More overseas travel tips:

Here are some more travel tips for traveling overseas.  If there are repeats from earlier posts I apologize.

The six-month passport rule. The expiration date on your passport is actually a bit deceiving. The U.S. lets you use your passport up to the date inside the cover. However, several countries will deny travelers entry if the passport expires in less than six months. Why? If for some unexpected reason you get stuck overseas longer than planned, that country wants to ensure that you have a valid passport to eventually travel back to the United States.

Foreign airline sites. If you are on a tight budget and don't have to book your ticket before you go —look at overseas airlines’ sites in their home countries. The airline’s U.S. site wanted twice the price of the Italian site. Google will translate for you.

Data roaming/ cell service. Set up your cell phone to avoid international data roaming.  The biggest costs can come from transmitting data overseas.  Do this when you are on the airplane and your phone is in airplane mode.  I racked up a really large cell phone bill using maps and did not realize the amount of data I was using.   Quite a few places offer free Wi-Fi so you can utilize your Wi-Fi for email and surfing.  If you want to use your cell phone overseas remember to sign up for an international plan before you go.  It is still expensive to call but in the case of an emergency you will be glad you did.

Unwanted local currency. I figure out on my last night how much cash I will need and then set aside the leftover money. At checkout the next morning, I take that cash and ask the hotel to apply it to my bill and then pay the remaining balance with my no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card.

Be careful drinking bottled water, soda, mixed dinks, etc with ice cubes.  The ice cubes can be contaminated or contain things your body is not use to and cause sickness.

Take a photo of your luggage.  Unfortunately luggage can be lost.  It always helps explaining what it looks like to the airline if you have a picture. 

Notify the US State Department.  A lot of people remember to notify their credit cards companies - but it is also good practice to notify the US State Department. 

Jewelry.  Don't bring your expensive jewelry.  It will just be an advertisement for trouble.  Bring your favorite inexpensive baubles. 

Clothing.  If you are traveling in the summer and plan to visit churches or Mosques - bring appropriate attire.  You cannot tour San Marco Basilica with your shoulders showing.  They usually won't let women wear shorts either. 

Copies of documents.  I want to repeat this one again because it is so important.  Make copies of your passport so you have them with you and leave one at home with a family member or friend.  Make sure someone at home also has your itinerary.