Travel Information Links

LOGISTICAL PLANNING

Airfare: HVO Volunteers may use any travel agent they choose to procure flight arrangements. We recommend MTS due to their familiarity with our programs.

Amy Barbour at MTS Travel: 800-642-8315; amyb@mtstravel.com
You can also book online with MTS Travel by visiting MTS Travel Online (MTO)
For travel to Bhutan, contact Crisa Ruby with ATI World: 800-853-6736; crisa@jensenworldtravel.com or go to www.atiworld.com.

Passport: Be sure that your passport is current and be aware that some countries require visitors to have a passport that is valid until six months after they have left the country.

United States Department of State (Passport Services).

Visa: Many destinations will require a Visa upon entry. Refer to your specific HVO program description and follow instructions accordingly.

Travel Registration: Travel registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad with the Department of State so that they may assist you in case of emergency. It also is a way to obtain information about the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Online Travel Registration.

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HEALTHCARE AND INSURANCE

Immunizations and Guidelines

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
International Society of Travel Medicine (site includes a list of all travel clinics in the US) www.istm.org
Travel Doctor www.traveldoctor.co.uk
Traveler's Guide to Safe Dental Care
International Association for Medical Assistance for Travellers: maintains a network of English-speaking physicians around the world who will treat their members while overseas.

Travel and Medical Insurance: HVO strongly recommends that volunteers obtain medical evacuation insurance in case of emergency.

U.S. Department of State (MediEvac/Medical Insurance)
SOS www.internationalsos.com
Air Ambulance Professionals www.airambulanceprof.com

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PERSONAL SECURITY

U.S. Department of State (Travel Warnings and Consular Sheets)

From A Guide to Volunteering Overseas (published by HVO)

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be cautious in crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places and festivals, areas where you are likely to be victimized. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. Avoid scam artists, pickpockets and strangers who might approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide. If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.
To avoid being a target, dress conservatively. Avoid the appearance of affluence and leave your jewelry at home. Always travel light; you will be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
Do not carry large amounts of cash. Take most of your money in traveler's checks and record the serial number, denomination, as well as the date and place of purchase. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a safe. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing. Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. HVO provides volunteers with multiple luggage tags.
When in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Do not purchase or accept any items, such as firearms or illegal drugs that are considered contraband by the host government. When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for traveling. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so it can be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned the following morning, immediately report it to local authorities and the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.

HVO recommends that volunteers register upon arrival with the US Embassy in their country of assignment. For a list of all US Embassy's and their contact information, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html

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COUNTRY BACKGROUND

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ASIA

Bhutan http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/indian_subcontinent/bhutan/
Background information, visitor information and travel arrangements:
http://www.kingdomofbhutan.com/
http://www.bootan.com

Cambodia http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_east_asia/cambodia/
Recent history and background information about Cambodia:
http://www.mekong.net/cambodia/
Cambodia Information Center:
http://www.cambodia.org

China http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/china

Background and travel information:

Chengdu, China: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/chengdu.htm

India http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/indian_subcontinent/india/
Thorough site for cultural resources and information on India:
http://www.tourindia.com/htm/homepage.htm

Vietnam http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_east_asia/vietnam/
General country information for Vietnam:
http://www.asiatravel.com/vietinfo.html
Tourism site endorsed by Vietnamese Government:
http://www.vietnam-tourism.com/vietnam_gov/e_pages/e_index.htm

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AFRICA

General Encyclopedic Information Page:
http://www.africaguide.com

Africa - South of the Sahara: a comprehensive annotated guide to internet resources focused on sub-Saharan Africa includes information on health issues, development, arts and culture, news sources, etc.

All Africa http://allafrica.com : Aggregates and indexes content from news sources all over the African continent.

Eritrea http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/eritrea/
Eritrean Embassy:
http://eritrea.embassyhomepage.com/eritrean_visa_eritrea_embassy_london.htm

Ethiopia http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/ethiopia/
Background information, visitor information and travel arrangements:
http://www.telecom.net.et/~eet/

Malawi http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/malawi/
Malawi's online Newspaper:
http://www.nationmalawi.com

South Africa http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/south_africa/
News, tips on culture and behavior, and a comprehensive list of links:
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/africa.htm

Tanzania http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/tanzania/
Excellent background on what to expect for your trip:
http://www.africapoint.com/TRAVEL/tanzania.htm

Uganda http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/uganda/
Tourism recommendations and background country information:
http://www.visituganda.com/