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PrintMore Bang for Your Buck: International Travel Tips
Reported by:
Producer:
Laura Garrigan
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December can be the most wonderful time of the year... For taking a vacation. And now, for the first time since 9-11, many Americans are taking a risk, returning overseas. So in tonight's More Bang For Your Buck, we found some safety tips to make sure your trip is well worth the investment.
(WSVN) -- Like most busy college students, Costa is cramming for finals.
But once he's finished, this future pharmacist is off to study a new subject...his family tree.
Costa Yenidounia
says, "I am Greek and I want to go the country I came from and actually appreciate it and understand it."To discover his roots, Costa's headed for a holiday trip to Greece.
But he's not packing his bags without taking precaution.
"
There's no other way to travel. You can't get around it."Maybe you can't get around it, but you can make travelling less troublesome.
Nick from Nikos Tours in Tamarac says first thing you must do is call your State Department and make sure your destination is a safe decision.
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They'll give advice and tell you what to do."Once you're given the okay, find a tour operator who specializes in that country.
Nick is an expert on Greece. He can tell you everything about Athens including places only the locals know about.
Now, if you're going to book your own trip, buy your ticket from an American airline.
Nick Kotsakos of Nikos Tours, Inc.says, "I
f it doesn't then book with airlines from that particular country but who are operated by the government."Once you have touched down, Nick suggests keeping a low profile.
He says, "When you get the country you are going to. Go with the locals. Go with the flow."
For extra security, keep a copy your passport number with you at all times. And if you lose your passport...
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You call the United States embassy and they provide it to you within 24 hours."These tips have helped Costa organize his trip, but he also has his own plan for staying safe.
"F
ollow regular common sense rules and you should be fine."One more tip - depending on where you're travelling, make sure your immunizations are up to date... And allow 4 to 6 weeks for vaccinations to take effect.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: lmartinez@wsvn.com
Nick Kotsakos
Nikos Tours, Inc.
Tel: 954 597-1282
1-888-834-3829
Email: ira@nikostours.com