Traveling is a lot of fun, but with world events and ever changing regulations, staying informed and being an informed consumer will help your dream trip can be everything you want it to be.

FEATURE: How To Replace Your Passport If Lost Abroad

Traveling abroad? As a traveler, your main focus is to have worry-free travel. Knowing what to do if something happens can put your mind at easy. If your passport is lost or stolen when you are traveling overseas, report it to police immediately, then go to the nearest US embassy or consulate. Often, it's possible to receive your new passport within 24 hours

Read more: How to Replace Your Passport

Consumer Travel Information

The Trusted Traveler Programs Can Get You Through Security Lines Faster

If you travel frequently, you may want to consider enrolling in one of the Trusted Traveler Programs administered by the U.S. Homeland Security Administration. The programs help you clear security, customs and immigration lines faster, saving you valuable time.

TSA Pre✓™ Program

TSA Pre✓™is an expedited screening initiative that is expanding to airports across the country. A key component of the agency's intelligence-driven approach is for expedited travel for pre-approved, low risk travelers through dedicated lanes and kiosks. Read more.

Three Tools To Safely Carry Money/Documents While Traveling

If you are traveling abroad and have concerns about safeguarding your valuables, here are three tools you can use to keep money, credit cards and documents safe from thieves. Read more about different options for carrying money and documents while traveling.

Mobile Phones Abroad: What You Need to Know

Smartphones have become a staple in day to day existence and are becoming increasingly popular. Before you travel, get up to speed with our tips on how to avoid ensure your smart phone won't cost you a fortune when you travel abroad. Read more about if your phone work? And what are your options?

Full Body Scanning at Airports: What You Should Know

Full body scanners are here, and there are a few things you might want to know about the different types of scanners being used. More details.

Traveling With Your Prescription

The last thing you want to think about before you go overseas is your prescription medication. But countries' rules vary greatly and some prescriptions can be considered illegal. By knowing this ahead of time, you can make arrangements with your doctor for alternates before traveling. If you need to travel with a prescription(s), see these four key tips.

Things To Leave At Home While Traveling Abroad

Before closing your packed suitcase for that trip abroad, take a good look at what’s inside it. Ask yourself if you have packed anything that you would hate to lose. If so, you will still have time to pack something less valuable, instead. Read on for more tips on things to live at home.

Airline Security Travel Tips

Tips prepared by ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), will help you ease your passage through airport security.

 Articles are courtesy of ASTA and UStiA, travel responsibly, informed and protected

For additional travel advice and consumer travel information, please visit our suggested websites.

• Know Before You Go
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - second resource for enrollment
• State Department Current Travel Warnings
• Passport Resources
• United States Visa Information
• State Consumer Affairs
• Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights
• U.S. Embassy or Consulate directory
• State Department Country Information ( information on every country in the world )
• TSA Resources for Travelers
  • Traveling During Ramadan
  • Traveling with Food or Gifts?
  • Acceptable Identification at the Checkpoint
  • Traveling with Special Items
  • Travelers with Disabilities & Medical Conditions
  • Religious & Cultural Needs
  • TSA Recognized Baggage Locks