(Adapted from "The Peace Corps and More" by Medea Benjamin and Miya Rodolfo-Sioson, Global Exchange)

Passports & Visas
You must have a passport for traveling abroad. If you already have one, be sure it is not expired! If you are a US citizen, you can apply at selected post offices, at federal or state courts of records, or at one of the State Department passport agencies in larger cities. It can take several months to process a passport application, so don't delay in applying! In addition to a passport, you may need a visa. Visa requirements vary from country to country. First find out from the volunteer-sending organization whether you'll need a travel visa, a tourist visa, or both. Then contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to volunteer in to find out about visa requirements and special travel restrictions. Photocopy all important documents and keep them in a hidden place separate from the originals! Leave another copy at home with someone you can easily get in contact with while you're abroad.

Physicals, Prescriptions & Vaccinations
Most programs will advise you on the types of vaccinations you'll need (if any) while abroad. Be sure to ask your doctor as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia has a hotline for international travelers where you can obtain country-specific health advisories and advice: (888) 232-3228. There is also a website (http://www.cdc.gov) and autofax service (888) 232-3299. A few international volunteer programs require physicals and AIDS tests -- find out what is involved in your case. If you have glasses or contact lenses, bring along an extra pair, and if you have a prescription make sure you bring enough to last during your time overseas. Make sure you carry the prescriptions in their correctly labeled containers so you won't be mistaken for illegal drugs.

Insurance
It's important to have health and accident insurance while you are abroad, as well as coverage for emergency evacuation. Find out if your current insurance plan will apply while you're abroad, or whether the program that you are volunteering through offers insurance coverage. Additionally, you may want to explore the possibilities of baggage and flight insurance. Council Travel (aka Council on International Educational Exchange) offers inexpensive insurance for students, teachers and youth under 25 in the USA. Call 1-888-COUNCIL or the Council Travel office near you.

Air Fare
Air fares vary greatly depending on when you're flying and where you buy your ticket. You can find bargain fares listed in the travel sections of major newspapers, as well as on the internet. www.kayak.com is a good place to start. Before buying a bargain fare, find out how flexible it is -- what would it cost you to change the return date if you decide to stay longer overseas? U.S. Students can get special rates through Student Travel Association: www.sta-travel.com; tel 800-781-4040

Money
Traveler's checks are the safest way to carry your money, and are accepted in most places. They are a 'protected' form of cash which you can obtain from your local bank. Some poorer countries will not accept traveler's checks, so check with the country's emabassy or consulate before you go. The same is true for credit cards. Keep your money and documents safe, by carrying them in a money belt around your waist, inside your shirt. See section on Fundraising.

Packing
Two words: Pack Light! Most airlines permit each traveler two bags, weighing under 70 pounds each, but unless you're carrying supplies for your overseas project, you won't want to carry this much luggage around! Don't bring clothes or other items of great sentimental or material value. Bring clothes that you might be willing to leave behind or give to a needy person. Be prepared to wear the same thing often throughout your trip, and to wash your clothes by hand. A thin piece of rope and a rubber flap to plug a drain are handy items for washing and drying clothes, and weigh much less than a second pair of jeans! A traveler's backpack is much more comfortable and convenient than a suitcase -- unless your suitcase is compact and has wheels. Ask the volunteer-sending program for a suggested packing list, and keep in mind that many of the items you want to bring along might be available overseas. Don't forget to bring photos, recipes, and other mementos from home as the people you meet will be curious about your home life. Bring along a journal or notebook so that you'll be able to reflect upon and write about your experiences.

Preparing Yourself Mentally
Expect the Unexpected! According to the authors of "The Peace Corps and More", "you should prepare yourself to be tolerant of uncomfortable bus trips and food you cannot recognize. You might encounter people with different concepts about time and personal space. Be ready to learn about and observe differences without being judgmental. The differences you observe while abroad will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of your own culture." Before you go abroad, try to learn as much as possible about local customs, beliefs, and language. Talk to others who have been to your destination and seek opportunities to see movies and read up on the country and culture. People you meet while abroad will often be very curious about life in your home country. Some may ask you about your country's foreign policies. Get in the habit of reading newspapers and news magazines long before you travel abroad, so you'll be informed on current affairs in your home country as well as abroad. You may also find it helpful to educate your friends and family about where you'll be going and what it is you'll be doing, so that they can be advocates for your work abroad. Having a strong support system will also help you get through the challenges of living in an unfamiliar environment far from home.