Here’s some important travel trips before you go on any  backpacking trips to Europe!

Make sure that your passport isn’t going to expire within 6 months of your departure date, otherwise you might not be admitted into the EU.

Make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home easily accessible to your emergency contact, and take the other one with you.  Keep that copy in an entirely different spot from where you are keeping your passport.

Bring a second form of identification as backup, such as your driver’s license or birth certificate, and make two copies of it as well. Keep those copies in the same places you are keeping your passport copies.  Store your second form of identification away from your passport and all the copies.

Make copies of your travelers checks’ serial numbers and of your debit/credit cards.  Hide these well, and do not write down your pin number.

If you require prescription drugs, ‘you must carry both a copy of the prescriptions themselves and a note from a doctor, especially at border crossings. While traveling, keep all medication with you in your carry-on luggage.

We recommend buying some sort of traveler’s insurance in case of an accident or emergency back home or abroad.  Your medical insurance may already cover any medical costs while traveling.  As well, the provides a basic insurance packet for US card members.

Write your emergency contact information inside your passport, as well as any allergies and medical conditions you have, your blood type, and any important medical history.
Update your personal information (name, telephone #, home address) on your backpack and daypack, in case the item gets lost.