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Make copies
 First of all, what a frightening experience for you and your family!
Before you go, make copies of your passport(this will make it easier to get another one) and credit cards.
You should contact your card company and tell them where you will be and you can place a limit on spending in say Mexico. This will avoid the card not accepting your charge if you decide to buy something aboard as well.Discovery is not accepted in Mexico so leave it at home. American Express is accepted but many companies don't like to take since their merchant charges are higher. Also, ask the card company for the phone number to call in the event the card is lost or stolen; then print it on the card copy. We learn the hard way when my brother in law's wallet was stolen. The ship or hotel employees not always have the correct or current phone numbers if at all.
Carry along current extra passport photos as well since this will spend up your passport processing.
Copy your health insurance card front and back since you never know what will happen. Call them to see if they cover emergency medical ourside the US and what the company will require to process the claim(this happened to us and it was reasuring to know by husband's 2 week stay in a hospital would be covered- but that's another story).
Copy your drivers license. I make one color copy and put it into my travel wallet instead of my original. I make another for my docs.
Copy your travel tickets.
Review the State Department's website for locations where passports can be replaced or paperwork done to be able to reenter the US. Call them if you are confused and not certain. There is a duty officer 24/7 who will answer the phone(try the death desk-I did and someone answered on a weekend afternoon).
Take only the cards you will need for the trip and leave everything else at home. Leave your wallet in the safe of your cabin at all times. Take you drivers license.
My husband makes a list for each of us of all of our family and friend phone numbers and other contact information. This makes it easier to call or email them for a chat or to communicate emergency information. I always carry one in my purse whether or not I am traveling.  |