This is a resource for information that will help get your trip off on the right foot.
Passport: Make several photocopies of your passport leaving one at home, your office, and in your luggage. If your original passport becomes lost, your photocopy will expedite replacement.
Airline Ticket: Make a copy of your airline ticket to carry with you. Pack any photocopies of your documents in a different location in case one set is lost.
Credit Cards: Take with you only the major credit cards you plan to use on your trip. When making purchases, keep in mind the "exchange rate" varies on a daily basis (to your advantage or disadvantage). Make a list of all credit cards with numbers and pack separately.
ATM Cash Advances: Since some countries now impose surcharges for cashing traveler's checks, you can use an ATM and benefit from the wholesale exchange rate banks use for large-scale transactions. Check to see what network your ATM card belongs to and find out if this network is available in the country you're visiting. Then check with your US bank to see of your PIN number will be accepted abroad. Also ask your bank if there are any charges for using a foreign ATM.
Purchase Log: Keep a log of all your purchases, and include what you paid in foreign currency and the equivalent in US dollars. This will make it easier to fill out customs forms.
Medication: Have prescription medication refilled and bring an extra supply along with you. Carry all vital medicines in your carry-on luggage. Bring along copies of your prescriptions that are written in generic form and explanatory letter from your doctor if you suffer from a particular ailment—especially if you must carry drugs or hypodermic needles through customs.
What to Pack: Always pack light. You can avoid wrinkles by wrapping your clothes separately in white tissue paper.
Money: Bring $30 to $50 in small bills for tips.
Eyeglasses: Always bring an extra pair of prescription lenses or a copy of your prescription in case your glasses are lost or broken. Don't forget your sunglasses!
Driver's License: Your driver's license acts as a secondary means of identification in case your passport is misplaced.
Camera: Bring plenty of film and extra batteries. Remember, most cameras have special batteries not easily replaced outside the US.
Mal De Mer: Motion sickness medication can be obtained from your physician (the patch) or at your local drugstore.
Body Activity During Flights: It is important to get up and move around during long flights in order to avoid the possibility of pulmonary embolism.
Travel information from the U.S. Department of State
Health Information for travelers (vaccinations, etc.)
On-line Currency Converter
Travel Weather on The Weather Channel site
Climate conditions
Distances between cities
Average temperatures in various US and international cities
Time of day according to international time zones
International voltage (electrical) requirements
Travel-related web sites from Lonelyplanet
Disabled travelers' information
The Savvy Traveler — Rudy Maxa and the folks at Public Radio International provide advice and essays about the world of travel
Maps by MapQuest
Maps by Rand McNally
Foreign languages for travelers
Fodor's Travel Guide Books
Frommer's Travel Guide Books
Rick Steve's European Travel Books
Foreign Cities Guide Books
Rough Guides
Conde Nast Traveler
National Geographic Traveler