In the United States, of the fourteen executive departments involved in conducting the administration of the government, seven are involved in the travel and tourism industry.

* Passports establish a person’s identity and nationality and requests protection for the traveler while away from home * You should apply for a passport at least six weeks before the trip

A. Completed Application B. Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate) C. One Passport Photo D. Proof of Identity (Driver’s License) E. Fee (over 16 - $110 plus $25 fee, under 16 - $80, plus $25 fee) F. Social Security Number

* Adult Passports (over 16 years old) – Valid for 10 years * Minor Passports (15 and younger) – Valid for 5 years

An endorsement or stamp placed in a passport by officials of a country other than the passports owners. Visas are issued by the country to be visited.

A. Warnings B. Public Announcements C. Consular Information Sheets

* Duty-Free means that it is free of taxes at the place of purchase * U.S. citizens are allowed to bring back $800 in purchases “duty-free” per person * Certain items are not permitted through customs: * Anything considered injurious or not for the general welfare, anything fashioned from endangered species, fruits, vegetables, and meats * Know Before You Go: Customs Hints for Returning Residents - Booklet published by the U.S. Customs

* Sovereign Skies – Each nation owns the rights to the sky above its ground * Open Skies – Fly anywhere you want

* Most transatlantic flight depart North America at night to arrive in Europe in the morning local time, and avoid landing in the middle of the night * Schedules indicate a plus sign if the plane gains a day or a minus sign if the plane loses a day.

* International travelers should allow at least 2-hours to check-in.

* Telephoning the airline 48 hours before departure to reconfirm a reservation * When traveling abroad, it IS necessary to reconfirm.

* Amenities – Free headphones and alcoholic beverages, variety of meals, blankets and pillows, movies and games * In-Flight – Duty-free shopping on flights * Documentation – Landing cards or customs and immigration forms given

* Sleeping, waking, and concentrating problems that travelers experience when they fly long distances

* The most common health problem for travelers – Diarrhea * Vaccination Certificates * A booklet in which records of vaccinations are shown

* 27 Countries are members * The Euro – Common Currency

* Austria * Belgium * Bulgaria * Cyprus * Czech Republic * Denmark * Estonia * Finland * France * Germany * Greece * Hungary * Ireland * Italy * Latvia * Lithuania * Luxembourg * Malta * Netherlands * Poland * Portugal * Romania * Slovakia * Slovenia * Spain * Sweden * United Kingdom

* Foreign Exchange - The continually fluctuating rate at which the money of one country can be exchanged for the money of another. * Currency Exchange Rate – What one’s currency is worth in the local currency * Finding current exchange rates – The Internet, and Metropolitan Newspapers

* Buy rate – The amount of the foreign currency customers get in exchange for their dollars when they buy the foreign currency. * Sell Rate – Can exchange any leftover foreign currency for when they want to change back to dollars

* Cash – Foreign currency, of course. U.S. dollars can be used in different countries * Traveler’s Checks – Can get in foreign currency, insured * Credit Cards – Accepted throughout the world. Easy to use.

* ATM’s are appealing to people traveling aboard because money comes out in local currency * The hidden cost of travel is TAXES