Traveling To Japan?
We have a few tips for your trip.
Passports
Have you ordered your passport yet? Better get to it. A passport requires a wait time of several weeks to two months. You can find rush passport services, but you'll be paying higher fees. Here's information on how to get a passport.
Once you get the passport, take good care of it. Don't lose it. Just as a precaution though, it is recommended to photocopy your passport before you leave for your trip. Make a copy that you can leave with a relative, lawyer or trusting neighbor. You might copy your other cards for that purpose too. Travel with another photo copy of your passport in your luggage. In case your passport falls out of your pocket, at the very least, you have a backup to help you get the right information to customs and border patrol. We can't promise you smooth sailing, but these documents will still be important
Health
Japan is a modern country with modern municiple systems. There are no requirements or recommendations for any kind of shots or vaccinations for travel. As with any trip, you should consider your own health a priority and make sure you have any kind of medicines stocked for the duration. Traveling with others means that viruses and bacteria are spread more easily. Keep your hands washed with soap and water. If you're not sure of a certain foods quality level or how your body will react, ask about it.
Travel Food & Snacks
Some people like or need to eat more meals more often during the day or they may be physically or emotionally affected by this. Sometimes it's just hunger pangs, but sometimes it can drastically affect a persons mood. Bringing healthy munchies that you can easily carry may save you a real headache. Don't just get candy or overly sugared snacks. Be creative and think about how your body might react. Apples, oranges and pears are good durable foods that serve you better than M&Ms or corn chips. Drink plenty of water. More than usual is a good idea. Skip the cola, juice and wine on the plane and stick with water. Your body will be dried out from the plane's arid environment and you want to be hydrated to help your body's natural constitution.
U.S. Customs
Travelers from the United States will be presenting documentation and filling out a customs form. This form will contain information about your expected whereabouts and trip length. You'll receive the form on the airplane, you'll carry it through customs before getting into the main airport terminals. Carrying cash in excess of $10,000 requires you to declare it with Customs. U.S. Customs homepage.
TSA
If you haven't flown in a while, take into consideration the most current TSA rules for the airport terminals and flying. Knowing the rules ahead of time can save you time and trouble. Some items are not allowed in your carry-on luggage, but are allowed in your checked baggage. TSA Prohibited Items
Keep things simple
Japan is a very safe and enjoyable country to visit, but travel to the other side of the world is long and arduous. Getting adjusted to the time, the language, signs and direction can take a lot out of you. Try to keep the items you carry very simple so you know to easily keep track of them. Some items you might want to bring, but you don't actually need. Consider lightening the load wherever you can. You'll appreciate it when you encounter something unexpected when you are already exhausted. Make it so you can easily move around and then you'll be able to assist others in your traveling party who undoubtedly will need a hand.
