By Jane Miller

Are there any things you should avoid doing when traveling. Here are a few international travel tips of what not to do.

Don’t let your passport expire. While you never know when you’re going to get a sudden invitation to Paris for the weekend, many countries won’t admit you if you less than 6 months on your passport. Remember when you got your passport and ten years seemed like a like time? Go check when your passport expires and if it’s less than a year, start the process for renewing it NOW.

Don’t forget to check on latest security rules. If you don’t travel on a weekly or monthly basis, make sure you visit the TSA website www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t leave common sense at home. Most people who travel internationally have encountered being in a place where they shouldn’t. My husband and I were in San Jose, Costa Rica at the downtown market when we wandered a few blocks away. A man came up and told us in broken English that we were in a bad part of town and to get out quickly. It didn’t look any different to us. Check out the places to avoid by checking travel books or the staff at your hotel.

Protect your personal affects and don’t carry all of your money and credit cards together. We, once again, learned the hard way, when my husband had his pockets picked in Lisbon. He had written the credit card number down, so we were able to call the company and cancel the card, just as the thieves were trying to use it.

If you don’t speak the language, write down the name of the hotel and the address before you leave, so you can give it to a taxi driver.

Don’t offend. Know the local customs of the countries you will be visiting. In both the Muslim and Buddhist countries, there are rules about what women should wear. Since, many of the countries are in warmer climes than Americans are used to, it’s important to know what’s important to cover up, especially when visiting religious buildings.

Don’t forget to have a good time. There are times when travel can be very stressful. My husband and I almost got a divorce trying to get on the Pan American highway in Costa Rica. Don’t push yourself so you get over tired. Find some distance between you and your traveling companion(s). Make sure you allow enough time to get to your destination.

There are many international travel tips to help you make the most of your experience. Have fun and follow travel safety tips.