The US government sites should list your visa requirements for travelling to other countries and link to instructions for applying for them.

Other than that, I prepare a travel notebook before I leave, including:
– my flight itineraries (& frequent flyer card number)
– any hostel bookings I’ve made (usually first night’s accom)
– travel insurance info & phone numbers
– phone #s for lost/stolen credit cards
– list of traveller’s cheque numbers and phone numbers for lost/stolen traveller’s cheques (usually I bring $100 or $200 for just in case money and otherwise rely on credit card / debit card)
– addresses for friends at home
– small monthly calendar for the time I’ll be travelling (helps with planning en route)
– currency conversions and time differences to home from the various countries I’ll be in
– customs limits and airline baggage limits if I expect to buy a lot
– I also use the notebook as travel journal and to list credit card / debit purchases so that when I get home it’s easy to check my statements. I’ve found large errors before. Also keep track of things I buy to take home so that customs is easier. Sometimes I keep a list of things I wish I’d brought or things I haven’t used to help in packing for my next trip. If I’m using a film camera as opposed to digital, I keep track of my rolls of film (roll 1 Paris, roll 2 Nice, etc.).

I make photocopies of my passport, ticket, cards, etc. and keep one copy in my backpack and leave one copy at home.

Admittedly, many people think I overorganize this, but I find it helpful.

Many people like bringing some small gifts to give to people they meet as a sign of friendship – something inexpensive but reminiscent of their home country. Also, depending on where they go, it may be useful to keep immunizations up to date.

Check out http://www.eurotrip.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=98750

Thanks guys. The information’s been a big help.

Segacs, thanks! I actually had a chance to check that post out befor you recommended it. I’ve been doing a lot of web research and have found a lot of information I wasn’t aware of before. (Don’t know if it’s all useful, nor how strict some of it’s enforced) I just want to make sure that all the information I give to others is accurate. On my own trips I kind of just wing it (Passport? Check. Backpack? Check. Moneybelt? Check. "Sweet, I’m in Europe! What do you mean I can only stay 90 days? I’ll find a way around that.&quot However, I can’t really tell others in a classroom setting that they should disregard the rules. So just want to be sure I know what paperwork is legally needed where and when to get it.

Thanks for your help guys.

Craig