1. Prior to leaving home, ensure that your luggage is clearly labeled with your name or have a piece of identification that you can easily spot. You can either secure it with TSA accepted combination locks, a few plastic cable ties, or don't lock it at all. In addition, your luggage must be free of hazardous materials and prohibited items, such as firearms, pocketknives, scissors with a cutting edge longer than 4", lighters, and boxcutters.

2. Personal belongings and toiletries should be packed in clear plastic bags so they can be seen without difficulty. Do not carry drink items through security points, neither put them in checked baggage. Keep medications in carry-on luggage.

3. For your own safety, do not expose expensive jewelry, eye-catching clothing, and anything that can attract people upon arrival in Port-au-Prince. Be sure that a very closed relative come and pick you up at the airport. If you're used to rental car, book with a good one and try to act like a local.

Around Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince

4. It is advisable to pack your luggage with flashlight and extra batteries, sun screen lotion at least 15SFPF and water proof, mosquito lotion, and hats. Protect yourself from mosquito and other insect bites. Sleeping under a mosquito net or using safe mosquito repellents is preferable. Make sure to bring with you first aid supplies, thermometer, antiseptic, band-aids, gauze and tape, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl or antihistamine.

5. Drink only bottled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Boiled, filtered or disinfected tap-water is also recommended. Avoid untreated tap water even when you brush your teeth, fountain drinks, and unpure ice. Ensure that the food you eat and the liquids you drink have been carefully prepared. Before eating, always wash or sanitize your hands.

6. Remember, these tips are designed to protect you, and your loved ones, and are not meant to be inconvenient. Instead, they can help you achieve the most important travel goal to enjoy your vacation. To better finalize your trip and get away from it all, book with a recommended hotel or contact a reputable travel agency. For a good overview of Haiti, check out the awe-inspiring DVD documentary Haiti's Hidden Treasures I & II.

Here are some tips to help you plan a smooth trip!

• For peace of mind, use 1 medium-size luggage and 1 small carry-on

• Maximum permissible weight is 50 lbs, and 20 lbs for carry-on

• Second checked bag of 50 lbs is subject to a $40 fee

• Baggage over 50 lbs/23 kgs to 70 lbs./ 32kgs is subject to a $100 fee

• Do not pack toiletries and other liquids in carry-on

• Do not carry any flammable liquid, gel paints, bleach, or tear gas.

• Do not pack cameras, laptops or expensive jewelry in checked bags

• Save receipts of valuable purchases and double-check gifted items

Last Updated 07/07/2014