travel doc's

[tdog303]

im going to bring my passport and driver license... but should I bring a copy of my BC and SS card?
-T

[space virgin]

Your driver's license and passport are sufficient. However, make sure that you have a copy of your birth certificate and social security with someone you trust just in case you need to call and have them fax it to you. Don't bring those docs with you-- they're not necessary, and if you have the type of emergency that requires copies of your birth cert. and ss card, well-- they're probably going to be inside whatever gets stolen anyway! It's kind of a catch 22, you dig?

Although many people are leery of the idea, I personally send a scanned doc of my passport, drivers' license, ss card and birth certificate to my email in case I need to access them while overseas. Yes, there's a *chance* my email could get hacked, but there's a bigger chance that my bag could get stolen. That's just me. *shrug*

[omisan]

No one has spoken falsely in this thread

If all else fails, head to the capital city of the country you're in and find the US Embassy. You'll have to do that if you lose your passport anyway.

In fact, if you're not planning on driving, your driver's license will be pretty pointless, since they'll be asking for your passport as ID everywhere you go...

I strip out all non-essentials from my wallet before I head on a trip. Basically, I have some cash, a couple of credit cards, my ATM, frequent flyer cardd and my passport. Keys, non-essential cards (AAA and my dental insurance card do me no good overseas) all stay at home.

Although I have to say, the driver's license has been key as an icebreaker - it's always fun to compare ID photos with people @ the hostel bar!

[space virgin]

^ Right-- I meant to say that the license isn't necessary, but I bring mine anyway.