we travel we are able to condense all these “essentials” into one or two small bags, carry them on our shoulders and hoist them onto trains.

This should tell us is that (1) We really don’t “need” all that stuff at home and (2) The condensed version is important and needs to be protected.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation that cannot be avoided, preparation and precautions can be taken.

Here are a few simple tips to help ensure damage and loss of your true essentials is kept to a minimum.

1. Passport preparation

Having a passport is necessary these days. With new laws being put into effect every year it is virtually impossible to travel without one. Safeguarding yourself in the event of a loss overseas is important; knowing what to do in such a situation is necessary.

Anyone who has temporarily misplaced their passport while on the road knows that feeling of panic.

How will I continue my trip? Will I be stuck in this country for weeks? Who should I call? The truth is that for many countries the process for replacement is the same.

Call the passport agency and report the document missing and then find the nearest embassy and start filling out forms. Americans can call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778. Australians should notify the authorities on line and Canadians can ring 819-997-8338.

In both the initial call and the forms to follow you will be asked to provide the issue date, issuing agency, passport number and expiration date and possibly proof of citizenship (which you just lost).

Having all this info will expedite a process that can significantly cut into your travel time. According to the NPIC, “the more you know the better off you will be”.

A great way to ensure you have access to this info is to take the time before your trip to scan the front page of your Passport. Attach it to an e-mail and send it to yourself.

Now you have access to all the important info, visual proof that you, at least before your trip, had the document and best of all can get to it any time with simple internet access.

2. Bank and Credit Cards

Photo by psd

Everytime you have to call your bank or credit card company you look on the back of the card and call the toll free number printed at the bottom.

Then, when the computer at the other end of the line picks up it asks you to “say or key in your account number”.

So what are you going to do when you step off an overcrowded bus in a foreign city and realized someone just lifted your wallet out of your pocket?

Having these numbers listed somewhere can be invaluable if such a situation arises. You will be able to cancel your cards and remotely access your account in a hurry.

The toll free numbers of course can be kept pretty much anywhere you feel comfortable such as your travel journal but please don’t keep them in your wallet (see above).

Your account numbers should be kept in a secure location. Like my passport scan, I e-mail myself all these numbers so that in the event I need them I will be able to access them from pretty much anywhere.

If you’re one of those people who really don’t trust the security of your own e-mail account; leave out a reoccurring number that you can commit to memory. How about the first digit of your address or your phone number?

3. Give access to a family member

Consider allowing a parent or loved one staying behind access to the bank account you will be using.

Figure out which credit/debit card you will be using and take a trusted family member on down to the bank and have their name put onto your account. It’s quick and easy at most banks and is not hard to reverse when you get back.

In case of an emergency your contact back home can move funds around in your account or add a few bucks to get you out of a jam.

Trust me; it is much cheaper, easier and quicker to have someone put a couple hundred dollars directly into a bank account you have access to via ATM card than to have them try to wire it to you overseas.

4. Lock up your bag

There are plenty of bags around that are left unattended or thrown hastily on the overhead rack while its owner sleeps soundly below.

It doesn’t take much to deter a thief while traveling. One of the best ways to protect your bag on trains, sitting in a park or even in your hostel dorm room is to make it inconvenient for someone to snatch it up.

Purchasing and using a small travel cable and lock such as the Lewis N. Clark retractable cable lock makes your bag more of a hassle to take.

One type is a wire netting that fits around your bag to prevent criminals from easily accessing the pockets and zippers of your bag. For me, this is a pain to get on and off in a hurry as well as extra weight to carry.

There are plenty varieties out there so shop around and see what works best for you.

5. Maintain your health

You stuff is ultimately replaceable. But making sure you’re clear-headed and feeling great will keep you from making mistakes that make your prone to theft.

When you’re traveling, eating well and getting enough sleep can be a challenge.

Carry along a bottle of chewable multi vitamins. They are easy to take and can help you stay on top of a trip-ruining illness.

For a quick burst of vitamin C and other feel-better goodies toss a vial of Airborne in your backpack. These handy effervescent tablets not only can keep your immune system up but also help flavor that occasional bottle of tap water you’re stuck drinking.

Taking these few extra precautions and protecting the essentials you brought along with you can help ensure your trip doesn’t hit any unwanted bumps that you can’t deal with.

When your trips over and you’re back home, take a look around your apartment and throw out all that non-essential junk lying around. It will make packing easier next time.

What tips do you have for protesting your documents abroad? Share your thoughts in the comments!

For years I found excuses not to travel out of the country. It cost too much. I had to finish my education. I simply couldn’t go when the weather was cold.

The truth of the matter, however, was that I was afraid to fly.

This went on until my desire to explore the world overpowered my innate fear of rising above the clouds in a steel soda straw. So I had a few martinis and hopped on a flight out of the United States.

I realized I had nothing to fear after all. Since that first triumph, I’ve become an avid overseas traveler. Still, every time I fly I find myself nervous. I’ve picked up a few tricks to alleviate my fear of flying.

Here are five tips that will help those who suffer from similar anxiety.

1. Know What To Expect

Without knowing what to expect at the airport and on the flight itself, your mind tends to wander.

Familiarize yourself with the sights and sounds of flying. Understand the bumps and movements of an airplane.

Getting an idea of what flying is actually like beforehand will help you form a realistic notion of what you’re experiencing during take-off or when the plane hits turbulence.

Talk to friends who have flown. Ask them to describe the process from start to finish. Question them about turbulence. Do they have a “bad turbulence” story? Chances are that they do. Then, realize they are still here to tell you the story.

Flyingwithoutfear.com is a wonderful site that is loaded with free content. You can listen to the sounds of every aspect of flying – from engine noise at take off, to final boarding calls in the airport.

There are videos that describe exactly what you will see and help you understand what to expect. You can even find a support forum to discuss your concerns with other travelers.

2. Understand Why Flying Is Actually Safe

We have all heard the saying: “You’re more likely to die in a car accident on the way to the airport than on the plane”.

This is certainly true. Statistics show you are in fact 500-1000 times more likely to meet your end on the highway. But let’s face it; this does not really help calm your nerves. You are still not in control of the plane!

But consider: how many drivers are actually in control of what other drivers are doing on the road around them…none! I’m fairly confident that 40,000 + Americans are not dying each year in a car wreck because they have control over the situation.

Then consider that since 1970 there have been only 58 fatal events between 16 different U.S. and Canada airlines. That is an estimated total of approximately 36.6 fatal events (at least one person died) per 16 million flights.

Granted, crunching these numbers might not make you feel comfortable flying. It should however give you hope that your chances of getting to your destination on a plane are pretty darn good.

3. Sit On The Wing And Breathe The Fresh Air

Getting yourself onto the plane is only half the battle. You still have to deal with your nerves acting up while you are in your seat.

The cool air from the valve above you is a great way to chill out and relax. Open the nozzle full blast and direct it onto your face. The rush of air will not only help calm your heavy breathing, but will also keep your underarms a bit dryer. (You want to minimize the amount of sweat you will have to wear for the next few hours).

If the idea of turbulence is your nemesis, grab a seat on the wing of the plane. While the jury is still out on this one, there is a general consensus that sitting over the wing of the plane will provide the most stability.

It’s possible the turbulence you will feel in the back of the plane isn’t going to be significantly worse than in the middle.

Still, if you think of the plane like a teeter-totter or seesaw with the wings as the pivot in the middle, it makes sense that you would feel less bumpiness sitting in the center. It certainly works for me.

4. Just Pretend You’re On A Bus

It sounds too simple to work, but it does. Closing your eyes and imagining that you are just taking a bus ride can really help.

When it comes down to it, being on a plane doesn’t feel that much different from being on a Greyhound bus (once you’re in the air).

Turbulence often resembles a bumpy road. And the possibility of your neighbor being too big for their seat and nodding off onto your shoulder no matter is real, whether you’re on the highway or 35,000 feet over Alaska.

5. Sedatives Are Just A Doctor’s Appointment Away

When there is simply no way to get around your fears, and thoughts of canceling your flight flash in your head, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Explain the situation and ask for a prescription of sedatives such as Xanax (brand name) or Alprazolam. There is nothing to be ashamed of. These little pills come in .25m .5, and 1 mg doses. You and your doctor will decide what dosage is best for you.

As a 5′8″ male who weighs about 160 pounds I can say the 1mg pretty well knocks me out for a good portion of a 7 hour flight. I prefer the .5mg pill.

With one or two of these pills you may not be able to alleviate all your apprehensions, but you certainly won’t feel quite as tense. Just be sure to wait until you get to the airport to pop the pill, or have someone else drive you there.

Likewise, don’t fall asleep in the waiting area and miss your flight!

If a prescription is not an option for you, remember that most major airlines are now taking credit cards for alcohol purchases during a flight and many foreign carriers still offer complimentary booze.

One or two drinks can calm your nerves, but don’t drink too much, because alcohol hits your body much harder in flight than on the ground.

Giving into your fear of flying can cause you to miss out on the fantastic chance of traveling the world.

The confidence and sense of accomplishment you gain by visiting a distant land is only more gratifying when you arrive by conquering your fears.

Do you have tips for flying? Share in the comments!